Handle With Care
Verbal De-escalation
Practical, proven, powerful de-escalation strategies
HWC Trained Practitioners
Supporting our Partners
Handle With Care - Verbal De-escalation Program
HWC’s Verbal De-escalation Program goes far beyond conventional training. With over 40 years of field research, our program is trusted by the leading, most prestigious and respected healthcare, educational, human and social services providers nationwide. HWC’s program is best practice, evidence-based, trauma-informed and field-proven.
HWC Verbal Program Distinctions
HWC’s program is more than just scripted responses. We blend theory with practice to create effective hands-on strategies that de-escalate real-world crisis situations to create and maintain safe environments
"HWC's Verbal and physical techniques are superior to the other nonviolent crisis intervention programs I have been exposed to and/or trained in"
James W. Maxfield - School Psychologist - Prince William County Schools
Tension/Tension Reduction Cycle (T/TRC): Understanding Crisis Dynamics
The Tension/Tension Reduction Cycle (T/TRC) is a model illustrating how tension escalates and de-escalates in individuals and groups. Unlike most time-dependent models, the T/TRC is a flexible timing model, where staff learn to intervene at the right moment, with the right intervention.
Through this model, staff learn to:
- Detect Early Warning Signs
- Intervene Effectively - Using the right response at the right time
- Know When to Step Back - Understanding when and how to withdraw interventions
- Redirecting tension into constructive solutions
The Solid Object Relationship Model (SORM): A Relationship-Centered Approach
The Solid Object Relationship Model (SORM) is a relationship model based on the assumption that people in crisis know they are in crisis and test the emotional stability of those around them. The model teaches staff how to see beyond the behavior, recognize the purpose of the test and appeal to the healthy components of the person’s personality to form an attachment.
SORM is a trauma-informed approach that trains staff to:
- Look for the underlying or root cause of the behavior
- Recognize when tension levels are rising
- Stay calm and emotionally regulated
- Respond professionally, not emotionally
- Build relationship, attachment and trust
Flexible Training Options for Every Organization
Handle With Care offers a range of training solutions designed to fit your organization’s unique needs. Our On-Site Verbal Program provides interactive, instructor-led sessions tailored specifically to your team. Virtual & Blended Learning will offer flexible online modules combined with live expert guidance. (Anticipated Fall, 2025. Look for email and social media announcements). Train-the-Trainer Certification for organizations looking to empower your team to deliver our Program in-house.
Take the Next Step - Contact us today to discover how HWC’s Verbal Program can enhance safety, communication, and crisis management within your organization!
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Printable and emailable PDFs covering how Handle With Care supports its partners
Handle With Care Training Options
We are extremely flexible and work with all our partners to find a training solution that works for you.
Seminars
You come to one of our training Seminars- Training events in most States
- Train-the-Trainer Program
- Cost effective for smaller teams
- No additional cost for materials
Onsite Training
We go to your location- Cost-effective for larger teams
- Train-the-Trainer Program
- Flexible, convenient scheduling
- No additional cost for materials