Emotional & Behavioural Regulation in Children & Teens
Big emotions can feel overwhelming—for kids, and for the families trying to support them. Whether your child shuts down, lashes out, or seems constantly “on edge,” you’re not alone. At FFEW, we help children and caregivers build emotional & behavioural regulation skills that bring more calm, connection, and confidence.
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What Emotional & Behavioural Dysregulation Looks Like
Some kids cry easily. Others seem explosive or irritable. And some keep everything inside until they suddenly erupt. Emotional regulation is the ability to recognize, express, and manage feelings. When this skill is underdeveloped, it can look like:
You might notice your child:
- Having frequent tantrums or meltdowns
- Struggling to calm down once upset
- Reacting intensely to minor situations
- Avoiding emotional expression altogether
Your child isn’t bad or broken—they just haven’t learned how to manage big feelings yet. That’s a skill we can teach.
How Dysregulation Impacts Families
Emotion and behaviour regulation challenges can create ongoing tension at home. You might:
- Walk on eggshells to prevent outbursts
- Feel burned out by constant conflict or correction
- Struggle to help your child calm down
- Notice challenges with school, sleep, or friendships
When emotional reactions become the norm, the whole family feels it. That’s why we treat dysregulation as a family issue—not just an individual one.
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How We Support Emotional & Behavioural Regulation
At FFEW, we help children and teens build emotional skills—and we support the parents who walk alongside them.
One-on-One Therapy for Children & Teens
We use CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and DBT-informed techniques to help your child:
- Understand what they’re feeling and why
- Recognize physical cues of distress
- Practice calming strategies and impulse control
- Learn how to cope without shutting down or acting out
Therapy is tailored to your child’s age, needs, and goals
Learn more about individual therapy for children
Learn more about individual therapy for teens
One-on-One Parent Coaching
Many kids learn best when parents learn too. In coaching sessions, we help you:
- Support your child’s regulation without escalating conflict
- Understand what drives emotional outbursts
- Manage your own stress and reactivity
- Create a calmer, more connected home
Learn more about Individual Parent Coaching
Group Therapy for Parents
Our Parenting Emotionally Intense Children group is a safe space to:
- Learn regulation strategies rooted in evidence-based approaches
- Reflect on your own patterns and responses
- Build support and connection with other caregivers
Learn more about Group Therapy for Parents
Why Families Choose FFEW
We know emotional dysregulation isn’t just a phase—it’s a skill gap. Our warm, skilled team is here to help children and caregivers grow together.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Specialists in Emotion Regulation – CBT, DBT, and parenting experts
- Parent + Child Approach – We involve families for lasting change
- Tailored to Age & Stage – Therapy that meets kids where they are
- Virtual & In-Person Options – Access support across Ontario
Meet Your Regulation Support Team
- Dr. Zia Lakdawalla, Ph.D., C.Psych – Child & Adolescent Psychologist, Director
- Dr. Lana Zinck, Ph.D., C. Psych – Registered Psychologist
- Dr. Tamara Meixner, Ph.D., C.Psych. – Registered Psychologist
- Cassandra Harmsen, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate – Clinical Therapist
- Ola Obaro, MA, RP, CCC – Registered Psychotherapist
- Charlotte Johnston, M.S.W., R.S.W. – Registered Social Worker
- Jaydon Frid, M.S.W., R.S.W. – Registered Social Worker
Our team brings deep expertise in working with emotional and behavioural challenges—especially when things feel “stuck.”
View Our Full Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions parents ask about this service—so you can feel more confident about what to expect.
Is emotional dysregulation a mental health diagnosis?
No, it’s a pattern—not a diagnosis. But it can contribute to or overlap with ADHD, anxiety, depression, or trauma. We’ll help you understand what’s going on.
Will I be involved in my child’s treatment?
Yes! We work closely with parents and offer dedicated coaching sessions and group support so you feel equipped at home.
What if my child doesn’t want to talk about feelings?
That’s okay. We use creative and developmentally appropriate strategies to help kids explore emotions in ways that feel safe and engaging.
How long does it take to see results?
Many families notice early shifts within 6–8 sessions. We’ll check in regularly and adjust our approach as needed.
Do you offer virtual therapy?
Yes. We offer in-person sessions in Toronto and virtual sessions across Ontario.