You see your child struggling with emotions—frustration bubbling over into anger, excitement turning into restlessness, or anxiety making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. You want to help, but where do you begin?
Emotional regulation is a skill that takes time and practice, and the Zones of Regulation is a fantastic framework to guide children (and the adults around them) in understanding and managing emotions.
At Total Children’s Therapy (TCT), we’re passionate about supporting children and young people in understanding their emotions and building confidence in social situations. That’s why we’re excited to offer Zones of Regulation support as part of our commitment to helping children build emotional awareness, confidence, and self-advocacy.
What is the Zones of Regulation?
The Zones of Regulation is a simple, visual system that helps children understand and regulate their emotions. It categorises feelings and energy levels into four colour-coded zones, giving children (and the adults around them) a common language to talk about emotions.
This programme is particularly useful for those with ASD, ADHD, anxiety, or sensory processing challenges but is beneficial for any child learning to manage emotions.
How Can the Zones of Regulation Help?
The service is delivered by Helen Riggs, with over 20 years of experience, Helen has supported children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Developmental Language Disorder, and sensory processing challenges in schools and at home. She believes that every child is unique, and by understanding their strengths and challenges, we can tailor strategies that truly work for them.
Helen has a background of working in schools using the concepts of Zones of Regulation and she has recently updated her knowledge and skills by completing the new 2024 version of the Zones of Regulation training.
Helen works with children and families to build emotional awareness and self-regulation strategies in a way that is engaging, practical, and tailored to their needs.
✔ For children: Learning to identify their emotions and develop strategies to self-regulate.
✔ For parents and teachers: Understanding how to support children using the Zones language and techniques.
✔ For schools: Creating a consistent approach that benefits not just one child, but potentially an entire classroom or school environment.
By using consistent language and strategies across home and school, children can practice and reinforce their emotional regulation skills in all aspects of life.
Ongoing Benefits for Families and Schools
The Zones of Regulation is not a behaviour management programme—it’s a tool to help children understand their emotions, reduce anxiety, and build lifelong self-regulation skills. By fostering a Zones climate across school and home, children feel more supported, understood, and confident in managing their emotions.
Get in Touch
Every child deserves the confidence to understand themselves and advocate for their needs. Let’s help them get there together.
If you feel your child would benefit from learning how to understand and regulate their emotions, I would love to help. Contact the TCT Office to discuss how we can support your family.
Written by Helen Riggs, Social Communication Specialist. A brochure outlining full details of the service and Helen's experience is available to download below.
Comments