Workplace Safety & Empowerment Training
Prepare your team for the moments policy doesn't always cover.
Practical, trauma-informed training that helps staff recognize warning signs, set boundaries, de-escalate conflict, and stay safe on the job and beyond.
Trusted by teams at Evonik · Hub International · BCI · Fresh Tracks Canada · DVBIA · The Cambie Malones Group 〰️
Trusted by teams at Evonik · Hub International · BCI · Fresh Tracks Canada · DVBIA · The Cambie Malones Group 〰️
Who this is for
When employees feel safe and supported, they show up.
Most organizations have a policy for workplace safety and well-being. But policies don’t always answer some of the more vulnerable questions:
What do I do when I can't just walk away?
What do I say when someone crosses a line, and I freeze?
When staff don't have answers, the cost shows up in stress, burnout, turnover, and incidents that escalate further than they needed to.
Arise gives your team the skills to handle those moments with confidence, care, and professionalism.
We work with organizations in healthcare, social services, hospitality, education, retail, transit, real estate, community sectors, and many more to ensure that everyone feels safe and confident in their everyday lives and role on the job.
healthcare
social services
hospitality
education
retail
transit
real estate
community sectors
and more
Two Ways to Work with us
Hosting an event?
Empowerment Sessions
Interactive, confidence-building sessions for networking groups, team building, and wellness events.
60–90 min · From $800 +gst
Preparing staff for their role?
Workplace Safety Training
Comprehensive training for public-facing and high-stress teams who face conflict on the job.
90 min + · From $1650 +gst
Empowerment Sessions
Empowerment Self-Defense for networking groups · team building · wellness days · International Women's Day · conferences
Connection, confidence, and practical tools your people will actually use.
An energizing, hands-on self-defense session that brings your group together while building confidence in their bodies and their voices, at work and in daily life. No pressure and no experience needed, just a memorable experience your team will be talking about afterward.
What's included:
60–90 minute interactive session
Assertive communication and boundary-setting fundamentals
Simple, beginner-friendly self-defense techniques
Movement, discussion, and partner practice
Accessible for all bodies, ages, and fitness levels
We come to you, with all materials provided
Take-home bonus resources for every participant
Starting at $800 (+gst) for up to 22 participants
"Jess created a really welcoming and safe environment where everyone felt comfortable. The group was engaged and energized throughout the whole session!"
— Ana, Evonik
Workplace Safety Training
For healthcare · hospitality · retail · social services · transit · front desk and public-facing teams
Real skills for real situations, built around your workplace.
Designed for teams who regularly deal with the public, clients in distress, or high-stress situations. This training prepares staff to recognize escalation early, respond with confidence, and stay safe without compromising professionalism or care.
What's included:
Pre-training consultation to understand your workplace, risks, and past incidents
1.5-hour (min.) in-person training (longer formats available)
Recognizing early signs of escalation
Verbal strategies for de-escalation and conflict management
Physical techniques to create space and exit safely
Scenario practice tailored to your workplace and industry
A custom Safety Playbook with actionable recommendations your team keeps for ongoing reference and onboarding new staff
Pre/post participant survey, with results shared with you
Post-training support and bonus resources
Supports your workplace violence prevention obligations. WorkSafeBC requires employers to instruct workers who may be exposed to violence in how to recognize it and how to respond. This training is built to support that work.
Starting at $1650 (+gst) for up to 22 participants
"Dealing with drunk people is part of the job but I never realized how much stress the unpredictability was causing me. This training really highlighted that for me and taught me what to do."
— Manager at The Cambie Malones Group
Comparison Chart
Need something different? We'll design it.
Onboarding safety training for new hires · Multi-site or multi-session series · Conference and retreat programming · Sector-specific workshops · Leadership and individual coaching
Next Steps: from first call to training day
Consult. A 20-minute call to understand your team, goals, and challenges. Book a call here.
Proposal. Receive a clear proposal with options within 24 hours.
Agreement. We agree on logistics. I’ll send a booking agreement and invoice (a deposit is required to hold your booking date).
Customize. I tailor scenarios and content to your workplace.
Train. We deliver on-site, followed by resources and support.
Meet Jess Gordon
Jess is the founder of Arise Self-Defense, a certified Empowerment Self-Defense instructor, a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Women Empowered instructor, and a BC-certified teacher with an M.Ed and counseling training. She brings over 15 years of experience in education, training, and curriculum development, and 10 years on the mat as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner.
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No. Our approach prioritizes awareness, communication, and de-escalation. Physical techniques focus on creating space and getting to safety, using control rather than strength or aggression, and are always taught in line with your workplace policies.
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Encouraged, yes. Required, no. Participation is always by choice, and every activity has a no-contact option.
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Yes. Techniques are designed to work regardless of size or strength, and no fitness level or experience is needed.
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Yes. Sessions are built on trauma-informed principles, with choice, consent, and emotional safety at the core.
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Comfortable clothing they can move in. No special gear required.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Your quote covers consultation, planning, materials, and facilitation. Additional costs may apply if you need:
A larger group: Empowerment Sessions over 22 people include an assistant instructor.
For larger teams, book multiple sessions and get 5% off multi-session bookings.
More time: sessions can be extended beyond the standard length at $800-$1100 per additional hour.
Travel: for locations outside Metro Vancouver, travel and accommodation are quoted separately.
Add-ons: refreshers, onboarding modules, leadership debriefs, or a Safety Playbook for Empowerment Sessions.
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A private room with enough open space for the group to move around.
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Yes. Travel and accommodation are quoted separately.
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3–4 weeks is ideal. Busy periods like March (International Women's Day) fill up early.
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