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Mental Well-Being is Important: Learn and Use Psychological First Aid (PFA) to Care for Others and Yourself

In life, crises – whether man-made, natural, or personal – can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. Although everyone is affected in some way by distress, anxiety, and depressive feelings, there are a wide range of reactions and feelings that individuals experience. Thus, it is important to assess the immediate concerns and needs of an individual in the aftermath of a crisis and what you can do to provide comfort, practical care, and support.

This 1-day Psychological First Aid (PFA) workshop equips you with the essential knowledge and practical skills (PFA framework, active listening, and empathetic communication) to provide immediate, compassionate support to adults in distress. Contrary to common misconceptions, PFA is not just for mental health professionals, nor is it a form of professional counselling or mental health diagnosis. It’s about being a lifeline for someone in distress – helping them feel safe, connected, and hopeful while ensuring they have access to the social, physical, and emotional support they need.

Join us for this transformative learning experience and become a source of stability and hope for those navigating difficult times. These invaluable skills will empower you to make a difference when it matters most in your professional and personal life.

Objective

This course, which is designed for anyone who may encounter emotional, distressing, or crisis situations involving co-workers, clients, peers or even themselves, empowers participants to:

• learn the key differences between stress, distress and burnout
• recognize the wide range of reactions individuals may have during or after a crisis.
• utilise the 3 ‘L’ framework (endorsed by the World Health Organisation) to apply PFA techniques to assess immediate needs and provide comfort, practical care, and guidance
• be aware of the most supportive things to say and do to stabilise people who are distressed.
• know when and how to refer individuals to professional mental health resources.
• build your own capacity and emotional resilience to reduce the initial distress of others and promote flexible coping to help them overcome their crisis.

Outline

1) Introduction to Crises and their Impacts

• definition of crises and its impacts on physical, psychological and social well-being
• importance of mental health and well-being in and out of the workplace
• sharing of experiences

2) Introduction to Stress, Distress and Burnout: What’s the link?

• definitions of stress, distress and burnout
• appreciating the subjective nature and differences between stress and distress
• identifying signs of stress and distress
• identifying signs of burnout in the workplace
• practical strategies and interventions

3) Psychological First Aid (PFA) – Core Action Principles and its Application

• defining Psychological First Aid (PFA)
• development of the PFA concept
• core PFA action principles and its application
• role play and debrief

4) Active Listening, Empathic Communication Skills and Self-Care

• establishing empathy and rapport
• principles of active listening
• effective communication during PFA – what to say and not to say
• building resilience through empathy
• self-care

Who should attend

This course is suitable for all levels of staff from senior and mid-managers, supervisors, executives, frontline personnel who are keen to equip themselves with the right knowledge and skills to provide psychological and emotional support in the workplace.

Methodology

Highly experiential and interactive bite-size lectures, open and small-group discussion, educational video clips and role plays. You will take away a comprehensive workbook and useful additional materials packed with tips and advice you can apply immediately at the workplace.

Profile of Anil Singh

Anil is currently a Senior Associate Lecturer and academic coach with 13 years of experience at various government and private institutions. He is a highly versatile educator and trainer in the areas of Public Safety and Security, Sociology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology and Counselling.

As a mental wellness coach, Anil is a passionate advocate of mental wellness in schools, workplaces, and personal life. He aspires to motivate organisations and individuals to develop a culture of mental wellness for the staff and clients.

Prior to lecturing full-time, Anil was a Community Outreach Manager with the National Addictions Management Service (NAMS), Institute of Mental Health (IMH), and an Executive Director of a community drug rehabilitation centre. 

Anil holds a Master of Social Sciences from National University of Singapore (NUS), a Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences (Professional Counselling) from Swinburne University of Technology (SUT), and a Graduate Certificate in Innovative Approaches to Adult Learning from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).