Raising Big Feelers: A Free Parenting Workshop in Coquitlam
- Destinee Kreil
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
By Destinee Kreil, Clinical Director & Child Therapist
Partnering with the Coquitlam Public Library for an Evidence-Based Parenting Workshop
Does your child’s "Big Emotions" often leave you feeling "underwater"?
If you are a parent in the Tri-Cities, you know the feeling: the intense after-school meltdowns, the evening irritability, and that heavy sense that you’re constantly reacting to your child’s behavior instead of truly understanding it.
At Strong River Counselling, we believe that the science of childhood emotions shouldn't be a mystery. That is why I am so honored to announce our upcoming partnership with the Coquitlam Public Library. Together, we are offering a specialized parenting workshop in Coquitlam to bring essential mental health resources directly to our neighbors.
Moving from Chaos to Calm: A Connection-First Approach
In my practice here in Coquitlam, I work with Big Feelers every day. These are children (aged 3–12) who experience the world with incredible intensity. While their sensitivity is a gift, navigating their dysregulation can feel like a full-time job for parents in survival mode.
On April 14th, I will be hosting a free community workshop at the City Centre branch titled: Raising Big Feelers: From Chaos to Calm. This isn't just another parenting talk; it is a clinical deep-dive into the neurobiology of meltdowns.
What We Will Explore Together
In this interactive session at the Coquitlam Public Library, we will strip away the "behavioral" labels and look at what is actually happening in your child’s nervous system.
Our official learning objectives include:
The Science of Big Feelings: Understand what is actually happening in your child's brain and body when they lose control.
Co-Regulation Strategies: Practical ways to stay calm and grounded so you can help your child de-escalate.
Effective Communication: What to say during an emotional outburst to help your child feel safe and understood.
Emotional Regulation Coping Skills: Proactive tools to help your child manage "end-of-the-day" exhaustion and handle big emotions before they escalate.
Clinical Q&A: An opportunity to ask specific questions and receive professional insight into navigating emotional dysregulation at home.
Event Details & Registration
Accessibility to mental health support is a core value at Strong River Counselling.
Location: Coquitlam Public Library (City Centre Branch)
Date: Tuesday, April 14th, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: Free (Registration is required via the CPL website)
Can’t Make the Workshop?
If you are currently navigating childhood emotional dysregulation and need more specialized, one-on-one support, Strong River Counselling is here to help.
We specialize in Expressive Play Therapy and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), providing a connection-first model tailored to your child’s unique nervous system.
Frequently Asked Questions About the "Raising Big Feelers" Workshop
1. What will I learn at this Coquitlam parenting workshop?
This session focuses on the neurobiology of childhood emotions. We move beyond traditional discipline to look at how the "downstairs brain" triggers meltdowns. You will leave with a clear understanding of your child's nervous system and practical co-regulation tools to use at home.
2. Is this event for parents of neurodivergent children in the Tri-Cities?
Yes. While the tools are rooted in universal brain science, they are particularly effective for parents of children with ADHD, Anxiety, or sensory processing sensitivities. Any caregiver in the Tri-Cities area looking for a "connection-first" approach to big emotions will find this valuable.
3. How can I learn about emotional regulation if I can't attend?
If you are unable to make it to the City Centre Library on April 14th, you can still access our clinical resources online. We recommend reading our foundational guide: The Power of Emotional Regulation: A Guide for Parents.
4. Do I need to be a client of Strong River Counselling to register?
No. This is a free community event hosted in partnership with the Coquitlam Public Library. It is open to all residents of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody. Registration is required through the library's website to secure your spot.
5. Do I need a formal diagnosis to start counselling for my child?
No, you do not need a formal diagnosis to begin support. At Strong River Counselling, we work with the child and the family's unique needs. We focus on the presentation of the behaviour and the mental health of the child, helping you build a toolkit regardless of whether you have an official piece of paper.
6. Where can I find more child therapy resources in Coquitlam?
Strong River Counselling provides specialized Child & Play Therapy and Parent Coaching at our local clinic. We regularly update the Strong River Blog with evidence-based strategies for local families.
Destinee is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and the Clinical Director of Strong River Counselling in Coquitlam, BC. With a specialized focus on child and family mental health, she provides expert guidance for families navigating complex emotional landscapes, including childhood anxiety, trauma, and behavioral challenges. Destinee is an advocate for evidence-based support, utilizing her expertise in Play Therapy and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) to help children and parents across the Tri-Cities build resilience and foster deeper emotional connections.