Big Emotions & Meltdown Support in Coquitlam
Does it feel like you are walking on eggshells at home, never quite sure what might trigger the next outburst? You might be dealing with "explosive" moments, prolonged crying, or a child who seems to go from 0 to 100 in seconds. At Strong River Counselling, we specialize in helping families navigate big emotions and meltdowns by looking beneath the behavior to find the need.
We provide a safe, neuro-affirming space in Coquitlam where children can learn to understand their internal world and parents can regain their confidence.
Symptoms Parents Notice: Beyond the "Tantrum"
While all children have tantrums, "big emotions" often feel different. They are more intense, last longer, and can feel exhausting for the whole family. You might notice:
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Emotional Fragility: Small disappointments lead to inconsolable crying or intense anger.
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Physical Aggression: Hitting, kicking, or throwing items during a loss of regulation.
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Sensory Overload: Meltdowns that seem to happen in loud, crowded, or brightly lit environments.
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Difficulty "Coming Down": Once a meltdown starts, it takes a very long time for your child to return to a calm state.
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Caregiver Burnout: Feeling like you are constantly managing your child's mood to prevent a "scene."
Why Big Emotions and Meltdowns Happen
In our practice, we don't see meltdowns as "naughtiness" or "manipulation." We see them as a nervous system at capacity.
Emotional Regulation and the Brain
Children are born without the ability to self-regulate; they require "co-regulation" from a calm adult to develop those skills. For many children—especially those who are neurodivergent or have experienced trauma—the "brakes" in their brain (the prefrontal cortex) aren't yet strong enough to manage the "engine" of their emotions. We help children in the Tri-Cities build those "brakes" through connection and play.
What to Do at Home First
When a meltdown is happening, the goal is safety and connection, not "teaching a lesson."
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Prioritize Safety: Keep your child (and yourself) safe, but stay close. Your presence is the primary tool for co-regulation.
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Wait for the "Cool Down": Logic does not work when a child is dysregulated. Wait until the "emotional storm" has passed before talking about what happened.
Our Approach: Play-Based Emotional Regulation
At Strong River Counselling, we use a blend of Play Therapy and Parent Coaching to help your family find a new rhythm.
Neuro-affirming Regulation Strategies
For children with ADHD, Autism, or sensory processing differences, traditional "time-outs" often backfire. We use neuro-affirming strategies that respect your child's unique sensory profile, focusing on "time-ins" and sensory toolkits that help them feel safe in their bodies.
Attachment-Based Healing
We work with you, the parent, to strengthen the attachment bond. When a child feels deeply connected and understood, their need to use "big behaviors" to communicate their distress naturally decreases.
Meet Your Clinical Director:
Destinee Kreil, MCP, RCC
As the Clinical Director of Strong River Counselling, Destinee Kreil is passionate about helping Tri-Cities families move from chaos to calm. With expertise in Neuro-affirming ADHD Support and childhood mental health, Destinee provides evidence-based care tailored to the unique needs of your child.
Ready to end the "Walking on Eggshells" at home?
Don't navigate the "Big Worries" alone. We offer a safe, non-judgmental space for your child to find their brave.