Verbal Intervention^™ Training

CPI Verbal Intervention™ Training is a specialized program that prepares staff to identify, respond to, and prevent low-risk crisis behavior using non-restrictive, verbal intervention techniques. The training instills confidence and skills to verbally de-escalate disruptive behaviors through evidence-based approaches.

The program is built around three core components:

Crisis Development Model℠: CPI's proprietary framework introduces a 4-step process for turning crises into opportunities for positive outcomes.

Verbal De-escalation Techniques: The training teaches non-restrictive verbal interventions, such as limit-setting, that effectively de-escalate challenging behavior. Participants learn a common de-escalation communication framework and proactive verbal de-escalation strategies.

Understanding Behavior: The program explores the effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on both the person in crisis and the responding individual.

Verbal Intervention™ Training provides staff with in-depth skills to identify, respond to, and prevent or mitigate challenging behavior with verbal intervention techniques. The program is particularly recommended for managers and is delivered through Instructor Certification Programs available in online and live virtual formats.

To become CPI certified, you need to attend training conducted by CPI Global Professional Instructors who will train select staff from your organization to become Certified Instructors. This certification process applies to CPI's core training programs, including CPI Verbal Intervention™ Training, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention^®, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention^® with Intermediate Physical Skills, and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention^® With Advanced Physical Skills.

Once certified, you must attend renewal training every two years to maintain your certification. The renewal process ensures you stay current with the most updated de-escalation techniques while sharpening your confidence and skills through refreshed scenarios and networking opportunities with peers.

To begin the certification process or renew an existing certification, you can start at https://www.crisisprevention.com/event-registration.

CPI offers training for schools and teachers through our Nonviolent Crisis Intervention^® program. This evidence-based training equips educators with proactive de-escalation strategies to create safer, more positive learning environments.

Our approach involves training select teachers to become Certified Instructors for your school. These Certified Instructors then conduct ongoing trainings with their colleagues using CPI courses and materials. This train-the-trainer model ensures sustainable implementation and skill reinforcement throughout your educational organization.

The training provides teachers with essential tools for safe de-escalation, helping to decrease office referrals while increasing staff morale. School districts that have implemented CPI training report significant improvements including:

• More positive school culture and reduced disciplinary issues
• Decreased classroom disruptions and increased staff confidence
• Reduced fights, assaults, and out-of-school suspensions
• Improved academic achievement and positive peer-to-peer relationships

Our world-renowned Global Professional Instructors deliver engaging, interactive training sessions that prepare educators to begin each school year with effective strategies for managing challenging behaviors.

CPI also offers additional training options such as Reframing Behavior™, De-escalation Basics™, and De-escalation Basics™ for Bus Drivers to support a schoolwide culture of safety. 

CPI Verbal Intervention™ Training teaches several evidence-based verbal de-escalation techniques designed to effectively address challenging behavior. The program focuses on non-restrictive verbal interventions, including limit-setting strategies that help de-escalate disruptive situations.

The training incorporates a common de-escalation communication framework and emphasizes proactive verbal de-escalation strategies. These techniques are grounded in the Crisis Development Model℠ CPI's proprietary 4-step framework that transforms crisis situations into opportunities for positive outcomes.

The approach goes beyond surface-level techniques by helping participants understand the underlying factors that drive behavior, including the effects of trauma and brain psychology on both the person in crisis and the responding individual. This comprehensive understanding enables more effective intervention by addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.

The Verbal Intervention™ Training is specifically designed to instill confidence and skills for verbally de-escalating disruptive behaviors in low-risk crisis situations. By combining evidence-based methodology with practical application, the program equips staff to identify, respond to, and prevent challenging behaviors through targeted verbal intervention techniques.