De-Escalation

3:08

Companion Slides

The first 30 seconds — self-regulation, acknowledgment, avoiding power struggles.

Key Concepts

  • The first 30 seconds set the trajectory of the entire interaction
  • Step 1: Regulate yourself first — you go first
  • Step 2: Acknowledge the emotion before the behavior
  • Step 3: Avoid power struggles — never corner someone
  • Offering choices instead of ultimatums

Part of

Module 4: Trauma-Informed Skills in Practice

Listening, validation, co-regulation, de-escalation, responding to disclosure, and boundaries.

Up next

After the Crisis

Repair, follow-up, and accountability with compassion — what happens after matters most.