Sign up / Login
  • Sign-in
  • Sign up

Supporting Students in Distress: The Importance of Psychological First Aid (PFA)

Manage

Add to lists

Only you can see these lists - view your lists on the My Learning page.


Unsave

This will also remove this resource from any lists you have added it to.

Yes, I would like to unsave
Type:
  Video
Duration:
15 minutes
Presented by:
DMH + UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence
Featuring:
Pamela Vona MA, MPH and Domenique Harrison, MA, MPH
Series:
Educators Overcoming Under Stress
Relevant categories:
Behavioral Health Education Resilience
  Access to this content requires that you create an account or login.

Overview


We have been hearing from teachers about how impossible it has been trying to teach students during this time, when our world has been turned upside down dealing with COVID-19. Here to share helpful communication tips educators can use during this time is Pamela Vona, MPH, MA, Director of the Center for Safe and Resilience Schools and Workplaces.

Recorded on: 4/7/2020

  Keywords: communication, school, social emotional learning, support, teaching
  Public link for sharing: https://learn.wellbeing4la.org/detail?id=1733&k=1590708738  
Copied!

Learning objectives


  • Describe the essential elements of Psychological First Aid- Listen, Protect, Connect, Model, & Teach (PFA) to support students and educators and promote a sense of safety and security
  • Demonstrate examples of COVID-19-specific PFA engagement tools
  • List techniques to be able to regulate one's self in order to utilize PFA

Related items


Cultivating Compassionate Schools

Hear from educators, mental health professionals and former students as they share firsthand accounts of the challenges and successes of creating a nurturing school community. Watch this video to explore the importance of building a school environment that is sensitive to trauma and promotes resilience.

 Course
  1 hour, 30 minutes
  CE credit available
  Added on 5/28/2020
North American Center for Threat Assessment and Trauma Response

North American Center for Threat Assessment and Trauma Response (NACTATR) provides a system to anticipate the threat of violence by individuals against others or themselves and to reduce the impact of trauma. Visit the website for more information.

 Website
  Added on 5/28/2020
  https://nactatr.nationbuilder....
Los Angeles County School Counselor Resource Guide

The LACOE School Counselor Resource Guide is a weekly-updated "live binder" created for school counselors and mental health professionals. The guide provides best practices and professional development on social justice, racism and hate crimes, mental health during COVID-19, general school counseling strategies, college and career professional development, and parental/caregiver supports.

 Website
  Added on 5/28/2020
  https://docs.google.com/docume...
Butterfly Breath

The Butterfly Breath printable provides a guide and rhythm to help children regulate their breathing. Use this handout with children as a teaching and practice tool in order to help them reduce their stress, shift their mood, and prepare them to engage in classroom activities, sports, and social interactions.

 Printable Tool
  Added on 5/28/2020
CALMR Worksheet

Communication challenges arise when interacting with others. The CALMR strategy is a simple reminder of how to respond during difficult or even combative situations. The strategy focuses on calming down and staying aware of non-verbal communication to help ease tension and reactions. Use the printable tool with students to help them navigate their responses to challenging interactions.

 Printable Tool
  Added on 5/28/2020
Effective Communication in the Classroom

A critical aspect of adolescent social development is the ability to effectively communicate with peers, teachers, and family members. Use this handout in class to introduce students to effective communications skills, including reflecting openly, making clarifying statements, and asking for more information when needed.

 Printable Tool
  Added on 5/28/2020
Feeling Thermometer for Middle School and High School Students

Adolescents may experience intense emotions. The Feeling Thermometer assigns feelings to a color, using a scale ranging from comfortable feelings to uncomfortable feelings. Use this printable chart in the classroom as a quick, easy, and discreet way to check in with students about how they are feeling.

 Printable Tool
  Added on 5/28/2020
Psychological First Aid (PFA) for Students and Teachers

Psychological First Aid - Listen, Protect, Connect (PFA-LPC) can be used to help students in times of disaster, school crises, or emergencies. Download to view a comprehensive guide to PFA-LPC.

 Printable Tool
  Added on 5/28/2020
Listen, Protect, Connect - Model & Teach, Psychological First Aid for Students and Teachers Summary

A quick 1-page reference for how to get started implementing Psychological First Aid- Listen, Protect, Connect, Model, & Teach.

 Printable Tool
  Added on 5/28/2020
Psychological First Aid (PFA) for Schools Teachers, and Students During the World-Wide Pandemic

A summary of Listen, Protect, Connect, Model, & Teach elements of Psychological First Aid (PFA). This guide includes cards with specific suggestions for supporting students during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 Printable Tool
  Added on 5/28/2020
CALM Explainer Video

Communication challenges arise when interacting with others. The CALM strategy is a simple reminder of how to respond during a difficult or even combative situation. The strategy focuses on calming down and staying aware of non-verbal communication to help ease tension and reactions. Watch this video to learn the CALM strategy.

 Video
  6 minutes
  Added on 5/28/2020
Opportunities and Imperfections: Strategies to Support Educator Wellbeing

The COVID-19 pandemic has put our usual way of living and working on hold. Educators are navigating student, family, and personal challenges daily. Laura McMullin, PhD has been an educator for over 20 years and shares tools to enhance wellbeing and resilience on an individual and collective level. Recorded on: 4/8/2020

 Video
  15 minutes
  Added on 5/28/2020
Trauma: Learning in a Pandemic

As educators, we know that maintaining a trauma and resilience informed lens means highlighting our student's strengths and honoring their experiences of stress and trauma. We also all know it doesn't always come easy; it takes practice and consistency. Joining us in our conversation on the importance of adopting a trauma and resilience informed lens in education is Melissa Spiegelman, MAEd, Nationally Certified STEM Educator. Recorded on: 4/21/2020

 Video
  16 minutes
  Added on 5/28/2020
Let's Take a Walk: The Power of Co-Regulation

Emotions drive attention, learning, and memory. Emotion regulation is the ability to manage emotions and actions in ways that can be beneficial. Joining us to support and validate students' emotional processes is Adriana Silva-Alvarez, MFT, co-founder of the Los Angeles Institute of Restorative Practices and Right Brain Restorative Practitioner. Recorded on: 5/5/2020

 Video
  16 minutes
  Added on 5/28/2020
Preparing to Reopen: Addressing COVID-19 Stress and Racial Trauma

Racial trauma and stress experiences are affecting our school communities at an increased rate. Now, more than ever, how we cope and connect to school mental health providers is incredibly essential. Here to discuss school counselors' challenges, considerations, and successes in supporting our students, families, and teachers is Ms. Jewel Forbes, MA/PPS, Coordinator II Community Health and Safe Schools and the Lead for School Counseling and School-Based Mental Health at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Recorded on: 6/12/2020

 Video
  17 minutes
  Added on 5/28/2020
Supporting Students Who Are Worried and Anxious: Practical Tools for the Classroom

As students and teachers prepare for the upcoming school year, school communities will be adjusting to significant anxiety, stress, and trauma experiences. Here to discuss how teachers, parents/caregivers, and students can learn to identify and respond to anxiety symptoms and provide strategies to help combat stress in students is Dr. John Piacentini from the http://carescenter.ucla.edu. Recorded on: 7/30/2020

 Video
  19 minutes
  Added on 8/14/2020
Anxiety Management During Uncertainty

During times of crisis, disaster, change, and uncertainty, we can expect our children to feel more than the usual amount of anxiety. Anxiety thrives on uncertainty and uses the unknown to fuel its thoughts and behaviors. For kids with anxiety disorders, fears and unknowns may become overwhelming. Parents, educators, and other caring adults can help guide children into successful anxiety management strategies. 

 Article
  Added on 5/28/2020
Mental Health and Supportive Services

Access this printable tool to get mental health and supportive services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Printable Tool
  Added on 6/16/2020
Added on 5/28/2020
Welcome - We're glad you're here
The Wellbeing for LA Learning Center, developed by the DMH + UCLA Public Partnership for Wellbeing, provides educational trainings to enhance the professional development and wellbeing of the LA County workforce.
1 / 7
Who we are
The Public Partnership for Wellbeing combines expertise from the LA County Department of Mental Health and UCLA to strengthen communities and improve support for LA County residents by providing a holistic foundation for addressing inequities and advancing wellbeing for all.
2 / 7
Who we are
The Public Partnership for Wellbeing includes the following UCLA Programs and Centers:
  • UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence
  • DMH + UCLA Public Mental Health Partnership
  • UCLA Hispanic Neuropsychiatric Center of Excellence
  • UCLA Depression Grand Challenge's Screening and Treatment for Anxiety and Depression (STAND) Program
  • UCLA Pritzker Center for Strengthening Children and Families
  • UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
  • Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA
  • National Clinical Scholars Program
3 / 7
Getting to know you
Based on the preferences you selected when creating your account, we will personalize your learning experience by recommending resources that fit your interests. We will also alert you to upcoming trainings and events via email. You can change your interests or update your email settings on the My Profile page.
4 / 7
Getting started

The Wellbeing for LA Learning Center offers a variety of resources and learning opportunities. Use the Search bar to find specific resources or trainings or browse through recommended or recently added resources.

The LEARN menu keeps track of your activities and is your way to access Learning Communities and upcoming Trainings.

5 / 7
Key terms

Course - Interactive learning modules that can be taken independently.

Training - A workshop, seminar, or presentation held virtually or in person. Pre-recorded anytime trainings are also available.

Resource Collection - A curated set of resources, videos, and printable tools on a specific topic or strategy.

Find these and more on the Wellbeing for LA Homepage and in the LEARN menu!

6 / 7
Time to explore

Choose a recommended resource or one of the buttons on the homepage to get started.

Access this introductory guide at any time by clicking Welcome at the bottom of the page.

7 / 7
 
Copyright © 2019-2025
University of California at Los Angeles
About   |   Terms   |   Privacy   |   Welcome   |   Contact
Saved! (Manage)
Unsaved
Changes saved! (Manage)
Are you sure you want to unsave this resource?