FISH of SanCap’s Social Services Director, Nitza Lopez, and Senior Services Director, Erika Arnowitz, recently attended a De-escalation Training presented by Dr. Tom Hofmann, PhD, LCSW, LMFT, Director of Adult Behavioral Health Training and Education for Lee Health. The training was hosted by community partner United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties at the Community Impact Center.
The session focused on recognizing the signs of rising anxiety and anger, understanding the body’s stress response, and applying practical tools to help calm heightened emotions. Participants learned about using empathy, clear communication, and controlled breathing techniques to engage individuals in distress, emphasizing patience, validation, and safety.
Dr. Hofmann highlighted that while there’s no single evidence-based method for de-escalation, success often relies on teamwork, awareness of one’s own reactions, and flexibility in responding to others’ emotional states. Techniques such as the 2-to-1 breathing method and “pacing and leading” were discussed as effective tools to support emotional regulation and prevent escalation. The training also introduced the “vagus nerve reset,” a simple technique that activates the body’s natural calming system—the vagus nerve—which helps slow the heart rate, ease tension, and restore a sense of control.
Erika Arnowitz shared how the training directly connects to FISH’s work with older adults. “Our seniors face a range of challenges—emotional, physical, and social—that can lead to moments of frustration or anxiety. This training gave us ways to recognize those cues early and respond in ways that bring calm and reassurance, ensuring our clients feel seen and supported.”
Nitza Lopez echoed that the training strengthens the organization’s Helping Hands pillar. “At FISH, we meet people at some of their most vulnerable moments. Learning how to de-escalate situations with understanding and confidence helps us create a safe space where every client feels understood and cared for.”
Through partnerships like United Way and Lee Health, FISH continues to expand its knowledge and resources to better serve island residents, workforce members, and visitors in need.
For additional information about FISH programs or assistance, visit www.fishofsancap.org or reach out to Maria Espinoza, Executive Director.
About FISH of SANCAP
FISH of Sanibel-Captiva has been a ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ organization on Sanibel and Captiva for over 40 years. As a social service organization, FISH has been ground zero, in recent years, from natural and environmental crises to the impacts of COVID and now, for catastrophic Hurricane Ian. FISH offers something for everyone—if there is not a service in place for unmet needs of community members, they work to meet it through their expansive regional network. In addition to their Long-Term Recovery program, FISH continues to offer programs representing their four major pillars – Food, Island Based Education, Social and Senior Services, and Helping Hands.
Although FISH has grown from the grassroots organization it started as, it remains a network of ‘neighbors helping neighbors;’ a group of community members committed to the betterment of the islands and southwest Florida community by assisting one neighbor at a time. FISH is proud to say that more than 85% of every dollar donated goes directly to programs and services including but not limited to:
Long-Term disaster recovery
Emergency financial assistance
Food pantry
Non-emergency transport
Temporary loan of health equipment
Hurricane preparedness information
Daily hot meals program
More information about FISH is available online at fishofsancap.org, as well as Facebook and Instagram. For details about hurricane recovery and other services, contact Maria Espinoza, FISH Executive Director, at (239) 472-4775
