How do you balance de-escalation with setting boundaries and expectations in social work?

1 Know your role

The first step to balance de-escalation with setting boundaries and expectations is to know your role as a social worker. Your role is to provide support, guidance, and resources to your clients, not to fix their problems, judge them, or take sides. You also have a duty to protect yourself and others from harm, and to follow the ethical standards and policies of your profession and organization. Knowing your role can help you clarify your goals, responsibilities, and limitations in each situation.

2 Assess the situation

The second step to balance de-escalation with setting boundaries and expectations is to assess the situation. You need to observe the signs of escalation, such as increased voice volume, rapid breathing, clenched fists, or threatening gestures. You also need to consider the context, such as the triggers, the history, the relationship, and the environment. Assessing the situation can help you decide how to respond, whether to intervene, and what level of intervention is appropriate.

3 Use effective communication

The third step to balance de-escalation with setting boundaries and expectations is to use effective communication. You need to communicate in a way that is respectful, empathetic, and assertive. Respect means acknowledging the client's feelings and perspective, without agreeing or disagreeing. Empathy means showing that you understand and care about the client's situation, without pitying or patronizing. Assertiveness means expressing your needs and expectations clearly, without being aggressive or passive. Using effective communication can help you build rapport, reduce defensiveness, and establish trust.

4 Apply de-escalation techniques

The fourth step to balance de-escalation with setting boundaries and expectations is to apply de-escalation techniques. You need to use techniques that are suitable for the client and the situation, such as active listening, paraphrasing, validating, reframing, or offering choices. You also need to avoid techniques that may escalate the situation, such as arguing, blaming, criticizing, or threatening. Applying de-escalation techniques can help you diffuse tension, calm emotions, and prevent violence.

5 Set boundaries and expectations

The fifth step to balance de-escalation with setting boundaries and expectations is to set boundaries and expectations. You need to set boundaries and expectations that are realistic, consistent, and respectful. Boundaries are the limits that you set for yourself and others, such as your availability, your confidentiality, or your safety. Expectations are the standards that you set for yourself and others, such as your roles, your responsibilities, or your outcomes. Setting boundaries and expectations can help you maintain professionalism, accountability, and integrity.

6 Follow up and reflect

The sixth step to balance de-escalation with setting boundaries and expectations is to follow up and reflect. You need to follow up with the client after the situation is resolved, such as by checking in, providing feedback, or making referrals. You also need to reflect on your own experience, such as by debriefing, seeking supervision, or practicing self-care. Following up and reflecting can help you evaluate your actions, learn from your mistakes, and improve your skills.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?