Presenter: Anne La Force, MA, Director of Therapeutic Coaching, National Center for START Services®
All NOTS live Q&A events are held via Zoom from 1:00-2:00 ET / 12:00-1:00 CT / 11:00-12:00 MT / 10:00-11:00 PT.
Description:
This presentation explores therapeutic interventions to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health needs during times of increased stress. Participants will learn how to utilize strategies that reflect an understanding of how the brain responds during stress. The session covers various strategies that can be used to promote emotional and behavioral regulation. Practical strategies such as grounding activities, visual supports, and structured breaks will be discussed to help caregivers and professionals respond in ways that meet the underlying needs of a person experiencing stress.
Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Describe how a biopsychosocial approach can help develop effective de-escalation interventions
- Apply knowledge regarding the impact of stress on the brain to utilize in the moment intervention strategies
- Demonstrate in the moment therapeutic strategies to support people with IDD-MH

Anne La Force is a Licensed Psychological Associate with a Master’s degree in clinical psychology. Anne has over 20 years of experience working with adults, adolescents and children with developmental disabilities and mental health need. As a Senior Project Manager and Director of Therapeutic Coaching, Anne provides consultation and training to START teams across the country and facilitates monthly practice groups for Therapeutic Team Leaders and Clinical Directors. Anne has experience in practicing and training other clinicians in crisis prevention and intervention, implementation of positive psychology approaches, assessment of biopsychosocial factors and trauma informed care practices.
This event is part of the National Online Training Series and is available by subscription from the National Center for START Services®. Each month, the NOTS includes a pre-recorded presentation and a live Q&A session with presenters, available to subscribers only. You must be subscribed to our list to receive the recording and access the live Q&A.
How to subscribe: Current START programs are automatically subscribed. Many individuals can access the NOTS for free by partnering with their local START program. If you or your agency are interested in subscribing, please fill out this training interest survey. A member of our training department will connect with you for next steps.
Accommodation Requests: It is our goal to make the NOTS live Q&A accessible for all. CART services will be provided for every live Q&A and does not require an accommodation request. Should you have additional accommodation requests, please complete this form and we will make every reasonable effort to meet that request. Someone from NCSS will contact you about the status of your request.
Disclaimer: Speakers and presenters participating in sessions are encouraged to express their findings, experiences, and conclusions on specific topics. They are selected for their areas of expertise and personal and professional knowledge. Therefore, points of view or opinions of our speakers and presenters do not officially represent the National Center for START Services®, the Institute on Disability, or the University of New Hampshire.