Learn How To Talk To A Person In Crisis

March 31, 2018

Everett Government

crisis

Learn tools to help talk to someone in crisis.

Ever seen someone who appears to be having a crisis and wanted to approach them but didn’t have a clue what to say? From a stranger on the street to a person you know it can be intimidating. The City of Everett has put together a couple of classes to help average people talk to people in crisis. Here’s more.

The City of Everett is offering two free crisis communication and intervention trainings in April for Everett community members to learn how to safely and effectively interact with individuals experiencing personal crisis, trauma, mental health issues and addiction.

“Whether it’s a loved one, someone visiting your business or a person acting agitated in public, we all find ourselves interacting with someone in personal crisis from time to time,” said Hil Kaman, public health and safety director. “This training will provide community members with the knowledge and skills to know when and how to communicate with someone experiencing crisis.”

Community members who interact with individuals experiencing trauma, mental health issues and addiction will learn how to better understand personal crisis situations and how to safely and effectively respond with confidence and compassion. Topics include understanding mental illness, personality disorders and addiction, and basic crisis communication skills.

Two training opportunities are available: A single-day training will be held on Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Everett Performing Arts Center (2710 Wetmore Ave). The Evergreen Way Alliance is co-hosting a two-part training from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, and Thursday, April 26, at Evergreen Middle School (7621 Beverly Ln). Space is limited. Register online at www.everettwa.gov/crisistraining.

Dr. Kevin St. Jacques, a doctor of clinical psychology and licensed mental health counselor, will lead the trainings. St. Jacques is certified by the National Anger Management Association as a crisis intervention specialist and has conducted trainings in crisis communication and intervention for communities and organizations throughout Washington state since 2009.

These trainings are part of Mayor Cassie Franklin’s Mayoral Directive on Safe Streets programs, issued Jan. 26, 2018. For more information on Mayor Franklin’s directives that will guide the City’s work in 2018 and beyond, visit www.everettwa.gov/citypriorities. For more information on Everett’s Safe Streets plan, visit www.everettwa.gov/safestreets.



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