Guiding Big Feelings

Community Workshop

Facilitator(s): Kate Saunders

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Date: Jun 16, 2026 | Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Strong emotions are a part of life, and there are lots of ways caregivers can help children manage these emotional weather systems that sometimes catch them off-guard. In this workshop we will:  

  • Learn about the ways our brains are wired to get upset, and how adults can lead children to return to a place of calm and self-control.
  • Learn specific steps to handle tantrums and meltdowns, and when children are ready to learn from their mistakes.  
  • Explore simple playful mindfulness practices to build the brain pathways to inner calm.
  • Look a little deeper at our own emotional triggers as signals, and the ways to manage them within the work environment.

Caregivers are important models to children. Demonstrating and teaching self-regulation and how to handle strong feelings is one of the most powerful skills that help prepare children for life.  

Drawing from brain research, Emotion Coaching, mindful breathing, and attachment literature, Counsellor Kate will present a workshop full of practical strategies, with an invitation for greater self-awareness, in an environment of non-judgement.

Facilitator(s): Kate Saunders

Kate Saunders has over 25 years of experience as a counsellor and educator, specializing in working with children and families. She has worked with widely diverse populations, focusing particularly on supporting healthy attachment and emotional development with all of her clients using a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approach. Kate has completed degrees in Child Youth Care and Counselling Psychology, and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC. She works therapeutically with children in play therapy, with parents/adults in tailored counselling sessions, and with parents and children together to address challenging behaviours and emotion regulation. Kate is a sought-after presenter for the practical and effective strategies she offers, as well as her lively presentation style. She has provided parenting workshops and educational seminars from day care providers to doctorate level professionals.

Kate is a certified practitioner and trainer of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, one of the few empirically-valid treatments for disruptive behaviour in young children.

Important Details to Note Prior to Registering:

  • This online free training is offered to childcare staff working in Burnaby and Vancouver. 
  • Only registered individuals will be allowed to join the workshop.
  • Professionals attending will receive a professional development certificate if applicable within one week of the workshop.
  • Participation is required. Your video needs to be on, your camera must be enabled and your microphone working to receive your certificate. Participants must stay for the full workshop/course to receive a certificate.
  • You can join the Zoom link 15 minutes prior to the presentation start time. We will not admit anyone 15 minutes after the start time with respect to the presenters and participants.
  • All participants are expected to complete an online survey after the training.
  • If you cannot attend please do your best to provide 48 hours notice. If you do not cancel and do not show up you will be put on a waitlist and removed from future trainings.