Crisis Intervention

Crisis Intervention

 When faced with a radical crisis, when the old way of being in the world,
of interacting with each other and with the realm of nature doesn't work anymore,
when survival is threatened by seemingly insurmountable problems,
an individual life-form—or a species—will either die and become extinct
or
rise above the limitations of its condition through an evolutionary leap. 
—Eckhart Tolle

There are several key parts to understanding why a crisis happens and consequently how to manage it. And there are many methods and paths leading to the goal of supporting or de-escalating someone experiencing crisis to make the world a safer place for everyone. Crisis Intervention Workbook and Curriculum: The EDGE Approach to De-escalation, focuses on the behavioral health dynamics of self-regulation, dysregulation and finally, co-regulation.

The EDGE Approach to De-escalation curriculum offers a training that enables a learner to apply for the Certified Crisis Intervention Specialist I or II credential through the National Anger Management Association. The EDGE Approach is unique from other CIT trainings. In addition to having trauma-informed foundations in mental health, neurophysiology, responder wellness, deep examinations of anger and aggression are brought to light and connected to crisis.

Part 1, Dynamics of Self-Regulation, focuses on responder self-regulation and resiliency. It seeks to underscore how the conditions of our own lives as well as our work and family cultures influence us. Part 1 lays out specific ways we can begin to be effectively look at the choices we make every day and begin to see how these choices can effect the outcome of a crisis. It will also be important to understand how our childhood experiences shape our perspective today and how our own flight/ flight/ freeze response can be managed so that we do not escalate a crisis. Part 1 delves deeply in to responder wellness and connects that to the crisis responder's ability to intervene at their highest potential. 

Part 2, Dynamics of Dysregulation, offers a trauma‐informed, psychological overview of someone experiencing crisis who is in emotional dysregulation. This section of the EDGE Approach to De-escalation delves in to the background and explores the why some of the most challenging and difficult people you will ever face make the choices they do. What causes a someone in crisis to act out aggressively or even violently when you are trying your best to help and support them? Innovative topic subjects like Attachment Theory and PolyVagal Theory are brought to the world of crisis intervention for the first time. 

Part 3, Dynamics of Crisis Co-regulation, will introduce the idea of co-regulation and the therapeutic relationship. Co-regulation principles and techniques will be established to anchor the responder in self-regulation while navigating the person experiencing crisis through emotional dysregulation. In this section, you will learn the EDGE Approach to De-escalation and apply it using hands-on skills, deescalation techniques, and the verbal prompts which will help you successfully navigate a crisis. Part 3 explores topics such as: Interpersonal Neurobiology, reactive vs. receptive states, trauma informed care, attunement, active listening, proxemics, Yield Theory, and more. 

Ultimately, the first connection a responder makes with someone experiencing crisis will be start of a relationship whose foundation is de-escalation through co-regulation. Co-regulation is the dynamic piece of the crisis puzzle that pulls the crisis through to a calmer state of coherence. A crisis is a multi‐faceted process. One in which a responder must fully understand who they are, with whom they are connecting and how to form a safe and secure relationship, quickly and under pressure. No one piece alone will solve the puzzle of a crisis. But together, these parts make a whole that provides you with a full, comprehensive approach. A picture that will alter your understanding of a person struggling through a crisis all the way through to creating own life that is dynamic, fun, more fulfilling and deeply engaging...

And then, there's EDGE. EDGE is a four step verbal language sequence meant to anchor the crisis responder in their own self-regulation to ultimately support a person in crisis. 

 "IF YOU WANT TO IMPROVE THE WORLD, START WITH MAKING PEOPLE FEEL SAFER." 
- DR. STEPHEN PORGES
CCIS I: EDGE Certified Crisis Intervention Specialist- I: 
Level I is an online, self-paced study of the EDGE Approach curriculum along with two hours of supervision. CCIS-I is intended to be educational. CCIS-I is not for people who are working in environments where there is serious crisis. This training covers the curriculum content and includes worksheets that are explored during supervision with a CCIS instructor. Not available at this time. 
CCIS II: EDGE Certified Crisis Intervention Specialist- I & II: Two days 
Level II includes an additional four hours on day two to dive deeply into scenario training and practice. With small groups and a lot of individualized attention, the CCIS II participant will graduate the training with a strong working knowledge of the principles and practices of the EDGE Approach. Level II is intended for participants who are already working in the field of mental health, first responding including anyone who is tasked with responding to someone who is experiencing crisis.  

 

To read about GCT's CCIS EDGE Instructors, please visit the About Us page here!