Micro-Strategy > 2 Minute Safety Plan

MICRO-STRATEGY: The 2-Minute Safety Plan

When someone we support is feeling dysregulated, our response window is short, really short.

That’s why I teach teams to co-create a 2-Minute Emotional Safety Plan:
Simple. Quick. Collaborative. And actually used.

It’s a tool developed with the person we support (not for them) so we can respond with consistency, respect, and care.
Here’s what it includes:

1. When I feel this way:
(e.g. anxious, overwhelmed, disrespected)

2. How I show it:
(e.g. pacing, withdrawing, yelling)

3. What helps:
(e.g. space, music, movement, a trusted support worker)

4. What makes it worse:
(e.g. loud voices, too many questions, being followed)

5. What to do if things escalate:
(e.g. call Mum, offer quiet space, switch staff)

We keep this plan:
- on lanyards
- in the staff room
- and in digital notes for new or relief staff