Emotional Regulation: Understanding Triggers

Responding to Behaviours Across Educational and Clinical Settings *THIS EVENT HAS BOTH IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE OPTIONS* Welcome to The Student Based Mental Health & Education Conference: High Risk, Dysregulated Kids and Indigenous Perspectives in Technology-Saturated World On behalf of Jack Hirose & Associates, welcome and thank you for joining us in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We are delighted to bring together educators, counsellors, therapists, administrators, mental health professionals, and helping professionals from across Canada for three days of practical, evidence-informed learning. Winnipeg is a vibrant and culturally rich city with a strong sense of community, diverse dining, arts and cultural attractions, and a unique history. We encourage you to take advantage of your time here by exploring the city and experiencing the warmth and hospitality Winnipeg has to offer. Throughout the conference, you will explore practical strategies for supporting children and youth experiencing emotional dysregulation, mental health challenges, trauma, and other complex needs. Sessions will also highlight Indigenous perspectives, resilience, connection, and culturally responsive approaches to supporting children, youth, families, and communities. We hope you enjoy both the conference and your time in Winnipeg, and leave feeling inspired, connected, and equipped with practical strategies and new ideas to support the children and youth in your communities. ______ Education and Clinical Professionals: All education and mental health or healthcare professionals who work with children or youth including, but not limited to K–12 Classroom Teachers, School Counsellors, Learning Assistance/Resource Teachers, School Administrators, School Paraprofessionals including Special Education Assistants, Classroom Assistants and Childcare Workers • All other professionals who support behavioural challenges and complex learning needs including but not limited to: Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists, Clinical Counsellors, Family Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Addiction Counsellors, Youth Workers, Mental Health Workers, Probation Officers and Community Police Officers. ______ Day One – December 2, 2026 Emotional Regulation: Understanding Triggers and Responding to Behaviours Across Educational and Clinical Settings Presented by Tracy Whittaker-Taggart, M.A. 8:30am - 4:00pm December 2, 2026 Children and youth experience emotions and behaviour in different ways, and how adults understand and respond to those behaviours can have a significant impact. Whether you are a teacher, counsellor, psychologist, therapist, educational assistant, administrator, parent, or another helping professional, this workshop invites you to take a closer look at how you currently approach emotional regulation and challenging behaviour. Rather than simply asking, “How do we stop or manage this behaviour?” participants will be encouraged to step back and consider: What might this behaviour be communicating? What does this child or youth need from the adults and environment around them? Through discussion, reflection, and practical examples, we’ll challenge some common assumptions about emotions and behaviour and explore how shifting our perspective can change the way we respond. Participants will examine their own current practices and strategies, considering what is working, what may need to change, and how adult expectations and responses can influence a child or youth’s ability to regulate. The workshop will explore practical approaches for responding to emotional and behavioural challenges in ways that promote connection, safety, and understanding rather than simply focusing on compliance or behaviour management. Throughout the session, participants will have opportunities to share experiences, discuss real-world challenges, and consider how these ideas apply to their own settings. The workshop concludes with a practical planning component where participants will identify and brainstorm specific changes they can make in their classroom, clinical practice, community setting, or home. Participants will leave with a refreshed perspective on emotional regulation and behaviour, practical strategies they can begin using right away, and concrete ideas for creating environments that better support children and youth with a wide range of emotional and behavioural needs.