There are several methods we use for verbal de-escalation. The first method we use has nothing to do with actually talking and that is “listening”. Most people are not capable of doing more than one thing at a time and doing it correctly. This would include listening skills. If someone needs to be de-escalated, than that is our priority and listening vitally important our success. We as staff members are not nearly as good at really listening as we think. In addition our clients can be horrible communicators, especially being in an agitated state of mind. So, as staff we have to be able to listen and communicate twice as good as our clients to be efficient at verbal de-escalation. One important detail for being a good listener is to …show more content…
When providing options make sure you provide a more positive statement for the option you would like the client to follow. Usually there can be both positive and negative options as a result of the client’s escalated behavior. We are trying to project the appearance of being there to help, and not force a situation into compliance. Let me give you a quick real world example of offering options and wanting a second chance. When the average street cop pulls you over to issue you a speeding ticket they would really like to do so with as little verbal resistance as possible. After all issuing speeding tickets is part of their job. When they ask if you know why they pulled you over, of course you say “I have no idea”. They respond with you were speeding. In addition the officer informs you that you were not wearing a seat belt; you have a broken tail light; your license plate tags are expired; and you could not produce your insurance card at the time of the traffic stop. However, the officer informs you that today they will only be issuing you a ticket for the speeding if you agree to take care of these other violations on your own. You are happy to accept the speeding ticket without much verbal resistance at all. The officer says “sign here, three copies, press