The steps
- SAFETY FIRST. Is this person safe right now? If no — call 911 immediately. Stop here.
- STAY. Do not leave them alone. Your presence is the most important stabiliser available.
- REDUCE STIMULATION. Lower voices, reduce movement, minimise demands. The nervous system needs input reduced, not increased.
- SIMPLE LANGUAGE ONLY. Short sentences. No analysis. No advice. "I'm here. You're not alone. We're going to do one thing at a time."
- ONE STEP. What is the single next physical action? Not a plan — a step. "Let's sit down together."
- CONTACT SUPPORT. If this exceeds what you can manage alone — call or text 9-8-8, a trusted person, or emergency services.
- NO FORCED MEANING. Do not ask why. Do not attempt to resolve the crisis through conversation. Stabilise first.
Where it comes from
- Session 17 — the full handout
- Session 17 — Crisis and Escalation Plan
Prefer it one step at a time? The same protocol as a guided runner in the app, which also keeps a private record if you want one.
This is one of the tools a seventeen-session series teaches, ninety minutes at a time, in a room of six to twelve people. It is peer-facilitated and free to host.
Check what stayed 3 questions
Answer in your own words, out loud or on paper. Nothing is scored, nothing is marked, and nothing is stored — this is for noticing what you have, not for anybody to grade.
When does this sequence apply?
What the material says
Somebody else is not safe and you are the one who is there.
You have established the person is safe right now. What is the second step, and what does it say your presence is?
What the material says
Do not leave them alone. Your presence is the most important stabiliser available.
There is a step forbidding one question and one activity. What is it called, and what does it forbid?
What the material says
NO FORCED MEANING. Do not ask why.