In Vistelar training, we talk a lot about the six Cs of conflict management: Context, Contact, Conflict, Crisis, Combat, and Closure — the ending. The law of primacy and the law of recency tell us that people remember what happened first, which is why we spend so much time on the universal greeting, and what happened last, which is why closure matters so much.
In closure, we want the situation to end in the most positive way possible — even if the contact was negative. But we also want to set the foundation for the next contact. When you meet that person again, you don’t want to start round two.
Sometimes these encounters get heavy. Sometimes they become physical. Whether you work in healthcare, law enforcement, or any front-line role, the question is the same: what do you do after the intervention?
After you stabilise the individual and ensure everyone is safe, follow a deliberate sequence. Don’t skip steps — and don’t relax too soon.
Tell them they’re going to be okay. A simple, calm reassurance goes a long way: “My name is Dave Young, I’m here to keep you safe, you’re going to be fine.” This grounds both of you.
Ask orienting questions — nothing complex: “What park are you in? What colour are your shoes? What’s today’s date?” These questions help the person calm down, and they help you calm down too.
If there has been any physical interaction, do a visual assessment. Check for bleeding, bruising, or signs of injury. Ask: “Does it hurt when you breathe? Can you wiggle your fingers? Can you get up on your own?”
Leave the person better off than they were when they got to you. That’s doing your job as a professional — keeping them safe throughout the whole encounter.
⚠️ Don’t relax too soon. Once you’ve stabilised someone — verbally or physically — it’s not time to take a break. People in care and custody have died tragically because monitoring stopped too early. Stay present until closure is complete.
Tying together the emotional, mental, and physical dimensions of closure keeps everyone safe — all the way around.
Team Dynamis Ltd. is the UK representative for Vistelar Conflict Management Training since 2014. To learn how your organisation can benefit from this modern, evidence-based approach to managing conflict professionally, visit dynamis.training/vistelar. Train-the-Trainer opportunities may be available to bring these leading concepts into your organisation.
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