The Verbal Intervention & De-escalation course equips participants with practical strategies to defuse challenging situations before they escalate into crisis. Grounded in the principles of trauma-informed care and respectful, person-centered communication, this non-physical training program empowers staff in school settings to recognize early warning signs, assess risk, and respond with confidence using proven de-escalation techniques. Participants will leave with the skills needed to create safer, more supportive environments through thoughtful and proactive verbal engagement.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Identify the Crisis Development Model and describe how behavior influences behavior in escalating situations.
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Recognize verbal and nonverbal signs of agitation or anxiety and apply appropriate response strategies at each stage.
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Demonstrate the use of the Decision-Making Matrix to assess risk and determine the most effective course of action.
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Apply trauma-informed, person-centered communication skills to reduce conflict and promote safety and dignity.