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What is Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI)?

LSCI is an evidence-based, trauma-informed, and relationship-centered approach that helps adults transform problem situations into powerful learning opportunities for young people with challenging behavior.

Through targeted communication strategies and self-awareness techniques, LSCI equips professionals and caregivers to:

• Stay calm during emotional escalations
• De-escalate conflict with skill and compassion
• Understand and address the root causes of behavior
• Build meaningful, trust-based relationships with youth

LSCI is a non-physical intervention model recognized by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse as a Promising Intervention. Learn more about the evidence behind LSCI ›

Why LSCI Matters

In the heat of a crisis, every second counts. LSCI helps adults turn those critical moments into chances to teach new skills, build trust, and promote change.

With LSCI, you’ll learn to respond effectively when a young person:

• Strikes out at adults or peers due to internal stress
• Makes impulsive, distorted, or misinformed decisions
• Lacks the social tools to express good intentions
• Exhibits purposeful aggression or manipulative behavior
• Struggles with shame, inadequacy, or self-harming tendencies
• Falls under the sway of destructive peer dynamics

How LSCI Helps Young People

The LSCI process fosters emotional insight and long-term behavioral change by helping youth:

• Acknowledge and express painful feelings in healthy ways
• Recognize and challenge self-defeating beliefs
• Accept personal responsibility
• Build strength-based social skills
• Learn self-regulation and stress management
• Develop more accurate perceptions of themselves and others
• Create and sustain positive peer relationships

How LSCI Helps Adults

LSCI provides a clear roadmap for navigating behavioral crises with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn to:

• Decode the underlying causes of behavior
• Use stress and conflict as teachable moments
• Communicate calmly and effectively under pressure
• Create safety, connection, and accountability

LSCI gives adults the tools to step into a young person’s “life space”—the moment when emotions are high and choices matter most.

Where LSCI Fits In

Used in thousands of schools, treatment centers, and families worldwide, LSCI complements existing school-wide interventions including:

• PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports)
• RTI (Response to Intervention)
• MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports)

It works across all age groups and tiers of support in both general and special education settings.