There is a program available called Verbal Judo. (try our cpi training online or our crisis intervention certificate) It’s a communications course that’s rated highly—At one point it was rated the number one program of its kind in the country. Anyway, if you haven’t heard of it before, it’s worth looking into. It’s a really neat program, with a lot of cool techniques you can use in crisis intervention situations and in dealing with aggressive people. One of the statements the author of the program makes is that when you’re feeling like all is lost, and it’s reached the point where [...]

Not too long ago, there was an incident in Arizona between a professor at Arizona State University and a police officer. (try our cpi training online or our crisis intervention certificate) It’s gone viral, so you may have seen it. The professor was walking across the road—apparently jay-walking—as the police officer pulls up and stops her. They get into a verbal altercation. At one point she says something to the effect of “Well, you didn’t need to be disrespectful!” The next thing you know, the situation becomes physical with the officer slamming the professor to the ground. Unbelievable. In a matter [...]

I received a call a while ago from a facility where we had conducted training. (try our cpi training online or our crisis intervention certificate) They had an incident where a staff member unintentionally utilized a hybrid technique of one of ours, and another move they had seen somewhere. A complaint arose that the staff member behaved in a contradictory manner from how they’d been trained. They were accused of doing something different than they’d been taught. The call was with a number of people on the line, and the facility was recording the call as part of the investigation. For [...]

There is a news station in the Washington, D.C., local area, whose slogan used to be, “7 on your side.” (try our cpi training online or our crisis intervention certificate) In crisis intervention, that slogan is a neat concept, especially for those working in a hospital, or in law enforcement. If I knew that I had seven of my coworkers--my teammates--right there with me any time I entered into a crisis situation, I would definitely feel more confident. That team mentality is what I want to focus on, though. Obviously, having a rapport with the individual with whom you’re working is [...]

When I think about the process of crisis intervention, I have to believe in myself and that I actually will be successful in whatever it is I’m trying to do at the moment. Whether it’s trying to convince somebody to do something I want them to do, or persuading them to not do something they’re about to do, (especially if its them getting ready to become violent) (try our cpi training online or our crisis intervention certificate) I must go into it believing the outcome will be what I want it to be. If you go into any situation thinking, “This [...]

A problem that sometimes comes up during crisis intervention, is competition. (try our cpi training online or our crisis intervention certificate) Competition among staff. As responders, we need to consider how much of a negative impact our “competition” might have on our ability to handle a crisis. I believe it’s huge. Let’s say, for example, I’m going in to de-escalate little Johnny, and you disagree with the way I’m doing it. You think maybe I’m being too soft, you may think I’m not enforcing a limit well enough, or you may think that I’m being too hard on him. Yet in [...]

What a great feeling! This slogan reminds me of others I mentioned before—where the outcome is assured, and you’re in great hands. Knowing that people are behind you, and they’re backing you up is a great feeling, but I also recognize that others on my team allow me to take the lead, when they don’t have to. (try our cpi training online or our crisis intervention certificate) We don’t have to fight each other for that spotlight. We don’t have to fight each other to be the first person to deal with this individual, and say the words that are going [...]

Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon? (filthy rich accent) If you know me, you’ll quickly realize that statement is not at all fitting to my character. Have I ever used Grey Poupon? Sure I have, but it’s not my first choice. (try our cpi training online or our crisis intervention certificate) Why don’t I prefer Grey Poupon? Could it be that I’m not from England, and don’t prefer tea and crumpets? Probably. Saying I actually preferred it would be me trying to be someone I’m not. When you are dealing with someone in crisis, don’t try to be something [...]

We talked earlier about setting the bar so high that your desired objectives become unattainable, and the expectations you have for an individual may be too far above and beyond what they are able to achieve. (try our cpi training online or our crisis intervention certificate) We want to make sure we don’t do that. Instead, we want to make sure that we’re creating positive and achievable goals for an individual to reach, as well as ensuring we don’t discount the positive steps they are currently or already taking . For example, in the facility, I was working with young children [...]

Are you a people pleaser? Do you go above and beyond to do the best you can to try to make someone else happy? As long as you’re not pleasing people to the detriment of yourself and who you are, then good for you. (try our cpi training online or our crisis intervention certificate) That’s what it’s all about in crisis intervention. In the moment of crisis, a person is struggling. They need assistance. What can you do to try and help? I don’t know about you, but I’m going to do the best job I can. What’s important to remember [...]

  In 1999, I was in the United States Marine Corps Recruit Training (otherwise known as boot camp) at Parris Island, SC. (try our cpi training online or our crisis intervention certificate) It was one of the best times of my life. No kidding. It was. All the Devil Dogs would agree it was one of the best times of all our lives, but most would never want to go through that hell again. One of the things I’ll never forget are my drill instructors. Imagine getting yelled at just like you see in the movies. In your face, inches away, [...]

Thank you for visiting the web site of Bianco Nero Gallery. The gallery has now closed but information about any future projects, workshops or exhibitions will be posted here. Many thanks to all our customers, friends and artists who have made the last ten years such happy ones! (try our cpi certificate or our crisis intervention training) Presentation - Degree in Art History The Degree in Art History consists of four academic courses, during which the student can approach the artistic achievements of different cultures. To the systematic study of our cultural environment, from the origins to the present day, subjects [...]

  Dollshouse Miniatures – 1:12th scale Crochet and Knitting Patterns, Kits, threads and Household Accessories Welcome to Ann's Crochet Miniatures Pram and Accessories Rompers to fit a 2 inch baby Pram set for 2.5 inch baby 1.5in Teddy Crochet Booklet for this complete Outfit using silk thread wreath wall hanging We specialize in designing Crochet and Knitting Patterns for 1:12th and 1:24th scale items, and to date have designed around 300 patterns and several kits. Also we have several crochet and knitting Kits. (try our cpi certificate or our crisis intervention training) We now have crochet and knitting patterns for larger [...]

I remember a mentor of mine used to always tell me, “Brendan, the only thing you need to worry about is making sure that your side of the street is clean.” (try our cpi certificate or our crisis intervention training) I never forgot that, because it was critical to always ensure that what I did was “clean”. It didn’t matter what you did or said to me. It didn’t matter how you chose to treat me. None of that mattered. The only thing that mattered was my side of the street. All of us need reminders as to why we should [...]

In our training at CCG, we teach our students to avoid the use of the statement, “You need to.” (try our cpi certificate or our crisis intervention training) The only time I’m going to use the phrase, “You need to” is when it has to do with safety and security. I touched on this earlier, and I can’t emphasize it enough. If someone is in a position where they are doing something that puts your safety and security in jeopardy, “Sir, I’m going to need you to back up.” “Johnny, I’m going to need you to put that chair down.” “I’m [...]

This is a very cool slogan that makes you believe the company is delivering a superior high quality product, doesn’t it? (try our cpi certificate or our crisis intervention training) After all, they have to answer to a higher authority, so they must be good at what they do. You, also, have to answer to a higher authority. Your supervisor. When you go to work, think about your supervisor standing right there in the room with you. No matter what you’re doing, no matter what you’re saying to an individual, no matter where you are, imagine your boss is in there [...]

Did you know that the number 57 in Heinz 57 has no real meaning at all? (try our cpi certificate or our crisis intervention training) I used to think it meant the company had 57 different products, but that’s not so. When the Heinz 57 catch phrase was developed, the company already had over 60 products! John Heinz just thought the number 57 sounded good. It was catchy and got attention. In crisis de-escalation, the number 57 might represent the number of different ways you can approach a particular situation. In other words, the method of de-escalation that you use today, [...]

One of the verbal intervention techniques we talk about in CCG training is the concept of “If this, then that.” (try our cpi certificate or our crisis intervention training) It simply means that should I find myself in a situation where I’m telling somebody, “If you don’t stop this, then that is going to happen,” I need to shut my mouth right then and there. More often than not, when you propose a direction, or an order in that phrasing, it sounds like nothing more than a threat. “If you don’t stop jumping on the couch, I’m going to drop your [...]

I think we’d agree that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect. (try our cpi certificate or our crisis intervention training) When somebody goes into crisis does that right disappear? Do they forfeit that right? Absolutely not. Just because someone’s is not treating you respectfully as a responder, doesn’t mean you get to dish it out in kind. One of the hardest things to remember in the de-escalation process is that, when someone is making a personal attack or a verbal assault on your character, it is not the time to give them a little taste of [...]

During all CCG training sessions we talk about certain rights afforded to individuals in crisis. (try our cpi certificate or our crisis intervention training) One of the most important is the right to personal space. People in crisis have the right to their own personal space. You, too, have the right to personal space. You are a first responder, and no matter what role you play in a crisis, you have a right to be safe in your space. What that space encompasses depends on your comfort level. It might be arms reach, it may be 5-6 feet, it may even [...]

Are you burnt? Are you burned out on the job? (try our cpi certificate or our crisis intervention training)Are you what we call in the Law Enforcement world “R.O.D”, or “Retired on Duty?” Becoming burned out is one of the most detrimental things that can happen to someone who is working with people in crisis situations. We’ve all seen it. You may have experienced it for yourself at some point. There is nothing worse than watching a coworker who becomes burned out. They get to the point where they are so dissatisfied, disheartened, and disgusted with the workplace environment, their supervisors, [...]

How important is it to come to work healthy? (try our cpi certificate or our crisis intervention training) Do you always come to work healthy? Do you know coworkers who show up to work when they’re sick? For whatever reason most of us don’t take our sick days. That said, yuou probably know a few staff members who have no problem taking every sick day possible, but you aren’t one of them. Most of us have a good work ethic. We don’t enjoy calling in sick, and we almost feel bad when we have to do so. Here’s the thing to [...]

Crisis situations don’t happen all by themselves, or in a vacuum. (try our cpi certificate or our crisis intervention training) There are things you might see as precursors to a crisis. Maybe even situations that occur in and around the crisis situation that actually makes it the biggest, most turbulent part of the crisis. The reality is, that when one individual is in crisis, be on the lookout for others who may be affected by that crisis and who may then go into crisis themselves. When I worked on the adolescent unit we would have patients who would superficially cut themselves. [...]

In Step 1 of the five steps of de-escalation, we learned to identify what’s in it for you. (try our cpi certificate or our crisis intervention training) Step 2 is to demonstrate you’re not a threat, followed by step 3, where you find an “in,” and in step 4 we learned to meet a need. That brings us to step 5, where you identify an area where you can find a compromise. Somewhere or something the two of you can work out together to come up with a successful resolution. Of utmost importance is providing that individual with options that work [...]

Step 4 in the five steps of de-escalation, is to “Meet A Need” of an individual in crisis (try our cpi certificate or our crisis intervention training). The trick is in trying to identify that need. You’ve already found an “in,” and have bridged a little bit of a gap. Now you’re trying to identify a need we can meet. To do this we refer to Maslow’s Hierarchy*. Whether or not you’ve heard of Maslow’s Hierarchy before, you may want to take a look at it. Maslow believed there are different levels of human needs, at the base are the physiological [...]

So far, we discussed step one, which is to figure out what’s in it for you and step 2 where you demonstrate you’re not a threat (use our cpi certificate). This is step 3, “Find An In.” In discussing step two I mentioned an individual whose vehicle had gone over the ditch. I tried to demonstrate to him that I wasn’t a threat by covering up my badge and helping him to see me as just another person, and not a police officer. When I had his attention, I was able to take it to the next step. Seeing his vehicle [...]

Step 2 is to demonstrate that you are not a threat (use our cpi certificate). I travel around the country teaching, primarily, law enforcement officers. When I get to this part and tell them, “I want you to demonstrate to the person in crisis that you aren’t a threat, their response is interesting, as you can imagine. Usually, they say something like, “Whoa! Whoa. Wait a minute, Brendan. Time out. They teach us at the academy that you have to go in, take control, own the room, and establish your dominance over everyone and everything there.” They give me this whole [...]