Calming the Storm: John Gibilaro and Chelsea Dowling on De-escalation
We need to view that person as someone in need of support, not someone in need of your compliance.
Ever wondered how small gestures can make a big difference in mental health? In this episode of 'Stigmatized', host Trevor Steinhauser sits down with John Gibilaro and Chelsea Dowling to talk about their work in de-escalation and crisis intervention. John, the founder of Peace Talkers, shares his journey from the juvenile justice system in the 1990s to becoming a New York City Teaching Fellow and later an assistant principal.
His experience with social emotional development and safety in schools led him to create a company that teaches practical de-escalation techniques. Chelsea, who works as the Market Development Manager for Peace Talkers and is also a Criminal Justice student, brings her own experiences with depression and anxiety into the conversation. She discusses the importance of support over compliance in schools and the positive impact of therapy dogs.
Together, John and Chelsea highlight the need for better mental health education, resources, and affordable care. They also touch on the challenges of insurance in mental health and the significance of in-home services. The episode wraps up with a heartwarming discussion on High-Five Fridays and how small acts of kindness can greatly impact mental well-being. If you're interested in mental health education and breaking down stigma, this episode is a must-listen.