Peaceful Practices® is a course designed to equip Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and others supporting those with I/DD, with the knowledge and skills to provide support using the least restrictive options.
Learners build a foundation for creating and maintaining a restraint-free environment by exploring the impact of trauma on human behavior, understanding the difference between behavioral and trauma responses, and learning strategies that reduce power struggles and support de-escalation.
The course also introduces the practices of Positive Identity Development, helping DSPs support people in seeing themselves not simply as receivers of services, but as valued contributors in their communities with lives of meaning and quality.
Throughout the course, participants examine topics such as trauma-informed care, relationship-building, loneliness and social isolation, developmental stages, decision-making support, negotiation, restorative practices, and techniques for avoiding escalation. By strengthening relationships, promoting dignity, and supporting valued social roles, DSPs can help create environments where incidents are less likely to occur and physical restraint is less likely to be considered.
What You Will Learn
Lesson 1
Disclaimer
15s
Lesson 2
Course Objectives
3m 2s
Lesson 3
Restraint Statistics
16m 32s
Lesson 4
Symptoms of Trauma
10m 25s
Lesson 5
The Brain - Volitional VS Autonomic Responses
6m 27s
Lesson 6
Trauma Response VS Behavioral Response
5m 32s
Lesson 7
Biological Brain Damage/Issues
7m 35s
Lesson 8
Safe Environments - The Healing Triangle
2m 6s
Lesson 9
Key Phrases
3m 16s
Lesson 10
Reducing Power Struggles (Intro)
5m 29s
Lesson 11
Relationship Opportunities
5m 46s
Lesson 12
Supporting a Positive Sense of Self
6m 59s
Lesson 13
Developmental Stages
14m 39s
Lesson 14
See the Best in People
8m 1s
Lesson 15
Identity of Many People with Intellectual/ Developmental Disabilities
7m 7s
Lesson 16
Everyone is "US"
3m 40s
Lesson 17
Horizontal Relationships
13m 24s
Lesson 18
Choose to Believe
2m 48s
Lesson 19
Relationships are a Human Right
4m 7s
Lesson 20
Four Symptoms of PTSD
7m 53s
Lesson 21
Big "T" Trauma and Little "t" Trauma
1m 10s
Lesson 22
Power and Choice
3m 55s
Lesson 23
The Healing Triangle
29s
Lesson 24
Recognizing and Addressing Loneliness
1m 49s
Lesson 25
Social Isolation
1m 33s
Lesson 26
Health Risks of Loneliness
6m 6s
Lesson 27
Harvard's Men Study
3m 31s
Lesson 28
PTSD Study
3m 39s
Lesson 29
The Healing Power of Relationships
1m 51s
Lesson 30
Direct Support Professional Role Evolution
6m 6s
Lesson 31
Possible Solutions for Loneliness
4m 6s
Lesson 32
Transitioning to Restraint Free Support
2m 58s
Lesson 33
Avoiding Power Struggles
5m 19s
Lesson 34
Supporting Decision Making
4m 32s
Lesson 35
Negotiation
5m 14s
Lesson 36
De-Escalation
3m 31s
Lesson 37
Evasion
27s
Lesson 38
Environmental Clearing
29s
Lesson 39
Restorative Skills
3m 56s
Lesson 40
Closing Thoughts
1m 31s
Instructors
Karyn Harvey, Ph.D
Psychologist - Baltimore MD.
Chris Garcia
Director of Training at OMNEAN and AZ DDD Lead Instructor - Chandler Arizona
Reviews
Kathryn B
Peaceful Practices
Mar 18, 2026
This is 2026, so at first I was surprised the topic was even a current issue. I'm new to this aspect of helping to care for others, and the course was interesting and informative, and makes me realize just how much more there is to learn. I appreciated how open Karyn Harvey and Chris Garcia were with sharing experiences from their past. A host of useful information and techniques, much of which can actually be used with anyone in a variety of life situations.
Joy B
Thoughtful look at better practices
Mar 14, 2026
This class was a very thoughtful look at better approaches to working with adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. It informs us how we can keep improving and where we need to make those improvements. I would love to see a class specific for working with younger kids.
Monica B
Peaceful practices
Feb 25, 2026
Fantastic in service
Kimberly F
Wow
Jan 27, 2026
I wish I took this class at 10yrs old and every 5yrs after. This is an amazing course. Thank you!
Lynn M C
Title? Name; Lynn Campbell / provider
Dec 11, 2025
Well done. Lots to consider
Kimberly G
Valuable Information, Peaceful Practices
Dec 5, 2025
Enjoyed the stories and insights from previous experiences. Thank you for sharing.
Stefanie K
Fantastic Training!
Nov 26, 2025
This training was both informative and engaging. I've found that OMNEAN has some of the best trainings that I've ever taken, including this one. They have a remarkable ability to keep trainings captivating throughout. Peaceful Practices provides in-depth knowledge that would be beneficial to anyone providing support to folks. I would highly recommend enrolling in this course!
Umar W
Chris Garcia
Oct 30, 2025
This was a great class, I have had meaningful conversations with my household about what is in this class and I have learned a great deal.Thank you!!!!
Denice S
Great Information!
Sep 26, 2025
This was a wonderful course. It really opens your eyes to how we may be causing emotional harm to the people we support without even knowing we are doing it. I highly recommend everyone take this course. You will be a better person because of it and a better DSP
Randy R
Great Course
Sep 5, 2025
This course was defiantly an eye opener about things I have seen
Adam B
Wonderful and Informative class
Aug 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this class giving perspective to all of us who provide support on alternatives to establishing a positive relationship with those we support. Establishing this component allows for us practice true peaceful methods in supporting those that need it the most. Great Class.
Kandace C
Learning and Compliance Consultant
Aug 8, 2025
The training provided was highly informative and will be instrumental in enhancing the quality of care and support offered to individuals. The focus on responsible and knowledgeable staff ensures that those involved are equipped with the skills and understanding needed to create a positive impact on the lives of those they serve.
The content was comprehensive, covering both the practical and theoretical aspects of developmental disability care, which will help in creating enriching environments. The training also highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adherence to best practices, which is essential for maintaining high standards in service delivery. Overall, it has been a valuable resource that will undoubtedly support the enrichment of lives through well-trained staff.
Keysha E
Great class
Jul 18, 2025
learned a lot about how to approach a situation that has to do with any type of trauma
Suhayri A
Thank you
Jul 17, 2025
Thank you
Diana F
Peaceful Practices
Jul 17, 2025
This was an excellent course. I am so glad I took it. Everyone caring for someone should take it.
Sondra B
Maybe a bit too optimistic for all cases
Jul 16, 2025
I was under the initial impression that this course was about addressing scores from the ACES Traumatic Experiences, rather than daily intervention practices, so my expectations were different. However, the presentation included valuable insights into de-escalation practices as well as positive behavior supports that are valuable skills for any DSP. I'm hesitant to agree that encouraging sexual behaviors (intercourse) universally is a good idea.
Diana G
Peaceful Life Practices
Jul 14, 2025
The concepts presented in this series of videos seems applicable to interacting with others in a variety of circumstance. The premise that we first need to change our own attitude is key. I appreciated the way that life experiences and scenarios were used to explain why humans may exhibit certain behaviors. We've become an angry culture willing to shout is out and name call as opposed to working it out. We all need to have better tools to use when we are in confrontational settings. Overall I feel it was very well done. Small improvements in the following areas may make it even more effective:
* editing for typos or poorly worded questions
* using a more subdued shade of green and print in black - the white print on the colored background is difficult to read if you have vision issues. the bold shade of green is
distracting if you have trouble concentrating
* The repeated use of the phrase "Nobody listens to me" implies perhaps I shouldn't listen either.
Nicky S
Training everyone should take
Jul 10, 2025
As a parent of an adolescent with Autism, I love the humanity that this training brings to working with the special needs population and with people in general. We all deserve to feel safe and seen and valued, and many behaviors stem out of isolation. Thank you for this training, so many would benefit from considering the lessons.
Isabella C
Peaceful Practices
Jul 7, 2025
Amazing!
Jaspreet K
Very informative
Jul 6, 2025
Great course