Calm in the Storm: Developing Skills in De-escalation
Event Details
The Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) invites you to an IN-PERSON training, “Calm in the Storm: Developing Skills in De-escalation,” which is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. ET at Co-Hatch Polaris Meridian Event Center (1554 Polaris Pkwy., Suite 325, Columbus). Presented by Daniel King, Senior Director of Clinical Services at Volunteers of America, and Mike Gersz, Director of Outpatient Services at Maryhaven, this session is tailored to support professionals in higher education.
This course explores the complex dynamics of emotional dysregulation, agitation, and escalation, focusing on understanding the underlying causes in ourselves, young adults, parents, and colleagues. Participants will learn to identify key triggers and patterns that contribute to emotional distress and will develop practical strategies for de-escalating situations in a calm and constructive manner.
Through engaging content and real-world scenarios, this course provides valuable tools for fostering emotional regulation, promoting healthy communication, and intervening effectively when challenges arise. Whether in personal or professional settings, you will leave equipped with actionable skills to navigate and manage emotional fluctuations with confidence and empathy.
Learning objectives:
- Understand the underlying causes of and conditions that lead to dysregulation, agitation, escalation in ourselves, young adults, parents, and colleagues.
- Learn strategies to deescalate situations calmly and effectively.
- Gain tools for promoting emotion regulation and intervening when needed.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your de-escalation skills and foster a more supportive environment in higher education. Register now to gain practical strategies and expert insights that will help you navigate challenging situations with confidence and empathy!
When: Friday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET
Where: Co-Hatch Polaris Meridian Event Center (1554 Polaris Pkwy., Suite 325, Columbus)
Cost
- Staff/Personnel of Institutions & Organizations: $40 through Oct. 14 (price increases to $50 on Oct. 15)
- Students: $15 through Oct. 14 (price increases to $25 on Oct. 15)
Questions? Contact Mindy Claggett at SOCHE
Student Registration Fee Policy
Registration Cancellation Policy
Registration for this event will close on Wednesday, Oct. 22, or when the event is full, whichever occurs first.
Pre-registration is required. There will be NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION for this event.
About the Presenters
Daniel King, LCDCIII
Senior Director of Clinical Services
Volunteers of America
Daniel King is a licensed chemical dependency counselor in Ohio who has worked in customer service settings of one kind or another since his first job at age 14. Since joining the substance use disorder treatment profession, he has worked in direct service in settings all along the continuum of care, served as a client rights officer, and in quality improvement. Some of the most gratifying parts of the work have been the opportunities to intervene when someone was experiencing an emotional crisis and work with them to a place of emotional regulation. He appreciates the opportunity to work with communities and a variety of professionals to explore the skills to enhance confidence and competence as helpers in times of emotional dysregulation. Daniel completed an Associate of Applied Science in Mental Health/Addiction Studies/Developmental Disabilities at Columbus State Community College. After working in direct care for several years, he resumed his formal education to earn a Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling at University of Cincinnati, and he currently is a graduate student of Social Work.
Mike Gersz, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS
Director of Outpatient Services, Maryhaven
Adjunct Faculty, Capital University and Columbus State Community College
Mike Gersz has worked in the behavioral health field since 2007 and currently holds the license of LPCC-S and LICDC-CS along with his gambling endorsement. He currently serves as the Director of Outpatient Services at Maryhaven, where he manages outpatient treatment and prevention services in Franklin County. He also serves as Co-Chair of the Trauma-Informed Care Committee at Maryhaven. He received his undergraduate degree from Ohio State University, majoring in Criminology and Sociology, and received his graduate degree from the University of Dayton in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He received his Advanced Chemical Dependency Certificate from Columbus State Community College and currently serves as an adjunct instructor at Columbus State Community College and Capital University. He is a proud 2023 graduate of the PGNO Ohio Gambling Treatment Fellowship Program.
