Meltdown Support
Understanding and Supporting Distress Behaviour
If you've landed on this page, you're probably someone who cares deeply about someone who goes through meltdowns, getting dysregulated.
Perhaps you're a parent. Or a teacher. Or a grandparent. Or a clinician. Or a partner. Or hey, even practising some self-love and wanting to do the best by yourself.
My guess is whoever you are, you're here because you want to do the very best by them, and aren't sure what to do or how to respond and want to get ALL the knowledge possible.
It's important that we do this, because when they arise and we're not prepared, everything feels like chaos. We react in the moment and sometimes it helps, but sometimes, it may make things worse. That's *normal*, but it doesn't have to be your normal.
Well, you're in the right place to get support.
These 2 x 2 hour workshops will bring attendees the latest in trauma-informed, attachment-based and neuro-affirming care in creating a roadmap through identifying needs, moving through these distress behaviours and upskilling to move towards coming out the other side. It comes with bucketloads of admiration for those willing to step into the arena to be vulnerable and learn. The workshops will appeal most to those who appreciate structure and Science, whilst balancing those who learn through storytelling and discussion. The workshops are dynamic in that there will be time allocated to small group discussions, worksheet reflections and bringing your questions in.
Let us support you with gentle education in a safe space and help you with a plan to move from reacting to responding with intention so you feel empowered to do the very best by the person in your care.
*These workshops are meant to be psychoeducational in nature, and due to ethical considerations of not knowing the person in question and their full history, Sandhya will only be able to answer and offer generalised information.
Workshop Outline
19th July
26th July
Understanding distress behaviours
We approach this from a brain-based, scientific perspective purpose to support you with nervous system understanding and the logical drivers behind meltdowns.
Uncovering Stressors, Meeting Needs and Building Skills
We offer a framework for understanding what someone may need and what is causing them distress.
This framework is flexible and can be used across the lifespan so is a tool for life!
How to respond
We walk through practical strategies for learning how to respond to someone in distress and how to flexibly utilise these strategies across scenarios.
Case
Discussions
We provide the space for you to practice these strategies with me and with others in the group, so that you may learn from first discussing what may happen, watching others and practising the skills yourself in a supportive environment.
This way you can take them into those stressful situations empowered with the right scripts.
Details:
When: 19th and 26th July 2024
4pm to 6pm AEST
Where: Online, Zoom
How much: $295 for 4 hours, admitting both parenting partners. Read below for more information on accessibility and NDIS.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 Can you please convert the times for me? I live interstate and struggle with working memory and numbers.
Absolutely. The workshops run on Fridays, the 19th (nineteenth) of July and 26th (twenty-sixth) of July, starting at 4pm (four in the afternoon) in VIC/NSW/ACT/QLD and TAS.
This means 2pm (two in the afternoon) in WA and 3:30pm (half-past three in the afternoon) in SA and NT.
2. Will the workshops be recorded?
Yes, they will be and sent out within 24 hours. However, discussion rooms and Q&A will be taken out of the recording in order to protect the confidentiality of participants in a vulnerable space. The main psychoeducational content offered by Sandhya will remain, as does sending out workbooks and reflective questions to help personalise information to your situation.
3. Why aren't you doing evening sessions anymore? I can't make this time.
This is part of my boundary setting as a psychologist, making space for evening routines with a young family and a significant wind-down routine required for sleep. I make these sessions accessible through provision of recordings, and will follow this up with a self-paced course in August. I encourage those attending to try to make space for this in their calendars as one-off events.
4. Can I claim this on NDIS?
These sessions can qualify under Parent and Carer Training. Whether you are able to claim this is dependent on your NDIS goals for the year, and whether this session aligns with this. For example, it will align well with broad goal of improving emotional regulation, or more specific goals such as equipping parents with knowledge to manage distress behaviour.
5. I can't afford these sessions as I don't have NDIS funding, but I really need it. How can I access this?
As part of our ongoing commitment to accessibility, in addition to having reduced student and disabled rates, we offer up to 3 free accessibility tickets for every event for individuals who experience tight financial circumstances. 1 ticket is released once a lot of 7 full-price tickets have been purchased in order to make this achievable for the company. Do email Sandhya at smenon@onwardsandupwardspsychology.com.au to discuss accessing this. Tickets will be given on a first come-first served basis. (Update 15th July: All accessibility tickets currently exhausted)
6. Can this apply to adults too?
This question makes me smile. Absolutely. Meltdowns are not limited to children. It is part of our neurobiology as autistic individuals who are intensely wired, and making our way through this world. Adults who are wanting to learn more about meltdowns and supports are more than welcome to join, find their space and ask their questions.
Whilst my professional experience examples may talk about schools, information about nervous systems, shame, self-compassion and learning to meet needs apply to us all.
