Internship & training in Understanding Psychological First Aid: The ‘Look, Listen, and Link’ Approach
Training • Internship • Community Care
Internship & Training in Understanding Psychological First Aid: The ‘Look, Listen, and Link’ Approach
A hands-on Emocare internship and training module teaching Psychological First Aid (PFA) using the evidence-informed Look — Listen — Link framework. Ideal for counsellors, health workers, volunteers, teachers, and students wanting practical, supervised experience in early psychosocial support.
Program Overview
This internship combines classroom learning, practical simulations, field practicum, and supervision. Participants will learn to: Look for people who may need immediate psychological support; Listen with empathy and assess needs; and Link them to practical help and services. The course emphasises safety, cultural sensitivity, and ethical practice.
Who Should Apply
- Counselling / psychology students and interns
- Community health workers, nurses, and first responders
- Teachers, school counsellors, and college counsellors
- NGO staff and disaster response volunteers
- Any professional wanting practical PFA skills
Learning Objectives
- Understand principles and evidence base of PFA
- Demonstrate the Look, Listen, Link approach in role-plays
- Conduct brief psychological support conversations safely
- Identify high-risk indicators that require urgent referral
- Link individuals to local services and self-help resources
- Reflect on personal wellbeing and maintain professional boundaries
Curriculum Snapshot (6-week internship option)
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to PFA, ethics, safety, and cultural sensitivity |
| Week 2 | Look — Recognising signs: observation, screening, and triage |
| Week 3 | Listen — Empathic communication, active listening, psychological stabilization |
| Week 4 | Link — Practical referrals, community resources, creating safety plans |
| Week 5 | Simulations & role-plays with feedback; documentation & reporting |
| Week 6 | Field practicum (supervised) + evaluation, reflection and certification |
Training Methods
Assessment & Competency Checklist
Participants are assessed through a combination of:
- Direct observation during role-plays (Look, Listen, Link steps)
- Written reflections and case notes
- Supervisor evaluation during practicum
- Multiple-choice knowledge check
Sample competency items:
- Identifies signs of acute distress and safety concerns.
- Demonstrates empathic listening and uses open questions.
- Creates an immediate, practical support plan and links to services.
- Maintains confidentiality and boundary clarity.
- Recognises when to escalate to mental health professionals or emergency services.
Field Placement Examples & Partnerships
- School-based support clinics (with school consent and safeguarding)
- NGO helplines and community outreach camps
- Primary health centres for integrated PFA support
- Disaster relief agencies during non-acute phases (psychosocial support)
- Tele-PFA shifts supporting remote callers under supervision
Safety, Ethics & Limits of PFA
PFA is short-term, non-intrusive support intended to reduce immediate distress and stabilise. It is not therapy. The training emphasises:
- Informed consent & voluntary engagement
- Clear boundaries — PFA does not include in-depth psychotherapy
- Confidentiality and mandatory reporting where required
- Referral pathways for suicidality, severe mental illness, or complex trauma
- Self-care protocols to prevent helper burnout and vicarious trauma
Supervision & Mentor Support
Each intern is assigned a clinical supervisor for weekly group supervision and at least one individual case review. Supervisors provide feedback, model interventions, and sign off on competency for certification.
Certification & Outcomes
- On successful completion, participants receive an Emocare Certificate of Competency in Psychological First Aid (PFA).
- Competency badge for digital profiles (LinkedIn) and a practicum letter for employers.
- Expected outcomes: improved confidence in early psychosocial support, ability to run brief PFA sessions, safe referral skills, and enhanced workplace readiness.
Sample Session Script — Brief PFA (Look, Listen, Link)
Look: "Hi, I’m [name]. I’m worried about how you looked when I saw you — are you okay? Can I sit with you for a few minutes?"
Listen: "I’m listening. Tell me, in your own words, what’s happening for you right now." (Reflect, validate: "That sounds really frightening; no wonder you feel shaken.")
Link: "Would it help if I connect you with the clinic / counsellor / helpline? I can stay on the phone while you call them, or I can help you make an appointment."
Resources & Recommended Reading
- WHO Psychological First Aid: Guide for field workers (adapted materials)
- Psychological First Aid manuals by national disaster management authorities
- Basic counseling skills texts (active listening, empathy)
- Local directories of mental health and social services
How to Apply & Fees
Applications: send CV and a short statement of purpose to emocare@emocare.co.in. Limited seats per cohort to ensure quality supervision. Fees vary by cohort (scholarships & discounts for students and NGO workers may be available) — contact us for the current brochure.
தமிழில் — சுருக்கம்
PFA (Look, Listen, Link) என்பது உடனடி மனஉணர்வு ஆதரவு செய்முறை. இந்த பயிற்சி சிறப்பாக பழகச் செய்யும்: அறிக, கேளு மற்றும் இணைக்க உதவிகளை வழங்கு. இது சிகிச்சை அல்ல; தேவையானவை காணப்பட்டால் விரிவான மனநலம் சேவைகளுக்கு அனுப்பப்படும்.
Key Takeaways
- PFA is a brief, humane, evidence-informed approach to reduce immediate distress and connect people to practical help.
- Look, Listen, Link is easy to learn but requires practice, reflection, and supervision to apply safely.
- Our internship balances theory, supervised practice, and real-world placements to build competent PFA supporters.
This article highlights the crucial part of Psychological First Aid, how a person in distress will be benefited. A psychologically distressed person is as injured as a Physically injured one, and they must be aided as seriously as any other hurted human. Keeping a note of the 3 principles of Psychological First Aid will help us make sure that a person in distress is completely attended to their issue.
I read it and i understand what’s the meaning of it because this case study shows urban bustling neighborhood, and it reveals information about PFA ( Psychological First Aid ) , also it practices on look , listen , and link. finally, it is important for communities and professionals to engage in learning and practice.
I am ok
The article is full of concepts and practical things that one needs to understand and learn before stepping into the world Of mental health .
It gave me insights about the importance of observation and active listening, the need to be resourceful.
Psychology first aids come reviled new approach of look, listen and link it’s leads to my enhancing my counseling skill upon this article.
Best article,
Knowledgeable
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Useful
Applied on life
Easily grab to mind
Easy to understand
And broad explanation
These sessions broadened my knowledge base and allowed me to stay current with the latest developments in the field. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and highly recommend this internship to anyone seeking practical experience and meaningful contributions to the field of psychology.
Got an idea regarding what’s psychological aid . Thank you sir.
Logeshwari
Thank you for wonderful section sir
Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a set of principles and techniques designed to support individuals experiencing emotional distress. PFA can also be beneficial in everyday situations to help people cope with stress, trauma, or crises. Being aware of the signs of emotional distress in ourself and others is important. These signs might include changes in mood, behavior, sleep patterns, or physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue. The ‘Look, Listen, and Link’ approach is a versatile framework for offering immediate emotional support. Attending the workshop on PFA, I will promote a supportive and resilient community.
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Here in this particular article,explains about what is psychological first aid and its core principles.
Then for well understanding there is case study also provided
This article is in Most understandable language and format. Very helpful
The core principles along with the case study provides complete insight of PFA
Informative
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Neha Jain
It was very useful article! Thank you for sharing
Clear cut information about psychological first aid
It is a very well written article on an equally important topic. The three aids are well explained and a good case study by the team is written in an easily understood manner.
It’s a very important and beneficial post