Introduction to Professional De-Escalation
Evidence-Based Approaches for Emotionally Based Interactions
Course Selections Now Available For Spring 2025
Our evidence-based professional de-escalation model equips individuals with practical, effective techniques to manage emotionally charged situations with confidence and professionalism. Delivered internationally across a wide range of organizations, this training is built on proven strategies that prioritize safety, human needs, and positive outcomes.
Core Focus Areas
- Situational Awareness– Learn to recognize the early signs of emotional escalation and assess risk in real time
- Personalization – Adapt your responses to match the unique behaviors and emotional states of individuals
- Defining De-escalation – Understand the foundational 6 principles of de-escalation and how to apply them in dynamic situations
- Validation & Intervention Techniques – Address emotional venting and closed emotional loops through practical, respectful engagement
- Recognizing “Noise” – Identify emotionally charged distractions (“noise”) and understand their influence on communication and outcomes
- Validation – How to use tools of validation in order to create influence and move a person towards acceptance
The Six Core Rules of De-Escalation
This introduction program program provides clear instruction and practice in applying the six essential rules of effective de-escalation:
1. Remain Neutral – Stay emotionally grounded and avoid reacting to provocations or personal attacks
2. Apply Non-Verbal Communication – Use tone, facial expressions, and body postures to create intended influence
3. Do Not Defend Yourself – Resist the urge to justify, explain, or react defensively—focus on the intended outcome
4. Create Influence – Build rapport and trust through intentional listening, validation, and clear direction
5. Clarify – Ask clear, clarifying questions to bring focus to the issue and reduce confusion
6. Use “No” When Appropriate – Set respectful boundaries and maintain professional authority when necessary
The Power of Body Posture
This training course places a strong emphasis on understanding the messaging behind posture. Participants learn how to:
- Use open posture to signal approachability and non-threat
- Avoid defensive or closed positions that escalate tension
- Maintain upright but relaxed stance to demonstrate calm authority
- Control proximity and orientation to reduce perceived threat
Understanding and applying body posture is essential to conveying intent without words. The wrong posture can undermine your message.
What Sets Our Program Apart
- Focus on method of approach to foster cooperation
- Techniques grounded in officer/member safety, public trust, and resolution-focused outcomes
- Practical strategies for professionals to disengage ego, read body language, and stay focused on intended outcomes
- Training to deliver assertiveness with empathy, using tone and body language to direct emotions toward solutions
In emotionally heightened moments, clients, customers, and the public need professionals who remain emotionally stable, assertive, and focused. This introduction program delivers the tools to do just that—through proven evidence-based strategies, professional communication, and the understanding of effective body postures.