What topics do you cover in your parenting workshops?

At Strong River Counselling, our workshops are designed to meet the real-world needs of Tri-Cities families. We offer specialized training in EFFT for Parents, neuro-affirming strategies for ADHD and Autism, and "big emotion" regulation tools for toddlers and school-aged children. Whether you are looking for a parenting workshop in Coquitlam to handle meltdowns or a deep dive into the science of play, our sessions provide a blend of clinical research and practical, "ready-to-use" strategies.

Are these workshops suitable for educators and childcare professionals?

Yes. We frequently host professional development workshops tailored for Coquitlam educators, ECEs, and social workers. Our training on the Marie-José Dhaese model and trauma-informed care is ideal for professionals looking to enhance their toolkit when supporting children with complex emotional or sensory needs. We offer both "open" community workshops and private, customized training for schools or organizations in the Tri-Cities.

Do I need to be a client of Strong River Counselling to attend?

Not at all! Our educational workshops are open to everyone in the community. They serve as an excellent "entry point" if you are considering therapy but want to get to know our approach first. Many families find that attending a workshop on childhood anxiety or attachment-based parenting provides them with immediate relief and a clearer understanding of whether individual child therapy or EFFT coaching is their next best step.

Are your workshops available virtually or in person?

We believe in making expert mental health education accessible. We host in-person workshops at our Coquitlam office (3030 Lincoln Ave) for a high-connection, hands-on experience. Additionally, we offer virtual webinars across British Columbia for parents and professionals who prefer the convenience of learning from home. Be sure to check our current schedule for upcoming dates and registration details.

Educational Workshops & Community Presentations

mental health presentation to parents and educators

Empowering Families in Coquitlam and Across British Columbia

At Strong River Counselling, we believe that education is the first step toward healing. While we provide specialized in-person therapy at our Coquitlam clinic, our workshops allow us to bring clinical tools and neuro-affirming strategies to a broader community of parents, educators, and organizations.

Our presentations are designed to take complex psychological concepts—like EFFT (Emotion-Focused Family Therapy) and sensory processing—and turn them into practical, "Monday-morning-ready" tools for your home or classroom.

Our Primary Goal: Empowering Through Education

The core mission of our workshops is to move beyond "advice" and provide parents, educators, and community members with a comprehensive toolkit for supporting child mental health. At Strong River Counselling, we believe that when the adults in a child’s life feel empowered and informed, the child’s path to healing becomes clearer.

Our presentations are designed to:

Bridge the Gap Between Therapy and Home: We translate clinical concepts—such as Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and Neuro-affirming care into actionable strategies you can use immediately in your daily life.
Foster Deep Connection: We move away from "compliance-based" parenting and toward an attachment-focused model that prioritizes the relationship over the behavior.
Promote Neuro-Inclusive Advocacy: We provide the language and tools needed to advocate for children with ADHD, Autism, and sensory differences within the SD43 school system and beyond.
Reduce Caregiver Burnout: By understanding the "why" behind a child’s struggle, we help caregivers shift from frustration to empathy, reducing stress for the entire family unit.

Sample Workshop & Presentation Topics

We offer specialized presentations for parents, educators, and community groups across the Tri-Cities and British Columbia. Each session is designed to move beyond theory, providing participants with practical, neuro-affirming tools to support children’s mental health.

Decoding "Big Feelings": A Neuro-Affirming Look at Regulation. Perfect for parents and educators supporting children with ADHD, Autism, or sensory processing differences. We explore how to move away from traditional "behavior management" and toward nervous-system-led support that honors a child’s unique wiring.
The Parent as the Medicine: An Introduction to EFFT Based on Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). This workshop empowers caregivers to become the primary agents of healing for their children. Participants learn how to navigate emotional blocks, repair relationship ruptures, and use emotion coaching to build family resilience.
Navigating School Anxiety & Attendance Challenges. A vital session for families facing school refusal or social anxiety. We discuss attachment-based strategies for collaborating with schools (such as SD43) and practical ways to support a child's "brave muscles" during difficult transitions.
The Power of Play: Building Connection Through Creative Expression. Drawing from our Expressive Play Therapy expertise, we teach parents how to use play as a primary language for communication. Learn how to "see" what your child is saying through their play and how to use creative activities to strengthen your bond.

Host a Private Parenting Circle

Sometimes the best way to learn is in the comfort of your own living room, surrounded by your closest friends. We are proud to offer Private Parent Circles—an intimate, "salon-style" evening designed for small groups of friends or neighbors who want to dive deep into parenting topics in a relaxed, private setting.

How it works:

You Gather the Group: Invite 6 to 10 friends who are navigating similar parenting stages or challenges (e.g., parenting neurodivergent children, navigating the toddler years, or managing school-age anxiety).
We Bring the Expertise: One of our clinical experts will join your group for a 90-minute to 2-hour session. We provide a mix of foundational education and a "deep-dive" Q&A tailored specifically to your group's questions.
The Goal: To leave you and your friends feeling validated, connected, and equipped with a shared language of EFFT and neuro-affirming strategies to support one another long after the evening ends.

Who Our Workshops Are Designed For

Our presentations are crafted for those who are on the front lines of supporting children’s growth and mental health. Whether you are looking for a deep dive into neuro-affirming strategies or a foundational introduction to EFFT, we partner with individuals and organizations across Coquitlam and British Columbia to provide high-impact education.

These workshops are ideal for:

Parents & Caregivers: Those seeking to move beyond traditional discipline and toward a connection-based approach. We help parents navigate the complexities of ADHD, Autism, anxiety, and big emotional transitions.
School District 43 (SD43) PACs: We provide engaging evening sessions for Parent Advisory Councils looking to support their school community with practical, evidence-based tools for school anxiety and regulation.
Educators & Support Staff: Teachers and EAs looking for neuro-inclusive classroom strategies that prioritize sensory safety and emotional regulation over compliance.
Community & Non-Profit Organizations: We collaborate with local groups to provide accessible mental health education for diverse families in the Tri-Cities.
Childcare Professionals: Empowering daycare providers and early childhood educators with a trauma-informed lens on early development and play.

Program and Format Options

We recognize that every community and organization has unique needs. To ensure our educational support is as accessible as possible, Strong River Counselling offers a variety of flexible formats tailored to your group's size, goals, and location within British Columbia.

Our delivery formats include:

In-Person Presentations (Tri-Cities): We provide engaging, face-to-face workshops at our Coquitlam clinic (3030 Lincoln Ave) or on-site at your school or community venue. This is the ideal format for tactile learning and deep group connection.
Interactive Virtual Webinars (BC-Wide): Using secure, high-quality video platforms, we bring our expertise to families and organizations across British Columbia. These sessions include live Q&A and digital resource kits, making them a convenient option for remote PACs and provincial organizations.
Standard Keynotes & Lunch-and-Learns (60–90 Mins): Perfect for Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meetings or professional development blocks. These sessions focus on one core topic, providing high-impact takeaways in a condensed timeframe.
Half-Day Intensive Workshops (3–4 Hours): Designed for groups looking for a deeper dive. These sessions include clinical case studies, hands-on practice with EFFT scripts, and collaborative brainstorming for complex classroom or home scenarios.
Custom Series: We can curate a multi-week series for organizations looking to build sustainable, long-term skills in neuro-affirming care and emotional regulation.

Ready to Connect? How to Register

Whether you are an individual parent looking for a scheduled class or an organization seeking a custom presentation, we have made our booking process simple and secure.

For Organizations & Schools (Group Inquiries)

If you are looking to book a presentation for your SD43 PAC, community group, or professional team, please follow these steps:

Submit an Inquiry: Reach out via our Contact Form with your preferred date, estimated group size, and desired topic.
Initial Consultation: We will schedule a brief call to discuss your community's specific needs and customize the presentation content.
Confirmation: Once the format (In-Person or Virtual) is finalized, we will provide a formal booking agreement and digital promotional materials for your event.

Join a Scheduled Public Workshop

We host regular webinars and community events via Google Meet, making it easy for families in the Tri-Cities and across British Columbia to join from home.

View Upcoming Dates: Visit our Strong River Eventbrite Page to see all currently scheduled workshops and webinars.
Secure Your Ticket: Register directly through Eventbrite to receive your secure Google Meet link and digital session materials.
Stay in the Loop: No events listed? Follow us on Eventbrite to receive an automatic notification the moment a new workshop is announced.

View Workshops on Eventbrite

Inquire About a Private Event

Investment & Logistics

We strive to make our educational support both accessible and transparent. Whether you are joining us from across British Columbia or here in the Tri-Cities, here is what you can expect:

Private Parenting Circles: $350.00 flat rate for a 90-minute session (6 to 10 participants).
Public Community Workshops: Individual tickets typically range from $50–$75 per attendee (listed on Eventbrite).
PAC & School Presentations: Please contact us for a custom quote based on your organization’s needs.

Technology & Delivery:

Virtual Events: Conducted via Google Meet. No software downloads are required; you can join directly through your web browser.
In-Person Events: Available at our Coquitlam clinic or your local venue.
Resources: Every attendee receives a digital "Toolkit" PDF following the session to help implement the strategies at home or in the classroom.

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"Knowledge and understanding are the essential elements of all healing." - Dr. Karl Menninger