Join Lisa Dion as she explores external regulation in the Child Life Specialist.

Research in neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology sheds light on the need for the Child Life Specialist to act as the external regulator supporting the child and their family to move towards the intensity they are experiencing allowing for integration.  

Without the ability of the Child Life Specialist to become the external regulator for the intensity that arises, both the child, family, and the Child Life Specialist are at risk for emotional flooding and high levels of dysregulation in their nervous systems. Over time, this can significantly impact a Child Life Specialist’s longevity in the field, as well as the ability to stay attuned and present to the child and family during care.

Break out session:

We are in this together:  Understanding Nervous System States for Co-Regulation

This presentation explores the various states of activation of the nervous system in order to help Child Life Specialists understand new ways of working with a child’s fears and anxieties, how to recognize emotional flooding, and ultimately how to become the external regulator to co-regulate a child through their challenging experiences leading to a more adaptive and less overwhelming hospital experience. Register or learn more here.