⚠️ Crisis Prevention & De-escalation Skills
Practical skills to prevent crises, de-escalate tense situations, and maintain safety in high-stress environments.
What you'll learn:
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How to identify early signs of potential crises and act proactively
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Communication and body language strategies to defuse escalating situations
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Techniques for maintaining safety and professionalism during high-stress encounters
Course content
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Section
1Section 1 – Understanding What a Crisis Is and How It Develops
- 1.1 Defining a Crisis in Daily Life 00:00:00
- 1.2 Types of Crises: Emotional, Behavioral, and Situational 00:00:00
- 1.3 Stages of Crisis Development 00:00:00
- 1.4 The Difference Between Stress and Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.5 How Unresolved Stress Builds Toward Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.6 Recognizing Crisis Patterns Over Time 00:00:00
- 1.7 Internal vs. External Crisis Triggers 00:00:00
- 1.8 How Past Trauma Can Influence Crisis Response 00:00:00
- 1.9 The Role of Mental Health in Crisis Development 00:00:00
- 1.10 How Family and Environment Impact Crisis Situations 00:00:00
- 1.11 Differentiating Between Crisis and Emergency 00:00:00
- 1.12 How Crises Affect Communication and Relationships 00:00:00
- 1.13 The Role of Coping Skills in Preventing Crisis Escalation 00:00:00
- 1.14 Why Early Recognition Prevents Full Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.15 Building Awareness of Your Personal Crisis Cycle 00:00:00
- 1.16 – Identifying Warning Signs Before Escalation 00:00:00
- 1.17 – How Fear Shapes Crisis Response 00:00:00
- 1.18 – The Brain’s Role in Fight, Flight, or Freeze 00:00:00
- 1.19 – Understanding Dissociation During Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.20 – Why Some People Shut Down Under Pressure 00:00:00
- 1.21 – The Impact of Substance Use on Crisis Episodes 00:00:00
- 1.22 – Recognizing Emotional Flooding 00:00:00
- 1.23 – Understanding Crisis Fatigue 00:00:00
- 1.24 – How Sleep Deprivation Affects Crisis Threshold 00:00:00
- 1.25 – The Role of Shame and Guilt in Escalation 00:00:00
- 1.26 – Recognizing Sudden Changes in Behavior 00:00:00
- 1.27 – Common Myths About What Counts as a Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.28 – Identifying the “Build-Up Phase” of a Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.29 – Understanding Risk Factors for Recurrent Crises 00:00:00
- 1.30 – Social Isolation as a Silent Trigger 00:00:00
- 1.31 – How Cultural Norms Influence Crisis Perception 00:00:00
- 1.32 – Recognizing Escalation in Real-Time 00:00:00
- 1.33 – The Importance of Self-Regulation in Prevention 00:00:00
- 1.34 – Managing Sensory Overload During Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.35 – When Internal Dialogue Fuels Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.36 – Differentiating Between Irritability and Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.37 – The Role of Powerlessness in Escalation 00:00:00
- 1.38 – Understanding Helplessness as a Precursor 00:00:00
- 1.39 – When Anxiety Turns Into Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.40 – Recognizing Crisis in Non-Verbal Communication 00:00:00
- 1.41 – Crisis as a Response to Broken Trust 00:00:00
- 1.42 – How Grief Triggers Crisis Reactions 00:00:00
- 1.43 – Understanding Identity Confusion in Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.44 – Crisis Behavior in Children vs. Adults 00:00:00
- 1.45 – Recognizing Self-Harm Risk in Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.46 – Financial Stress and Crisis Correlation 00:00:00
- 1.47 – Recognizing Suicidal Thinking as Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.48 – How Overstimulation Can Precede Meltdown 00:00:00
- 1.49 – The Impact of Bullying and Harassment on Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.50 – Understanding Reactions to Sudden Change 00:00:00
- 1.51 – Identifying Denial in Crisis Situations 00:00:00
- 1.52 – The Link Between Hopelessness and Escalation 00:00:00
- 1.53 – How Caregiver Burnout Can Lead to Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.54 – Social Media’s Influence on Emotional Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.55 – How Medical Conditions Can Trigger Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.56 – Recognizing Panic Attacks as Crisis Events 00:00:00
- 1.57 – When Rage Becomes a Red Flag 00:00:00
- 1.58 – Why People “Snap”: A Breakdown of Moments 00:00:00
- 1.59 – Understanding Emotional Dysregulation 00:00:00
- 1.60 – The Crisis of Being Misunderstood 00:00:00
- 1.61 – The Influence of Toxic Environments 00:00:00
- 1.62 – How Lack of Control Leads to Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.63 – Recognizing the Role of Emotional Triggers 00:00:00
- 1.64 – Understanding Behavioral Outbursts 00:00:00
- 1.65 – When Silence Speaks Loudly: Non-Response as Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.66 – Recognizing Passive Crisis Symptoms 00:00:00
- 1.67 – How Rumination Escalates Emotional Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.68 – Environmental Factors That Contribute to Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.69 – The Danger of Ignoring Minor Crisis Signs 00:00:00
- 1.70 – Building a Personal Crisis Timeline 00:00:00
- 1.71 – Understanding the “Calm Before the Storm” 00:00:00
- 1.72 – Recognizing Regression During Crisis 00:00:00
- 1.73 – How Control-Seeking Behaviors Signal Risk 00:00:00
- 1.74 – How Crisis Can Be a Learned Response 00:00:00
- 1.75 – Why Emotional Numbness Matters 00:00:00
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Section
2Section 2 – Early Warning Signs: Recognizing Triggers Before Escalation
- 2.1 Understanding Emotional Triggers 00:00:00
- 2.2 Physical Signs of Rising Stress 00:00:00
- 2.3 Behavioral Warning Signals Before Crisis 00:00:00
- 2.4 Identifying Thought Patterns That Fuel Escalation 00:00:00
- 2.5 How to Notice Changes in Voice and Tone 00:00:00
- 2.6 Recognizing Withdrawal as a Warning Sign 00:00:00
- 2.7 Spotting Irritability and Impulsivity 00:00:00
- 2.8 Understanding How Substance Use Triggers Crisis 00:00:00
- 2.9 Social Situations That Commonly Trigger Escalation 00:00:00
- 2.10 Journaling Warning Signs for Self-Awareness 00:00:00
- 2.11 Using Checklists to Track Personal Triggers 00:00:00
- 2.12 How to Communicate Early Signs to Support Systems 00:00:00
- 2.13 Recognizing Signs in Others Around You 00:00:00
- 2.14 Teaching Children and Teens to Identify Triggers 00:00:00
- 2.15 Practicing Daily Self-Check for Crisis Indicators 00:00:00
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Section
3Section 3 – Staying Calm: Self-Regulation Skills in High-Stress Moments
- 3.1 The Role of Breathing in Self-Regulation 00:00:00
- 3.2 Grounding Exercises to Stay Present 00:00:00
- 3.3 Identifying Your Personal Calming Strategies 00:00:00
- 3.4 How Positive Self-Talk Reduces Escalation 00:00:00
- 3.5 Using Visualization to Stay Calm 00:00:00
- 3.6 Relaxation Techniques That Work in Seconds 00:00:00
- 3.7 Counting and Pausing Before Reacting 00:00:00
- 3.8 How to Decrease Adrenaline in the Body 00:00:00
- 3.9 Learning to Step Away Without Escaping 00:00:00
- 3.10 Physical Exercise as a Calming Strategy 00:00:00
- 3.11 Creating a Calming Ritual or Routine 00:00:00
- 3.12 How to Regain Control After Losing Temper 00:00:00
- 3.13 Using Music or Sound for Regulation 00:00:00
- 3.14 How Sleep Impacts Your Ability to Stay Calm 00:00:00
- 3.15 Developing a Personal Self-Regulation Toolkit 00:00:00
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Section
4Section 4 – Verbal De-escalation: Using Tone, Words, and Listening
- 4.1 The Power of a Calm Voice in Tense Moments 00:00:00
- 4.2 Choosing Neutral Words Over Blame 00:00:00
- 4.3 Using “I” Statements to Lower Tension 00:00:00
- 4.4 Active Listening as a De-escalation Tool 00:00:00
- 4.5 Avoiding Sarcasm, Criticism, and Threats 00:00:00
- 4.6 How to Show Empathy Through Words 00:00:00
- 4.7 Reflective Statements That Calm Others 00:00:00
- 4.8 How to Slow Down Speech During Crisis 00:00:00
- 4.9 Avoiding Trigger Words and Phrases 00:00:00
- 4.10 Asking Open-Ended Questions to Defuse Conflict 00:00:00
- 4.11 Practicing Silence as a Tool 00:00:00
- 4.12 Reassurance and Supportive Language 00:00:00
- 4.13 Acknowledging Feelings Without Agreeing 00:00:00
- 4.14 Practicing Role-Plays for Verbal De-escalation 00:00:00
- 4.15 Developing Crisis Communication Scripts 00:00:00
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Section
5Section 5 – Non-Verbal Communication: Body Language and Safety Positioning
- 5.1 Understanding the Role of Non-Verbal Signals 00:00:00
- 5.2 How Posture Can Diffuse or Escalate Tension 00:00:00
- 5.3 Facial Expressions That Show Calm 00:00:00
- 5.4 Eye Contact: When to Use and Avoid 00:00:00
- 5.5 Understanding Personal Space in Crisis 00:00:00
- 5.6 Positioning for Safety and Respect 00:00:00
- 5.7 The Role of Gestures in Communication 00:00:00
- 5.8 Avoiding Aggressive Movements 00:00:00
- 5.9 How Clothing and Appearance Affect Perception 00:00:00
- 5.10 Using Calm Hand Movements 00:00:00
- 5.11 Practicing Relaxed Non-Verbal Cues 00:00:00
- 5.12 Awareness of Proximity in High-Stress Situations 00:00:00
- 5.13 Recognizing Non-Verbal Triggers in Others 00:00:00
- 5.14 Practicing Safe Body Language With Role-Plays 00:00:00
- 5.15 Combining Verbal and Non-Verbal De-escalation 00:00:00
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Section
6Section 6 – Creating Safe Spaces and Reducing Environmental Stressors
- 6.1 What Makes a Space Feel Safe? 00:00:00
- 6.2 How Noise Affects Stress Levels 00:00:00
- 6.3 The Role of Lighting in Calm Environments 00:00:00
- 6.4 Importance of Organization and Cleanliness 00:00:00
- 6.5 How Crowding Raises Tension 00:00:00
- 6.6 Creating Private Spaces for Cool-Down 00:00:00
- 6.7 Safety Planning in Public Environments 00:00:00
- 6.8 Using Sensory Tools for Comfort 00:00:00
- 6.9 How Colors Influence Stress 00:00:00
- 6.10 Managing Temperature and Comfort in a Crisis Space 00:00:00
- 6.11 Removing Weapons or Dangerous Objects 00:00:00
- 6.12 Creating a Personal “Safe Corner” at Home 00:00:00
- 6.13 How to Ask for Space Respectfully 00:00:00
- 6.14 Teaching Children to Identify Safe Zones 00:00:00
- 6.15 Maintaining a Crisis-Free Environment 00:00:00
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Section
7Section 7 – Problem-Solving in the Moment: Choices That Lower Tension
- 7.1 Identifying the Real Problem vs. Surface Issues 00:00:00
- 7.2 Staying Solution-Oriented During Conflict 00:00:00
- 7.3 How to Break Down Big Problems Into Small Steps 00:00:00
- 7.4 Generating Multiple Options Quickly 00:00:00
- 7.5 Using Pros and Cons to Decide Safely 00:00:00
- 7.6 Negotiation Strategies That Work in Crisis 00:00:00
- 7.7 Practicing Fair Compromise 00:00:00
- 7.8 Redirecting Energy Into Constructive Action 00:00:00
- 7.9 Using Humor Appropriately to Defuse Tension 00:00:00
- 7.10 Role-Playing Problem-Solving Scenarios 00:00:00
- 7.11 How to Identify When the Problem Is Unsolvable in the Moment 00:00:00
- 7.12 Practicing Self-Control Before Offering Solutions 00:00:00
- 7.13 Helping Children Problem-Solve in Crisis 00:00:00
- 7.14 Knowing When to Revisit the Issue Later 00:00:00
- 7.15 Building Long-Term Problem-Solving Skills 00:00:00
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Section
8Section 8 – Crisis Planning: Building Personalized Prevention Strategies
- 8.1 What Is a Crisis Prevention Plan? 00:00:00
- 8.2 Identifying High-Risk Situations 00:00:00
- 8.3 Listing Personal Triggers in the Plan 00:00:00
- 8.4 Naming Support Contacts in a Crisis 00:00:00
- 8.5 Developing a “Calm Down” Action List 00:00:00
- 8.6 Writing a Personal Crisis Safety Agreement 00:00:00
- 8.7 Creating Family or Household Crisis Plans 00:00:00
- 8.8 Role-Playing the Plan With Support People 00:00:00
- 8.9 Keeping a Crisis Card in Your Wallet 00:00:00
- 8.10 Using Technology to Support Crisis Planning 00:00:00
- 8.11 Updating the Plan Regularly 00:00:00
- 8.12 Involving Children in Age-Appropriate Crisis Planning 00:00:00
- 8.13 Identifying Safe Locations to Go in Crisis 00:00:00
- 8.14 Communicating the Plan to Professionals 00:00:00
- 8.15 Practicing the Plan Through Drills 00:00:00
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Section
9Section 9 – Knowing When to Seek Outside Help or Emergency Support
- 9.1 Recognizing When Self-Regulation Isn’t Enough 00:00:00
- 9.2 Understanding When to Call a Crisis Hotline 00:00:00
- 9.3 How to Safely Call Emergency Services 00:00:00
- 9.4 The Role of Mental Health Professionals in Crisis 00:00:00
- 9.5 When to Involve Family or Friends 00:00:00
- 9.6 Understanding Hospitalization Options 00:00:00
- 9.7 How to Ask for Help Without Shame 00:00:00
- 9.8 Teaching Children How to Seek Help 00:00:00
- 9.9 How to Know If Someone Needs Immediate Medical Help 00:00:00
- 9.10 Creating a Support Team List 00:00:00
- 9.11 Using Peer Support Resources 00:00:00
- 9.12 Setting Boundaries With Emergency Contacts 00:00:00
- 9.13 Role of Case Managers and Social Workers in Crisis 00:00:00
- 9.14 How to Safely De-escalate Until Help Arrives 00:00:00
- 9.15 Knowing Legal Rights in Emergency Situations 00:00:00
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Section
10Section 10 – Post-Crisis Recovery: Reflection, Repair, and Moving Forward
- 10.1 Why Reflection Is Important After Crisis 00:00:00
- 10.2 Identifying What Worked in Crisis Management 00:00:00
- 10.3 Recognizing Mistakes Without Shame 00:00:00
- 10.4 Journaling as a Recovery Tool 00:00:00
- 10.5 How to Rebuild Trust After Conflict 00:00:00
- 10.6 The Role of Apology in Healing 00:00:00
- 10.7 Repairing Relationships Affected by Crisis 00:00:00
- 10.8 Learning to Forgive Yourself 00:00:00
- 10.9 Building New Coping Strategies After Crisis 00:00:00
- 10.10 Using Support Groups for Recovery 00:00:00
- 10.11 Teaching Children How to Recover From Crisis 00:00:00
- 10.12 Creating a Post-Crisis Self-Care Plan 00:00:00
- 10.13 Practicing Gratitude in Recovery 00:00:00
- 10.14 How to Turn Crisis Into Growth 00:00:00
- 10.15 Creating a Long-Term Resilience Plan 00:00:00
This course equips participants with the knowledge and strategies needed to recognize early warning signs, prevent crisis situations, and de-escalate conflicts before they escalate. Learners will explore communication techniques, emotional regulation methods, and safety planning approaches to manage challenging behaviors effectively. The program emphasizes maintaining professionalism, protecting personal safety, and ensuring the well-being of all involved. Through scenario-based practice and real-world applications, participants will gain the confidence to intervene early, defuse tension, and create a calmer, more controlled environment.