Understanding and Responding to Expressions of Distress

Workshop Description

3-hour interactive virtual session

This interactive session explores client behaviours that may be perceived as aggressive or threatening, and helps staff understand the underlying causes—whether environmental, historical, interpersonal, or cognitive. Participants will learn to distinguish between anger, aggression, communication style, and assertiveness, and explore how appropriate responses can support both client well-being and worker safety. 

This workshop will help your staff: 

• distinguish between assertiveness, abruptness, aggression, and anger, and understand the risks of mislabeling behaviour 
• recognize potential triggers of aggression and apply a structured approach to identify and respond to the root cause 
• communicate relevant observations to the team and contribute to the client’s support plan 
• identify risks to their own boundaries and well-being, and apply strategies to manage and protect themselves 

Who Should Attend

Enhanced workshops are intended for PSWs who have some foundational knowledge, through prior training or on-the-job experience, and some familiarity with the client population. While not suited for those who are brand new to the role, there is some flexibility to accommodate learners at different levels of experience or expertise.