The Importance of Co-regulation
How our nervous system impacts the individuals around us
Why does co-regulation matter?
Co-regulation is important to create emotional safety, healthy attachment and learning for those around us. Co-regulation principles are grounded in trauma informed care practices and reinforce the use of a client centered lens.
Co-regulation occurs when we offer someone a calming presence and the sense of safety they need to help their nervous system calm down.
In short- we influence and are influenced by the emotional states of those around us.
Co-regulation vs Self-regulation:
While co-regulation involves supporting another person calming their nervous system, self-regulation involves the process whereby we manage our own emotions, body states and behaviours independently.
Self-regulation is the long-term goal; co-regulation is the pathway to getting there!
How does co-regulation show up in the Disability Service field?
Co-regulation shows up in the work that we do as we engage with individuals fostering trust, connection and rapport. It is more than just “calming someone down”, it is about fostering connection and safety!
What does co-regulation look like?
| What it is | What it’s not |
| Modeling slow, deep breaths | Breathing in a fast, hyperventilating manner |
| Using a calm, neutral tone of voice | Speaking louder or over explaining |
| Validating someone’s emotions and experience | Utilizing directive statements |
| Offering your presence and support | Overloading with instructions, verbal output and solutions |
| Creating a calming environment | Adding more verbal or visual input than necessary |
What does it take for co-regulation to work?
Co-regulation is more than physical space and walking someone through deep breathing. It involves getting to know an individual and meeting them where they are at.
It utilizes a culture of care whereby we work to create a safe environment and understand that not everyone regulates in the same way.
It centers around removing the stigma and shame towards others for expressing their frustration in different ways or for having emotional outbursts.
With practice and consistency, co-regulation helps to move individuals towards a place where they can self-regulate and self-soothe more effectively.
Benefits of co-regulation:
- Emotional stability
- Fosters trust and connection
- Facilitates engagement
- Teach self-regulation skills
- Reduces stress for caregivers/staff
How else can we engage in co-regulation?
- Understanding an individual’s triggers
- Create a calming environment
- Utilize support, empathy and trust
- Utilize proactive/positive behaviour support strategies
- Collaboration within the team
- Utilize a trauma informed care lens
- By adapting to the environment or adapting to an individual’s unique needs.
Remember, we cannot help others calm down and co-regulate, if we do not self-regulate ourselves first!
Written by: Saaliha Majid
Support Approach Consultant
