If this presentation title puts a song in your head, then we’re off to a great start! Because the focus of this two-hour presentation is on a dance of sorts: the dance of co-regulation. Co-regulation is the process by which an adult’s internal state supports the emotional regulation of a child in distress. We will discuss the neurobiological basis of co-regulation and debunk common myths about how children learn to self-soothe. The importance of self-regulation will be highlighted; we will learn how to identify our own triggers for distress and dial down the intensity of our own reactions. With a foundation of calm, we will explore ways to approach co-regulation with children. Michelle will offer engaging videos, experiential exercises, stories-as-examples, and concrete strategies as learning tools in this workshop.

Living Inquiries:

Well-being and belonging
Communication and literacies

Pathways:

Emotions, thoughts, and views
Every child is a gift
Multiple modes of communication
Interests and inquiries

Suitable for ECE students, parents, intermediate and experienced early care and learning professionals working with children of all ages, from infants/toddlers to school age children, including children with extra support needs.

Facilitator(s): Michelle Srdanovic

Michelle is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in private practice in New Westminster. She works with adults, children and parents struggling with anxiety, the impact of historical or recent trauma, and problems in interpersonal relationships. She is trained in Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT) and Families (EFFT), Gottman Couples’ Therapy, Expressive Play Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Michelle also provides clinical supervision to agencies and other therapists, and regularly delivers presentations in community and school settings. She was a Human Behaviour Instructor at BCIT for 15 years, teaching communications skills including empathy, conflict resolution and stress-management. Her own life experience as a spouse and a parent to an almost-done high schooler also informs her work with clients. Additional information about her practice can be found on her website at www.michellesrdanovic.com.