Each session blends education, reflection, and practical RO DBT informed and DBT informed exercises to help parents, partners and family members strengthen emotional regulation, communication, and connection within their families.
Workshops
01
Understanding the Biosocial Theory of Self and Others
02
Mindful Communication for Connection
03
Values, Forgiveness, and Intimacy in the Family System
04
Understanding and Shaping Behaviours Through Awareness and Connection
Workshop 1: Understanding the Biosocial Theory of Self and Others
Theme: How biology, environment, and relationships shape behaviour and emotional patterns in families.
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Objectives:
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Understand the biosocial theory of self and others (how temperament + environment interact to create patterns of under-control and over-control).
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Explore how these patterns show up between parents, children, siblings and partners.
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Identify how nervous system regulation impacts emotional and relational safety.
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Learn emotion regulation and co-regulation strategies for yourself and your family.
Activities:
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Guided reflection: “Which members of our family tend to under-control or over-control?”
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Nervous system mapping: Identify personal triggers and safety cues.
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Practice: 3 regulation skills (e.g., paced breathing, grounding, and distress tolerance).
Workshop 2: Mindful Communication for Connection (Two part workshop)
Theme: Speaking and listening with awareness and validation.
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Objectives:
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Increase mindfulness with social signalling within the family.
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Learn and identify communication styles (direct, indirect, disguised demands).
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Practice levels of validation to deepen connection with children and partners.
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Explore giving and receiving feedback mindfully
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Introduce gentle teasing as tools for feedback.
Activities:
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Communication style quiz and discussion.
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Role-play: “Turning disguised demands into direct requests.”
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Validation practice using real-life family examples.
Workshop 3: Values, Forgiveness, and Intimacy in the Family System (Two part workshop)
Theme: Building closeness through shared values, repair, and mindful awareness.​
Objectives:
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Clarify individual and family values and explore how values conflicts arise.
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Understand intimacy building in families: balancing closeness and independence.
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Understand intergenerational trauma and its impact on family interactions.
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Distinguish between communication of anger that harms vs. anger that heals.
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Practice forgiveness and resentment release exercises.
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Learn mindfulness and social signal skills to rebuild connection and intimacy.
Activities:
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Values card sort (individual and family).
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Discussion: “When values collide—how do we respond?”
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Forgiveness journaling: “What do I need to forgive or release?”
Workshop 4: Understanding and Shaping Behaviours Through Awareness and Connection
Theme: Bringing RO DBT and DBT principles into practice — shaping behaviour with compassion and awareness.
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Objectives:
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Understand how behaviour is shaped and maintained within family systems.
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Identify reinforcers that unintentionally sustain challenging behaviours and increase disconnection.
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Learn the basics of a chain analysis to trace triggers, thoughts, and responses.
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Develop insight into family behaviour patterns and where change is possible.
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Learn where and how to interrupt unhelpful patterns to strengthen connection.
Activities:
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Identifying reinforcing loops.
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Walk-through of a real-life chain analysis example.
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Group practice: “Where can I pause or intervene differently?”
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Mindful parenting reflection: “How can I shape with validation and limits?”
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