7 Signs of a Great Therapy Session: Emotional Regulation Wins

For Paediatric Therapists Supporting Neurodivergent Children

As paediatric therapists, we know that success in a session isn’t always about perfect participation or completing every activity on the plan. Sometimes, the biggest wins are small, quiet moments - the subtle shifts in regulation, trust, and expression that show us a child’s nervous system is learning to feel safe.

In this blog, we’ll explore 7 key signs that your session supported emotional regulation in a neuroaffirming way, grounded in nervous system science and developmental needs. We’ll also share practical ideas and how to use tools from The Galaxy Guide to Running My Rocket to support expression, regulation, and connection.

1. The child felt safe enough to show how they really feel

Co-regulation begins with safety. When a child feels secure, they’re more likely to share their authentic emotional state; even if it’s frustration, sadness, or withdrawal. This is a sign that their nervous system sees you as a co-regulating presence, not a threat.

🧠 Neuroscience note: The ventral vagal state (part of the parasympathetic nervous system) supports connection and regulation. When a child moves out of dorsal shutdown or sympathetic fight/flight into this state, emotional expression becomes more possible.

Tip: Use visuals from The Galaxy Guide to Running My Rocket Essential Therapist Pack to boost your sessions.

2. Regulation was prioritised over compliance

A successful session does not mean the child completed every task. In fact, pausing an activity to co-regulate is often the most therapeutic moment. Helping a child move from dysregulation to a calmer state with your support builds body awareness and trust.

🧠 Neuroscience note: Co-regulation precedes self-regulation. Children learn to regulate through repeated, supported experiences, not by being left to figure it out alone.

Tip: Embed sensory regulation tools and proprioceptive input like wall pushes or weighted toys as regular parts of your session flow (You might even choose a Whole Body Activities from The Galaxy Guide to Running My Rocket - Part 2: The Strategies)

3. The child experimented with emotional language

Whether they used words, gestures, visuals, or movement, any attempt to describe how they feel is a huge win. Naming emotions lights up the brain’s prefrontal cortex and helps move feelings from the body into conscious awareness.

Tip: Even one word like “grumpy”, “zoomy” or "icky" is progress.

4. There was a moment of connection, even a tiny one

Shared laughter or a quiet nod from across the room. These moments help build the therapeutic relationship and support nervous system co-regulation. Your clients are learning that you are a safe and predictable person and this takes time.

🧠 Neuroscience note: Mirror neurons in the brain respond to relational safety. Children attune to our cues more than our words. That is why presence matters more than perfection.

Tip: Create connection rituals at the start or end of sessions, like a special greeting, handshake, or song that helps ground and anchor the child.

5. The child showed flexible thinking or problem-solving

Even small shifts in perspective or trying a new strategy signal prefrontal activation. This is a sign that the child was regulated enough to access executive functioning.

🧠 Neuroscience note: The prefrontal cortex goes offline during emotional overwhelm. When regulation returns, so does access to thinking, planning, and reflecting.

Tip: Highlight even the smallest flex with phrases like “You found another way” or “That was a brave switch.”

6. There was space to repair if things didn’t go to plan

Sometimes sessions feel messy. There might be resistance, a meltdown, or rupture. But if the child experienced repair through your calm presence, empathy, and reconnection, that is regulation in action.

Tip: Narrate the repair process with language like “We had a tricky moment, and we are okay now. I’m still here.”

🧠 Neuroscience note: Neuroplasticity is strongest in moments of emotional safety and re-attunement. Repair builds trust and resilience.

7. You left with insight, not just data

You might have gained a better understanding of what the child needs to feel safe, what sensory tools supported them, or what triggers caused dysregulation. That insight is a core part of your clinical reasoning.

Tip: Use session notes to reflect on nervous system cues such as tone, posture, and vocalisation, and how regulation shifted throughout.

Supporting Emotional Regulation with The Galaxy Guide to Running My Rocket 🚀

This resource was made for moments like these. With over 100 regulation strategies, playful visuals, and a narrative that helps kids see their body as a rocket, The Galaxy Guide to Running My Rocket supports therapists in:

• Helping children name and express big emotions

• Introducing co-regulation and emotional safety

• Building body literacy and sensory awareness

• Making therapy feel fun, affirming, and empowering

  
  

Whether you are an OT, speech pathologist, psychologist, counsellor, or educator working in paediatric mental health or disability settings, this guide can be your co-pilot in sessions that support authentic emotional growth.

Want to Learn More About Ready Rocket Strategies in Action?

💻 Ready Rocket has a range of supports for parents, professionals, and educators who want to confidently guide children through big emotions in a way that’s supportive, science-informed, and truly neuroaffirming.

Choose the Path That’s Right for You:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Online Emotions Workshop – Parents & Carers

🕒 4-hour self-paced training

Gain the tools and knowledge to support your child through emotional dysregulation with confidence and compassion.

🧠 Online Emotions Workshop – Therapists & Allied Health Professionals

🕒 4.5-hour self-paced training

Learn a developmentally-informed, neuroaffirming approach to regulation support for diverse clients and therapy goals.

🏫 Ready Rocket School Learning Program – Educators

A classroom-ready, whole-school emotional regulation program built on the same powerful framework with extension into these concepts and more! Includes developmentally tailored content for Kindergarten, Pre-Primary, Year 1, and Year 2.

Perfect for early childhood and primary teachers looking for practical, evidence-aligned emotional literacy education.

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