What is the primary goal of Psychological First Aid (PFA)?

The primary goal of Psychological First Aid (PFA) is to provide support and comfort to individuals in distress. PFA is designed to help people cope with the immediate psychological and emotional reactions that can occur after a disaster or traumatic event. The emphasis is on creating a sense of safety, calming individuals, and connecting them with appropriate resources, ensuring that they feel heard and understood.

Unlike medical treatments, which focus on physical health issues, or diagnosing psychological disorders, which requires extensive training and clinical assessment, PFA is about facilitating emotional support and resilience in a non-intrusive, compassionate manner. It recognizes that individuals may experience a wide range of reactions and aims to help them stabilize and move forward in their recovery process. This approach contributes significantly to their overall well-being and helps to mitigate the impact of trauma.