Supporting Emotional Regulation Through 1:1 Support & Groups

  Emotional regulation is a vital life skill — and for many NDIS participants, it’s also a key area of support. Whether someone is managing big emotions, meltdowns, anxiety, or sensory overwhelm, learning how to self-regulate can open the door to greater independence and confidence.

At Loving Life, we use a combination of 1:1 support and group-based programs to help participants build emotional awareness and regulation in ways that are safe, practical, and respectful.

🧍 Why Emotional Regulation Matters in Disability Support

Being able to identify, express, and manage emotions impacts almost every area of life:

• Building friendships

• Trying new things

• Attending school or work

• Handling change and transition

• Participating in the community

Emotional regulation challenges aren’t just “bad behaviour” — they often reflect unmet needs, communication difficulties, or a nervous system that’s in overdrive. That’s why we approach this support area with empathy, patience, and skill.

👥 Supporting Regulation in Group Settings

In our NDIS social groups, participants get to practise emotional regulation in real-time. Here’s how we build that into our programs:

• Predictable routines to reduce anxiety

• Visual supports that help with transitions and expectations

• Social story practice before unfamiliar activities

• Safe spaces to take a break if things feel overwhelming

• Guided reflection after activities (“How did that feel?” “What helped?”)

• Peer modelling — seeing others use calm-down strategies can be powerful

Our support staff are trained to notice early signs of dysregulation and respond before things escalate. That might mean redirecting, validating feelings, offering sensory tools, or simply providing a quiet moment to reset.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 How 1:1 Support Builds Emotional Skills

One-on-one time offers something group settings can’t always provide: space to slow down and personalise support. Here’s how we use 1:1 time to help participants build emotional regulation:

• Co-regulation – staying calm with a participant as they experience strong emotions

• Labelling emotions – putting words (or visuals) to how they feel

• Identifying triggers – gently exploring what led to the upset

• Practising coping strategies – like breathing, movement, or sensory tools

• Celebrating progress – recognising when participants manage things better than before

We often use play, movement, art, or everyday tasks as opportunities to explore emotional experiences in a low-pressure way.

🧠 It’s Not About “Fixing” Emotions

We don’t expect participants to never feel upset, anxious, or dysregulated — that’s just being human. What we aim to do is help them feel safe, understood, and better equipped with tools to navigate those moments.

Sometimes, that means helping participants understand what’s happening in their body. Other times, it’s about helping them advocate for what they need before overwhelm sets in.

Whether in a group or 1:1 setting, emotional regulation takes time — but the growth we see is worth every moment. With the right support, participants can learn to express themselves, recover from challenges, and build resilience that lasts.

📝 Contact us here