Helpful and hurtful aspects of psychological debriefing groups

Psychological debriefing groups have become one of the most common interventions to help people in trauma and crisis. The rapid spread of such groups makes it important to consider both positive and possible negative results of such groups. Debriefing groups provide an opportunity for normalization of a crisis experience. However, as with any powerful intervention, there is the danger that such groups may harm participants. Good leadership reduces the possibility of a negative outcome and requires an emphasis on the early parts of the debriefing to build trust and authority. This, as well as different ways of handling problems in the group process, are outlined. Future challenges to the genre of psychological debriefing are presented, including when not to use debriefing groups.