Effective Communication to Manage Distress: De-escalation Techniques

Gain the skills to identify and de-escalate an agitated person while keeping yourself and others safe. Gain confidence in managing distress and aggression, and strategies for self-control.

Description

Aim

At times, for many reasons, individuals may face heightened distress, anger, defensiveness or agitation, leading to challenging situations. It is important to understand what could be contributing factors and our part in the response. The ability to calm and de-escalate a situation is an essential skill for every person and is important in many work environments. In this workshop you will gain the skills to identify and de-escalate challenging situations while keeping yourself and others safe. Gain confidence in managing distress and aggression, and strategies for self-control. Learn the role of communication and the importance of debriefing following a challenging situation. 

Overview and Learning Intentions

  • Understand why people become angry or defensive 

  • Recognise early warning signs

  • Learn a range of assertive techniques to help people regain control

  • Understand the role of communication

  • Develop strategies for self-control in the face of aggressive and or distressed behaviour

  • The importance of debriefing following challenging situations

Keeping it Real | Kia Pono te Tika

1. Working alongside tāngata whaiora

2. Working alongside tāngata whenua

3. Working alongside whānau

4. Working within communities

7. Maintaining learning and kamahi wellbeing

Facilitated by Dr Chris Taua 

PhD, RN, BN, MN(Distinction), PGC(MH), CAdTch, FNZCMHN

Dr Chris Taua is a registered nurse specialising in mental health and health education, with over 35 years’ experience across the health, education, disability, justice, and corporate sectors. Her work is grounded in clinical practice, academic scholarship, and a strong commitment to trauma-informed practice, equity, and cultural safety.

Chris has worked across specialist inpatient and community mental health settings. Her PhD examined the mental health inpatient experiences of people with intellectual disability, and she continues to publish on mental health, cultural diversity, and cultural safety. She holds a qualification in Adult Education.

Chris is Director of Pumahara Consultants, contributes to tertiary teaching in mental health and cultural safety, and serves on the Ministry of Health–appointed Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. She is an Accredited Instructor for Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa, a Fellow of Te Ao Māramatanga – the New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses, a Fulbright Travel Award recipient (2013), and a former Chair of the Mental Health Education and Resource Centre

 

 Workshop Type: Introductory | Workshop Level: Four | Catering: Refreshments and light lunch provided

Terms and Conditions

  • Cancellations made up to 10 working days before a workshop will incur a $39 service fee.

  • Cancellations (or non-attendance) made 10 working days or less will not be refunded and the full workshop fee will be charged. 

  • No fee applies if you are able to find a replacement participant.

  • MHERC reserves the right to cancel a workshop at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient registrations.

  • Only one person may view a webinar session per registration.

Please read our full Terms and Conditions before registering.

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Prerequisites

You will need

• Headset and Microphone
• Built-in laptop camera or attachable webcam device (for laptop or PC)
• Stable broadband connection 

Minimum System Requirements
• As a guide, if you are able to Skype or watch online videos (eg: YouTube) from your device, your system requirements should be capable.

Operating System

Windows 7 and above
Mac OS X 10.6 and above

Browsers
Internet Explorer 7 and above
Firefox - Latest version
Chrome - Latest version
Safari - 5 and above