“Thank you so very much for your timely and sensitive intervention with our staff after an unexpected loss on our unit. Your understanding, care and concern were immensely appreciated, and I thank you for your flexibility in responding to a busy staff, coming and going throughout the session while responding to patients’ needs… Your ability to accompany those who grieve is a precious gift and a healing work. Thanks for sharing yourself so freely with us.“
— Participant in Wendt Center Crisis Response Session
Wendt Center counselors provide steady support when the unexpected or tragic occurs. Crisis recovery goes beyond the immediate aftermath—it’s about helping you, your team, or your community take the steps needed to begin real healing.
What kinds of crises do we support?
If your school, workplace, or community is navigating a highly destabilizing event, we’re here to help. Our most common requests include:
- The sudden or anticipated death of an employee, student, or community member
- A traumatic event occurring at or near a workplace, school, or neighborhood
- Vicarious trauma experienced by first responders or others exposed to violence on the job
- A mass-casualty event affecting a specific community
- Collective distress in response to a widely publicized national event, such as a shooting or natural disaster
What approach and services can you expect?
Our approach is tailored to your organization or community’s unique needs. Often, the first step is coaching for leadership, helping identify a pathway to healing that aligns with your culture and priorities. From there, we work collaboratively to determine the best mix of support.
Our tiered services are designed to build connection and compassion, essential components of recovery:
- Leadership coaching helps leaders manage their own responses while supporting their teams.
- All-staff or all-team education sessions are often helpful early in the recovery process, providing a shared understanding of grief and trauma along with practical tools for coping and navigating challenging moments.
- Individual or small-group support sessions offer focused emotional care for those most affected.
- Onsite or virtual support allows us to meet you where you are—we can come to you if you are in the D.C. area or provide support virtually.
- Finally, we want to set you up with the tools to continue your recovery. We’ll talk you through ideas to manage upcoming reminders or anniversaries, how to get more in-depth support if you or someone on your team needs it, and what you can do if something unexpected happens again.
For pricing information or to schedule this service, please contact Melissa Sellevaag, Director of Training and Education, at 202-204-5033 or msellevaag@wendtcenter.org.