HWC VERBAL PROGRAM INTRODUCTION   My challenge with Handle With Care’s Verbal Program was to lay out the verbal program in a format that is clear to even the most inexperienced trainer. I taught this program for many years before I began teaching others how to deliver it.  Consequently, I decided upon a “write this, ask that” format.  I decided on this format because it allows for a linear description and outline on what is a three dimensional program.    HWC’s verbal program was not written to be read to a class. It was written to facilitate a process of engagement with students on a very difficult subject.  HWC’s philosophy, operating assumptions and verbal program serve as the foundation or skeleton, if you will, with the facilities and staff providing the color, situations and analysis to which HWC’s theory, philosophy and operating assumptions are applied.  We encourage you to use examples of behavior and situations that draw from your own experience, ideally, referencing clients who are known to the participants and who best illustrate the points made.   Verbal de-escalation:   HWC's verbal training prepares staff to use the power of their relationship to de-escalate someone in crisis in order to avoid a physical intervention whenever possible. The program integrates two models created by HWC's founder, Bruce Chapman:   The Tension/Tension Reduction Cycle (T/TRC)   The T/TRC is a theoretical model used to illustrate the dynamics of escalating and de-escalating tension in individuals and groups.  It is based on an Eastern Philosophical perspective of balanced but opposing universal forces, i.e., Tension/Relaxation. It is not a time-dependent model, i.e., some individuals accelerate rapidly, and others over an extended period of time. The model is used to “time” verbal and physical intervention modes to escalation and de-escalation tension   The Solid Object Relationship Model (SORM)   SORM is based on the observation that a person in crisis will attach himself to a more solid object to regain stability. Clients who are out of control at some level know that they are out of control and need to feel that the person intervening has the capacity to bring them under control and protect them from their own impulses and behavior.  We call this person, a solid object.  HWC’s verbal program help staff become this solid object.   The self-analysis components of the training are intended to enable participants to take a personal inventory of their assets and liabilities.  Those who tend to be timid and less assertive than good care and common sense dictate should be encouraged to turn their “thermostat” up over time, by way of routine self reflection through the debriefing process and good day-to-day supervision and most of all, achieving a higher level of confidence.  Likewise, those who are too emotionally volatile should learn how to turn their thermostat down.    Crisis intervention training should focus on the participant and not so much on clients. As relevant as the client is to the problem, the verbal program is not really about them.  It is about us.

 

HANDLE WITH CARE VERBAL PROGRAM Handle With Care’s program and training subscribes to the following philosophy and underlying operating assumptions.

" I never met a client in crisis who couldn't spot a phony a mile away"     HANDLE WITH CARE PHILOSOPHY   Handle With Care is dedicated to the reduction of violence through:   Tension reduction.   Staff use of preventative actions that result in a decrease in the need for the use of physical restraint.   The use of prompt, skillful and appropriate intervention when physical restraint is necessary, in order to minimize injuries to clients, children and staff.   Creating a universal perception of physical and psychological safety in the milieu.

HANDLE WITH CARE OPERATING ASSUMPTIONS   There is no dignity in allowing a child or adult to hurt himself or someone else.   He needs to be protected from the physical and emotional consequences of his behavior.   We need to be protected from the physical and emotional consequences of his behavior.   We need to be in control of our own feelings and behavior.   He is aware at some level that he is out of control and expects us to demonstrate the capacity to help bring him under control safely.   A person in crisis will know the difference between something done for him and something done to him only if we are clear about it first.   The skillful application of physical restraint is a critical extension of the therapeutic relationship.