De-escalation refers to a variety of methods used to calm down a person who is experiencing a heightened emotional state by using verbal or non-verbal communication. Essentially, it's about diffusing a crisis through a calm and empathetic approach. 

De-escalation techniques are crucial when interacting with individuals who have experienced brain injury. 

Emotional dysregulation and impulse control are common challenges that can lead to elevated outbursts or behavior. Cognitive impairment can result in difficulty with processing information, understanding instructions, or remembering events, which can contribute to misunderstandings and frustration. Individuals may perseverate, making it difficult to redirect or change the subject, leading to conflict.

This skill-building workshop will introduce opportunities to learn de-escalation techniques from a licensed psychologist who has experience in state hospital, correctional, and inpatient hospital settings. After an introduction to de-escalation and settings and situations where these methods can be applied, verbal and non-verbal techniques as well as a framework for understanding why certain techniques are more likely to be successful when it comes to brain injury will be reviewed in depth, practiced and discussed. Learn your own tendencies across situations so that you can better handle conflict response and be prepared to manage diffusing a situation effectively.

 

Presenter

Doug Gomez, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in Oregon and has experience working in state hospital, correctional, and inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation settings, where there is a high co-occurrence of brain injury and a need for de-escalation strategies.

Doug has conducted extensive de-escalation training in all of these settings, as well as in the Oregon Home Care Commission. He is also an Assistant Research Professor working for the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training. His interests primarily focus on methods of qualitative analysis, particularly in the service of benefiting populations traditionally lacking sufficient services. At CBIRT, Doug currently consults on multiple studies with qualitative components with the goal of reaching a better understanding about how parents, educators, coaches, and medical professionals can help facilitate improved services for individuals who have sustained a TBI.

Cost

$125 members
$150 nonmembers

Certificate

General attendance certificate or Social Work CEs are included in the cost.