Expanding the conversation of emotional regulation and agility (September 22, 2026)

Presented by: Heidi Paetkau, O.T. Reg. (MB) 

Understanding and recognizing the emotions at the root of behaviours can be helpful to manage intense emotional experiences, regulate the nervous system, and participate more fully in occupations. Building on frameworks for self-regulation (David, 2016; Kuypers, 2011; Perry, 2006; Shellenberger & Williams, 1996), the "Flow"er of Emotions model by the presenter Heidi Paetkau can be used by occupational therapy professionals with clients, teachers, children, and families to expand the conversation about emotions to incorporate interoception, emotional agility, and healthy ways to release emotions.   This webinar will expand on frequently used models of emotional regulation to align with current brain science and offer new models with practical tools for children, teens (and even adults). You will have the opportunity to explore the language we use to describe emotions, including 5R's of emotions (recognize, respond, release, regulate and return), and how the emotional experience is different and personal. You will gain practical strategies to support clients of all ages to create their personalized "Flow"er of Emotions.  

  You'll learn to:

1. Recognize strengths and limitations of different models of understanding emotions to use clients.

2. Apply models of emotions to guide clients to recognize what emotions feel like, look like, and sound like.

3. Define specific strategies that can be supportive when moving through the 5R's of emotions. 

Target audience and language

Client age groups Applicable to all client age groups 

 Areas of practice Health promotion & wellness, Mental health, Neurodiversity, OTA, Pediatrics

Level Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area) 

Language English

Presenter

Heidi Paetkau, O.T. Reg. (MB)

Heidi Paetkau (she/her) is the owner and Occupational Therapist at Blooming Abilities. She has dedicated her career to working with children, families and teams. Heidi is passionate, energetic, understanding and supportive in her work and enjoys creating new resources to provide practical support. Heidi enjoys sharing her passion for the profession in a variety of ways, including mentoring new OT, as Executive Director for MSOT (2018-2023), and as a sessional instructor for rehab assistants at MITT (Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology). Heidi earned her Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) from the University of Manitoba in 2005 and a Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin) from McMaster University in 2001.