Calming Through Connection: Foundational De-escalation Strategies

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        On May 8^th and 9^th, the IA Working Group at Saskatchewan First Nations Family and Community Institute (SFNFCI) hosted a training session called Calming Through Connection: Foudational De-escalation Strategies. Training was facilitated by Taylor Baier of Oaks Mental Health. Assisting in Elder Support was Wally Awasis. The training attracted a diverse group of 24 participants who traveled to Saskatoon from various communities, including Big Island Lake, Kinistin, Lac La Ronge, Mosquito Grizzly Bear Head Lean Man, Muskoday, Ministikwan, Nekaneet, and Shoal Lake.

        Taylor Baier is a registered social worker and mental health educator. She has 10+ years of experience working with the non-profit sector. Taylor works with adults and youth experiencing mental health challenges. She has a lived experience of mental illness which drives her passion for education and reducing stigma around mental health.

        On the first day of Calming Through Connection: Foundational De-escalation Strategies training participants learned about theoretical background. Other topics of focus were emotional safety, the role of trauma, the cycle of escalation, and compassionate boundaries. On the second day of training, we practiced de-escalation skills. We learned about our own emotional regulation and strategies for regulating our emotions in response to others.  Other topics that were taught were co-regulation and de-escalation framework.

          When we asked our participants how the information they learned in Calming Through Connection: De-escalation Strategies will benefit them and their organization, some answers we received were.

“Very informative, comforting engagement. Instructor talks in a great tone. It allows me to feel comfortable, very respectful with other’s vulnerable/emotional stories, and patient with others.”

“I liked the variety of activities (role playing, videos, group work).”

“It was heavy but helpful. Not only will it help at the workplace but also at home.”

“It was very informative and helped me to put things in perspective in my workplace and home life.”