De-Escalation Techniques for Direct Service Providers

De-escalation of disruptive behavior has become an essential skill, pertinent to all staff providing human services. The need for safe, effective techniques to manage the disruptive client is no longer limited to those who work with severe mental illness in residential or hospital settings.

To add to the problem, the current de-institutionalization trend has injected thousands of individuals who once were treated on an inpatient basis, into a society which is not quite sure how to manage their behavior. Outpatient mental health facilities are being asked to service clients who formerly had inpatient care. Frequently, staff at a community-based treatment centers do not have the training or experience to manage the aggressive behaviors of clients who were once institutionalized.

This training provides attendees with a safe, non-harmful techniques, designed to aid human service professionals in the management of disruptive clients. Strategies and specific skills for dealing with clients in varying stages of escalation will be presented and discussed. Non-restraining physical protective maneuvers will be reviewed, demonstrated and discussed. Principles of debriefing and using teaching moments will also be addressed.

De-escalation will be presented in three phases:

By the end of the session, learners will be able to:

• Recognize the importance of self-care in how it relates to escalating/de-escalating any situation;
  
• Apply de-escalation techniques effective in approaching and reducing the tension of an agitated person;
  
• Understand the impact of their reactions on the agitated person;
  
• Utilize tools to control their anxieties during interventions toward maintaining the best possible professional attitude; and
  
• Describe nonverbal, para-verbal and verbal skills to maintain the best possible care and welfare, as well as safety and security, for all involved.
  

Eligible for 7 hours continuing education credit.

Presenter: Tracy L. Hutchinson, LPC, MAC 
Tracy is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Master Addictions Counselor (MAC), and Colorado Addictions Counselor (CAC III). She has been working in the field of Addictions and Mental Health for the past 40 years. Currently, through her Counseling and Consulting private practice, Tracy is an approved OBH trainer for Colorado Addictions Counselor (CAC) courses. She is a facilitator of professional growth and development for team building. Additionally, she creates and facilitates experiential/expressive personal growth retreats. Tracy was the author, narrator and co-producer of Levels Meditation, produced in 2001.