What to do when you don’t know what to do?
Your friend just lost a beloved pet. What do you do?
A close family member lost their house in a flood, or maybe they were robbed or something very painfully personal happened to them. How can you help?
You, yourself, have just experienced a trauma (or have been holding onto something that happened long ago). What do you need?
A whole community suffered a disaster of some kind–fire, earthquake, disease, conflict. You can make a difference!
5 weekly sessions beginning 2 June 2026 (7 AM ET)
Enrollment limited, sign up soon!
FAQ:
Q: What is Psychological First Aid (PFA)?
- PFA is a humane, supportive response to someone who is suffering and may need support. It is not therapy, counseling, or a medical intervention. Its primary goal is to stabilize, reduce acute distress, and help individuals access their own resilience and community resources. It operates at the base of the “Mental Health Pyramid,” focusing on community and self-care rather than specialized clinical services.
Q: How is PFA different from therapy?
- Therapy is a contractual relationship where a professional analyzes, diagnoses, and works to “fix” or heal a condition over time. It often involves exploring the past and identifying patterns.
- PFA is a human-to-human encounter in the present moment. The goal is not to fix, analyze, or give advice, but to “be with” the person, witness their experience, and help them process what is happening now.
Q: Is PFA the same as therapy or counseling?
- No. PFA is distinct from formal psychotherapy or counseling.
- Therapy/Counseling: Is about long-term healing, processing trauma, and treating mental health disorders, usually conducted by licensed professionals.
- PFA: Focuses on immediate stabilization, emotional containment, and practical support. It is a “basic human skill” that anyone can learn, regardless of professional background.
- Note: Our approach integrates “Focusing,” a somatic practice that differs from traditional “talking therapy” by encouraging the person to listen to their own internal felt sense.
Q: Is PFA only for major disasters like war or earthquakes?
- While PFA originated in large-scale crisis contexts, it is applicable to any situation of distress. It can be used for:
- Major disasters (war, natural disasters, pandemics)
- Everyday life situations (family conflicts, personal stress, grief)
- Professional burnout or “overthinking” scenarios
- etc.
Q: How does PFA differ from “Critical Incident Debriefing”?
- PFA replaced Critical Incident Debriefing (CID) because research showed that forcing people to recount traumatic details immediately could sometimes cause harm. PFA prioritizes listening and stabilization without forcing the person to relive the trauma. It respects the individual’s pace and agency.
About the PFA course — Eligibility & Certification
Q: Who can provide PFA?
- Anyone. You do not need to be a psychologist, doctor, or mental health professional. PFA is designed to be a community-based skill. However, proper training ensures you know how to listen effectively and when to refer someone to specialized care.
Q: Do I need a psychology background to take the course?
- No. While many participants are psychologists or students, the course is for anyone who wants to be an “effective human” in their community.
Q: Is there a certificate provided?
- Yes, certifications are provided to those who attend the online classes and complete the required coursework.
Q: Can I do PFA without a certificate?
- Yes. PFA is a set of human skills (listening, presence, empathy) that anyone can practice. The course provides a framework and certification for those who want formal recognition, but the core practice is accessible to everyone.
Q: How do I get certified?
- Complete all 5 classes, participate in the connection rooms, submit homework/reflections on the Ruzuku platform, and engage with the course materials. The certificate is awarded upon completion of these requirements.
Q: Why is “Focusing” mentioned sometimes?
- In PFA, practitioners support others by listening and being present, all while supporting themselves.
- In a nutshell, Focusing is turning inward to attend to something emerging, finding words that fit, and checking; this allows change to happen and helps life move forward.
- PFA can be viewed as a stepping stone into Focusing, as both share the same fundamental approach; more Focusing is taught in courses after PFA in the CWF (Community Wellness Focusing) program.
Upcoming PFA course Schedule, Dates & Format
Q: What are the details for the upcoming course?
- Dates: The course runs from June 2 to June 30, 2026 with five weekly classes held on Tuesdays
- Time: 2.5 hours classes on Zoom
- from 7 AM to 9:30 AM New York Time
- i.e. from 11 AM to 1:30 PM GMT
- Format: The training is entirely online
- Zoom for the classes
- and participants gain access to a dedicated platform (Ruzuku) for community-based activities, reading assignments, and connecting with other students.
Q: Is that all?
- No, there’s more!
- Each week an optional 1.5 hour practice group is proposed, you are invited to join if you can. [Day+time still in discussion]
Registration & Pricing
Q: Is there special pricing available?
- Yes, there is special pricing for participants from Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan to ensure the training is accessible to those in the region.
Q: How do I register?
- Registration links vary by region:
Q: Who are the organizers?
- The course is a collaboration between Focusing Initiatives International (FII) and PsychoSocial Support, featuring a diverse team of facilitators from Italy, France, Turkey, Pakistan, and the USA.
- For more information on our organizations, visit: