De-escalation training is often mandated in corrections, but rarely is it linked to the internal wellness of those expected to use it. In this session the presenters share their experiences training the Federal Bureau of Prisons staff nationwide, demonstrating how emotional regulation, introspection, and mental wellness are essential to successful de-escalation training outcomes. This presentation outlines strategies for building wellness-first training models. They explain why mental wellness must be embedded in policy to ensure safety.

Educational Objectives

• Identify how unaddressed trauma and chronic stress can manifest in correctional staff as problematic behaviors
• Explain why emotional regulation, self-awareness, and mental wellness are essential components of effective de-escalation in correctional environments
• Apply strategies to integrate wellness-first principles into de-escalation training and policy to enhance safety, reduce use-of-force, and support staff resilience.