Let There Be Hope

Let There Be Hope

An Instructor’s Journey Through the CISM World

By: Barb Ertl, LPC, CCISM

Publication date: July 2025
ISBN: 978-1-943001-40-8

In her debut book, Barb Ertl offers a humorous and candid look at her experiences teaching Critical Incident Stress Management, filled with insightful anecdotes and practical advice. With over 30 years of expertise in crisis response, Barb brings a seasoned perspective that will both entertain and educate anyone in the field of trauma care and support.

(The Online eBook will be published shortly.)

Title information

In her debut book, Barb Ertl offers a humorous and candid look at her experiences teaching Critical Incident Stress Management, filled with insightful anecdotes and practical advice. With over 30 years of expertise in crisis response, Barb brings a seasoned perspective that will both entertain and educate anyone in the field of trauma care and support.

This book offers lessons learned through the career of a veteran trainer from the rookie years to retirement. No matter what may come your way in the CISM world, always remember the power of the message and the lives that will forever be changed.

Pages: 60
Publisher: ICISF - International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.
Edition: First

Barb Ertl, LPC, CCISM

Barb Ertl is a retired school social worker with 31 years of service. In that capacity, she was responsible for oversight of a Crisis Team that supported 12 school districts, the Student Assistance Program and psychiatric services. In addition, Barb frequently provided CPR/AED and First Aid training to school personnel throughout a tri-county area.

Barb is a Certified Trauma Treatment Specialist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. She is the senior partner in a private consulting firm that specializes in crisis preparation, response and recovery for schools and other community settings (healthcare, industrial, institutional and governmental). In addition, Barb maintains a small counseling practice.

Additionally, Barb has been an International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) instructor since 1994. She became a faculty member in 1999 when she co-authored the school curriculum. She has taught extensively throughout the United States and five other countries. Barb currently teaches several ICISF courses. She has 24 years of public safety experience encompassing fire, EMS and law enforcement. Barb is a very proud Marine Corps veteran.

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