This 8-hour Psychological First Aid (PFA) training equips staff with practical tools to respond to stress, trauma, and crisis, while fostering resilience and preventing burnout. Perfect for schools, clinics, community organizations, and workplaces that value mental health and well-being.

About Psychological First Aid (PFA)

Developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and the National Center for PTSD, PFA is an evidence-informed approach proven effective in supporting children, adults, and families in the aftermath of:

• Disasters

• Accidents

• Violence

• Terrorism

• Other traumatic events

PFA helps survivors, witnesses, and responders alike with skills that bring stability, hope, and healing.

Core Actions of PFA

Participants will be trained and certified in the eight evidence-based actions:

• Contact & Engagement

• Safety & Comfort

• Stabilization

• Information Gathering

• Practical Assistance

• Connection with Supports

• Coping Information

• Linkage with Services

Certification

Upon completion of training, participants will receive a Certification in Psychological First Aid a nationally recognized certification that demonstrates competence in trauma-informed crisis response.

Training Highlights

• 8-hour interactive training (onsite or virtual)

• Conducted in English or Spanish

• Designed for educators, healthcare providers, first responders, nonprofit staff, and community leaders

• Builds resilience, reduces burnout, and strengthens organizational crisis response

Contact us today to schedule your training! For more information, please call (562) 907-7466 or email Contact@whittiercounseling.org

The post Psychological First Aid Training and Certification first appeared on Whittier Counseling Center.

If you are interested in participating in any of our groups, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us by phone Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm at (562) 907-7466. We are here to help and support you on your journey to healing and well-being.

To access the instructions on how to join our virtual groups using Microsoft Teams, please click on this link: Microsoft Teams Instructions

If you would like to learn more about Whittier Counseling Center, please visit our website at whittiercounseling.org.

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Why choose our Therapy Journal? Let us share with you the incredible benefits it can bring to your life:

1. Unleash the Healing Power of Writing: Writing has long been recognized as a therapeutic tool for self-expression and emotional release. Our Therapy Journal provides a practical platform for you to explore your deepest thoughts, fears, and desires. By putting pen to paper, you’ll discover newfound clarity, insight, and a sense of relief.

2. Develop Self-Awareness: The key to personal growth lies in understanding oneself. As you reflect and write, you’ll gain invaluable self-awareness, empowering you to make positive changes in your life.

3. Track Your Progress: Have you ever wished you could measure your personal growth? With our Therapy Journal, you can! Record your thoughts, experiences, and milestones, and witness your journey unfold over time. Celebrate your achievements, identify patterns, and set new goals as you embark on a transformative path.

4. Support and Guidance in English and Spanish: Our Therapy Journal is not just a blank notebook. It comes with crafted prompts and is available in English and Spanish.

Don’t let another day go by without giving yourself the gift of self-reflection and personal growth. Invest in our Therapy Journal and embark on a transformative journey towards a happier, healthier you!

Order your Therapy Journal today at Amazon and unlock the power of self-discovery. Your future self will thank you! Click on the links below to find both the English and Spanish editions of this incredible tool!

Therapy Journal – English Edition

Therapy Journal – Spanish Edition

The post Introducing the Ultimate Therapy Journal: Unlocking the Power of Self-Reflection and Personal Growth! first appeared on Whittier Counseling Center.

1. Stay Informed, But Don’t Overdo It: There’s a difference between staying informed and drowning in information. Constant exposure to news of violence and destruction can lead to a heightened state of anxiety and stress. Limit your exposure to news and try to get information from reliable sources to avoid misinformation.

2. Maintain Regular Routines: When the world around you seems unpredictable and chaotic, maintaining a regular routine can bring a sense of order and normalcy. Try to go about your daily activities as much as possible. This includes regular meals, exercise, sleep, and other activities that give you pleasure.

3. Connect With Others: In times of crisis, it is crucial to stay connected with your family, friends, and community. Sharing your feelings and fears with someone you trust can help alleviate stress. If possible, try to help others who might be struggling as well.

4. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress and anxiety. These practices can bring a sense of peace and calm, even in the midst of chaos.

5. Prioritize Physical Health: A healthy body can contribute to a healthy mind. Ensure you are eating well, getting regular exercise, and getting enough rest. Limit alcohol consumption and avoid drugs.

6. Seek Professional Help: If you find it difficult to cope, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors can provide strategies to manage stress and deal with trauma.

7. Engage in Activities You Enjoy: Engaging in hobbies and activities that you enjoy can provide a much-needed break from the harsh realities of war. Whether it’s reading a book, painting, playing a musical instrument, or gardening, these activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and happiness.

8. Positive Affirmations: Positive affirmations can help change negative thought patterns. They can help you remain hopeful and resilient in the face of adversity.

Remember, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed during times of conflict. However, with the right strategies and support, it’s possible to maintain a mental well-being. Reach out, stay connected, and remember to take care of yourself both physically and mentally.

If you or a loved one are experiencing a difficult situation and you want to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional, you can contact Whittier Counseling Center at (562) 907-7466. You can also visit our website at whittiercounselingcenter.org.

The post Maintaining Mental Health During Wartime: A Guide first appeared on Whittier Counseling Center.

To register please click on the link below.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mmr8Ozn-Sd-Rs5lJq8X3Iw

The post Start Again Not Over: Turn Loss and Grief to Loss and Gain (Free Webinar) first appeared on Whittier Counseling Center.

Grief is a natural reaction to a significant loss. It’s a process that can trigger several emotions and reactions. The most common ones are:

• Numbness
• Bewilderment
• Sense of disbelief
• Denial
• Anger
• Feeling of Emptiness
• “If onlys”
• Recurring thoughts of the person who died
• Hallucinations of the person who has died
• Sadness
• Fatigue
• Sleep Disturbance
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Self-Reproach

In her book On Death and Dying, the well-known psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross describes the five stages of grief. She wisely unfolds the process undergone by people who are facing a tragic event, such as a terminal illness or the loss of a loved one. Below you will find a brief description of each stage:

Denial – At this stage, people usually have thoughts like “This is not real… this just cannot be happening to me.” Denial is a temporary self-defense mechanism to ease the pain caused by the loss.

Anger – During this stage, many get angry and think life is not fair. They may come into conflict and quarrel with people around them. All individuals experiencing grief are subject to projecting their resentment.

Bargaining – In the bargaining stage, people try to negotiate their situation with God. Usual requests at this stage are, for example, “God, allow me to live enough to see my kids grow… I promise I’ll be a better person.”

Depression – While enduring this stage, people start accepting their loss and depression invades their lives. As a consequence, individuals become silent, they reject visitors and spend most of the time crying. Cheering them up is not recommended, since this is a necessary process to cope with grief and overcome the loss. Nonetheless, companionship can be very beneficial in this stage. It can be comforting and more impactful than words.

Acceptance – The final stage brings peace and understanding regarding the inevitability of loss. Negative emotions and physical pain may disappear or may decrease. This stage is known as the end of the battle against the loss.

It is important to know there’s psychological assistance available to overcome the grief caused by a loss. A therapist can help people manage feelings especially if the the pain is too much to bare.

Below are other ways that can assist people cope with loss.

Connecting with loved ones. Speaking with family members or close friends and discussing the difficult experience can help individuals navigate the difficult situation.

Embracing feelings. Acknowledging feelings as they arise can also be beneficial, as it allows the mind and body to morn and process the pain in a natural and healthy manner.

Engaging in self-care. Getting enough rest, exercising and eating regularly is one of the best ways to remain healthy during difficult moments.

Staying active and maintaining a routine. Maintaining an active and productive schedule as much as possible gives comfort and helps the individual regain equanimity.

Being patient. Healing is an ongoing process and it takes time.

The post Grief and Loss first appeared on Whittier Counseling Center.