Tantrums & Sensory Meltdowns
Finding calm in the storm through understanding and proactive support.
Understanding the Storm
Tantrums and meltdowns are fundamentally different. A tantrum is often goal-oriented; a meltdown is a neurological overflow of stress, emotion, or sensory input. Drawing on her extensive experience as a Behaviour Therapist, Sheila helps families distinguish between the two.
We work collaboratively to identify triggers, implement preventative visual and behavioural strategies to avoid explosive episodes, and teach trauma-informed methods to safely navigate meltdowns when they occur.
For practical, behaviour-focused strategies, explore our behaviour intervention support. Many families also find emotional regulation work helpful for building co-regulation skills.
Tantrum and meltdown support is offered from the Port Coquitlam office, welcoming families from Coquitlam, Port Moody and the Tri-Cities.
Professional Collaboration
A child's growth is supported best when their whole village works together. Sheila actively collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure consistent, wrap-around support across all environments. We partner closely with:
Bridging the Gap: To ensure that therapeutic strategies translate into real-world success, Sheila is available to attend school meetings (including IEPs), conduct school and daycare observations, and help develop cohesive, evidence-based behaviour and emotional regulation plans that work seamlessly between home, school, and clinic.
Learn how Sunny Spot can collaborate with families, educators and school teams.
For things to try at home, explore our free tantrum, meltdown and shutdown guide.
Not Sure How to Tell Your Child About Counselling?
The way counselling is introduced can shape how safe and open it feels. Our gentle parent guide includes age-appropriate language, simple scripts, what to avoid, and what the first sessions may look like.
Read the Parent Guide
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