Our De-Escalation Principles

• Prevention before crisis
  Recognizing early warning signs and environmental stressors to reduce escalation before harm occurs.

• Regulation before reasoning
  Understanding how stress affects the nervous system and why calming the interaction must come before problem-solving.

• Clear, respectful communication
  Using tone, pacing, and language that reduces threat and avoids power struggles.

• Physical space, movement, and personal boundaries
  Emphasizing the role of physical positioning, distance, and movement in de-escalation. Training teaches how to:

  • Create and maintain safe personal space

  • Use body positioning to reduce perceived threat

  • Move within environments to support safety and regulation

  • Respect personal boundaries while protecting staff safety

• Staff safety and ethical boundaries
  Prioritizing safety, knowing when to disengage, and setting firm, respectful limits without force.

• Appropriate use of community crisis resources
  Training includes guidance on who to contact and when, including:

  • Local MHMR and mobile crisis teams

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

  • Emergency services when immediate danger is present