Trauma-informed de-escalation training
De-escalation training at ATEC, in short
ATEC runs trauma-informed de-escalation training for teams who work with distressed people, in education, disability support, healthcare, community services and customer-facing work. Staff learn why behaviour escalates, how to stay regulated, and how to use communication that reduces threat.
- Length: a half day (3.5 to 4 hours) or a full day (6 to 7 hours), and it can be split across two sessions.
- Where: face to face at your workplace in Casey, Cardinia or greater Melbourne, or live online.
- Group size: up to 16 to 20 participants. Larger groups are possible with an extra facilitator.
- Tailored to you: we start with a free chat with your team leaders about your scenarios, language and risk profile.
- Lead time: usually 3 to 5 weeks.
- How to book: book a free chat, or email enquiries@atec.vic.edu.au with your numbers and preferred dates.
What is trauma-informed de-escalation?
Occupational violence and aggression are rising in education, disability support, healthcare, community services and customer-facing work. Many programs focus on compliance or physical techniques. We take a different approach.
Our training helps teams understand why behaviour escalates, often as a trauma or nervous system response. Staff learn to recognise fight, flight, freeze and fawn responses, regulate their own nervous system, and use communication that reduces threat rather than increasing it.
For more background, read why trauma-informed de-escalation training matters for workplaces in Berwick and south-east Melbourne.
Course overview
Length
Half day (3.5 to 4 hours) or full day (6 to 7 hours). Can be split across two sessions.
Where
Face to face at your workplace in Casey, Cardinia or greater Melbourne (preferred), or live online.
Group size
Up to 16 to 20 participants. Larger groups with an extra facilitator.
Before the training, we offer a free chat with your team leaders so we can tailor scenarios, language and risk profile to your workplace.
Who should take this course?
Professionals
- Business owners
- HR and People & Culture managers
- First Aid Officers and safety wardens
- Managers and leaders
Teachers and facilitators
- Childcare educators
- Primary and secondary teachers
- VET trainers and lecturers
- Corporate facilitators
Front line workers
- Nurses and healthcare workers
- Practice managers and administrators
- Social workers and counsellors
- Community workers and volunteers
Why choose ATEC
- Trauma-informed at the core. Not an add-on. Our facilitators are practising counsellors and trauma educators with NDIS, education, EAP and psychosocial safety experience.
- Practical and interactive. Skills your team can use straight away.
- Local facilitators. We understand Victorian education, disability and community services settings in south-east Melbourne.
- Builds on what you have. Strengthens your Mental Health First Aid and trauma-aware education work.
- Supports compliance. Helps you meet WorkSafe Victoria psychosocial hazard duties under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and Victoria's psychological health regulations.
What participants say
"In our line of work, it's life or death every single second of the day. Naturally that means our clients are always heightened and aggressive. Training with the ATEC team taught me key skills to keep myself safe and situations under control."
"I've been struck 3 times by clients whilst doing my job. I've learned quickly that situations can spiral out of control, and in those precious critical moments before things escalate you need to know what to say and do. The ATEC de-escalation training has given me new tools and confidence to handle these situations."
Book training for your team
Email enquiries@atec.vic.edu.au with your business name, contact person, preferred venue, number of participants and preferred dates. We will get back to you to plan the session.
De-escalation training FAQs
What is trauma-informed de-escalation training?
It is training that helps teams understand why behaviour escalates, often as a trauma or nervous system response. Staff learn to recognise fight, flight, freeze and fawn responses, regulate their own nervous system, and use communication that reduces threat rather than increasing it.
Who is this training for?
Teams who work with distressed people. That includes teachers, childcare educators and VET trainers, nurses and healthcare workers, social workers and counsellors, community workers and volunteers, HR and People and Culture managers, First Aid Officers, and front line staff.
Can it be customised for our setting?
Yes. Every program is tailored. We meet with you first to understand your risks, client groups and workplace culture.
How long does the training take?
A half day (3.5 to 4 hours) or a full day (6 to 7 hours). We can also split it across two shorter sessions to fit your rosters.
Is this suitable for education and NDIS teams?
Yes. We regularly work with VET educators, student support staff, NDIS providers and community services organisations across south-east Melbourne.
Do you include physical techniques?
We focus on prevention, recognition, communication and personal safety strategies. Physical intervention and restraint are not the core of this program. We can talk through your exact needs.
How quickly can we book?
Typical lead time is 3 to 5 weeks, so we can tailor the training properly. Urgent requests for teams in Berwick can sometimes be accommodated.
How many people can attend?
Up to 16 to 20 participants for the best practice and discussion. Larger groups are possible with an extra facilitator.
Where do you deliver this training?
Face to face at your workplace across Casey and Cardinia (Berwick, Narre Warren, Hallam, Hampton Park, Fountain Gate, Endeavour Hills, Cranbourne, Clyde, Officer, Beaconsfield and Pakenham), Greater Dandenong (Dandenong, Springvale, Noble Park and Keysborough) and Monash (Clayton, Mulgrave, Notting Hill, Mount Waverley, Glen Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Oakleigh, Huntingdale and Chadstone), or live online.
What are the booking terms?
Minimum numbers apply. If you cancel with 28 or more days' notice, there is no charge. If you cancel with less than 28 days' notice, 50% of the total booking fee is charged. If you cancel with less than 48 hours' notice, 100% of the total booking fee is charged. To cancel, email enquiries@atec.vic.edu.au. Transfers are welcome, so you can nominate a colleague to attend in your place. If ATEC cancels, you can move to another date or get a full refund.
ATEC is not a crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
For 24/7 crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. More services are on our emergency contacts page.
ATEC is led by an ACA registered counsellor and is an NDIS-verified provider.
Australian Trauma Education Centre, PO Box 1024, Berwick VIC 3806. enquiries@atec.vic.edu.au
