Crisis Intervention & De-escalation Training | The EDGE Approach Curriculum 

The EDGE Approach to De-escalation is more than a training—it’s a complete framework for understanding, navigating, and transforming moments of crisis into opportunities for connection and clarity.

Developed over years of field-tested application, this training and curriculum are grounded in neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and interpersonal neurobiology. Learners can apply this course toward certification as a Certified Crisis Intervention Specialist I (CCIS-I) or Certified Crisis Intervention Specialist II (CCIS-II) through the National Anger Management Association (NAMA).

Why the EDGE Approach?

While many crisis intervention models stop at situational response, the EDGE Approach goes deeper—into the emotional, physiological, and relational aspects of crisis. It empowers responders to manage their own internal state, understand the dysregulation in others, and bring both into regulation through intentional connection.

Whether you're responding in the field, working in schools or shelters, supporting families, or mentoring peers—this method is accessible, applicable, and transformative.

The EDGE Curriculum: A Three-Part Framework

The Crisis Intervention Workbook and Curriculum is the foundation of this training. It guides learners through the three essential dynamics of crisis response:

1️⃣ Dynamics of Self-Regulation

This section focuses on the responder. How do our personal histories, cultural environments, and family systems shape our reactions in crisis? You’ll learn how to recognize and regulate your own nervous system—building emotional resilience, managing triggers, and embodying calm. Topics include:

🧠 Stress and trauma response systems (fight, flight, freeze)
🧘 Responder wellness and burnout prevention
📊 Exploring values, choices, and unconscious patterns
🧒 ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and their impact on adult functioning

2️⃣ Dynamics of Dysregulation

This section turns to the person in crisis. Why do people escalate—even when we’re trying to help? Through a trauma-informed lens, you’ll explore emotional dysregulation, attachment systems, and behavioral patterns that drive crisis behavior. Topics include:

📚 Attachment theory in crisis intervention
🌿 Polyvagal theory and nervous system mapping
🔄 The psychology of aggression, shutdown, and defiance
🗺️ Identity, perception, and emotional misattunement

3️⃣ Dynamics of Co-Regulation

Here, the curriculum converges into practical, relational tools. Co-regulation is where healing begins. You’ll learn the four-step EDGE verbal sequence and how to use presence, language, and attunement to de-escalate and connect. Topics include:

💬 The EDGE language sequence
🧭 Interpersonal neurobiology in real-time with co-regulation 
👂 Active listening, proxemics, attunement, and pacing
🎯 Yield Theory, relational safety, and trust-building under pressure

"If you want to improve the world, start with making people feel safer." — Dr. Stephen Porges

Training Options

Certified Crisis Intervention Specialist I (CCIS-I)
🖥️ Coming soon. Self-paced curriculum with 2 hours of live supervision. Ideal for learners seeking a strong foundation in the EDGE Approach, particularly those not working in immediate crisis-response environments. 

Certified Crisis Intervention Specialist II (CCIS-II)
📅 Two-day live training (Zoom or in-person) with scenario-based learning and intensive coaching. Best suited for professionals actively working in behavioral health, crisis response, or peer support. CCIS II training includes CCIS I. 

Customized Group Trainings
🏢 Available for agencies, schools, hospitals, shelters, law enforcement teams, and more. Bring the EDGE Approach to your organization with tailored scheduling and learning objectives.

All Trainings Include:

📜 National certification through NAMA
🧠 Science-based curriculum grounded in trauma and neurobiology
👥 Real-time interaction, coaching, and skills practice
🖥️ Delivery via live Zoom or in-person (by request)

To learn more about our instructors, visit the About Us page. To begin your journey with EDGE, explore the trainings below.