After a Critical Incident: Self-Care Plan
Look after yourself in the days after a difficult call or event.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Veterans & First Responders
- Approach / concern
- Veterans & First Responders
- Technique
- Veterans & First Responders
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- November 2026
Key facts
What is After a Critical Incident: Self-Care Plan?
Look after yourself in the days after a difficult call or event. Strong reactions after a critical incident are common. Check in with a clinician if they last or worsen.
When to use it
- Veterans, first responders and other high-risk professions
- Moral distress and critical incidents
- Transitions out of service
How to use it in session
- Explain the purpose and check that the client wants to do this.
- What I have noticed.
- What helps me come down after a shift.
- Who I will check in with this week.
- When I will seek more support.
- Agree one small next step.
Clinician tips
- Learn the client’s culture and language of service.
- Go slowly with trauma and moral injury material, and stabilize first.
- Assess suicide risk and access to means.
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
