Terrorism: Psychological Impact and Implications

Acts of terrorism are unparalleled in their potential for undermining the psychological stability of our country. We now live in a time when first responders and health care providers must be ready to meet the challenges ahead. This course will explore preparedness and response to terrorism with an emphasis on at-risk populations, coping mechanisms, resiliency, and lessons learned from the Oklahoma City bombing and the attacks of 9/11/01.

Psychological reactions, psychosomatic symptoms, and how they may vary depending on the type of weapon of mass destruction utilized (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive) will be discussed. Upon completion, participants will be able to: understand the difference between chemical, biological, radiological, and conventional attacks from a psychological perspective; identify at-risk populations, phases of attack, and phases of emergency response; understand, assess, and facilitate effective coping mechanisms; understand and promote resiliency; understand and apply the NIMH recommendations for early psychological intervention in mass violence; be knowledgeable of recent innovations in response to catastrophic disasters and terrorism (including Family Assistance Centers and Respite Centers); strategically plan for psychological response to terrorist attacks; understand and be able to apply strategies for self-care and stress management for disaster workers; and understand “where do we go from here” in future planning for psychological impacts of terrorism

Successful completion of this program allows you to teach Terrorism: Psychological Impact and Implications class for a period of three years.  After that time continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

• Minimum of three years critical incident / traumatic stress experience.
• ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for:
  • Group Crisis Intervention.
  • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention & Peer Support).
• A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a sponsoring CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application date.
• A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state, or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application date.
• At least one of the letters of recommendation/endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
• Active membership on a CISM team/crisis intervention team.
• Current ICISF individual or team membership.
• A copy of a current CV or resume.
• Course Application Form.
• Statement detailing involvement in at least two disasters and/or terrorist type events.
• A brief statement outlining:
  • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience
  • Your Instructional Experience
  • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training
• Please note the regular Terrorism: Psychological Impact and Implications course is not a required prerequisite for this course.
• Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
  Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.