Teaching Emotion Coaching to Caregivers
Teaching Validation and Support Strategies (Emotion Coaching) to Caregivers using Didactic & Experiential Techniques
April 27, 2026 • 11am - 4pm Eastern - 5 CE credit hours
5-hour training with Dr. Adele Lafrance and Lisa McCaskell, RSW
This online training is designed for therapists, clinicians, and peer-supporters who want to strengthen their ability to support caregivers in delivering validation, emotional and practical support (often referred to as emotion coaching) to their loved one of any age.
The training is practical, experiential, and grounded in evidence-based emotion theory. Participants will learn the two-step model for validation and support, along with concrete tools and techniques that help caregivers:
• respond effectively to difficult emotional states,
• reduce/attend to relational ruptures, and
• support their loved one’s regulation, resilience, and recovery if relevant.
Rationale:
Caregivers are often the first and most consistent emotional responders in a loved one’s life, yet most have never been taught how to validate or support intense feelings. When caregivers acquire these skills, research and clinical wisdom show significant improvements in:
• emotional safety within the family system,
• treatment engagement,
• rupture repair,
• symptom reduction, and
• caregiver confidence and empowerment.
However, caregivers frequently struggle with discernment - knowing when to validate, how to respond to escalating emotions, and how to navigate their own internal reactions in the moment. This training directly targets these gaps by offering structured practice, modelling, and guided rehearsal to help clinicians teach these skills effectively.
Areas of Focus (time permitting):
We will explore how caregivers can support a loved one through:
• anger (including anger directed toward the caregiver)
• hopelessness
• refusal to engage relationally
• self-blame and shame
Benefits to Clinical Practice:
Participants will leave with:
• a clear framework for teaching caregivers high-impact emotional support strategies
• scripts and micro-skills that can be used immediately in sessions
• deeper confidence in working with emotionally activated family systems
• strengthened capacity to intervene early in emotional escalation and prevent behavioural shutdowns or relational withdrawal
The training emphasizes theory AND practice, ensuring that participants walk away with skills that can be reliably integrated into their work. The training material is also presented in a way that can be integrated within other treatment modalities and approaches.
No prior training required. Participation can be active or passive. Videos may be included and therefore this training will not be recorded.
$175 CAD (+ HST - $197.75 CAD)
Coupon codes available for those in need: DISCOUNT10; DISCOUNT15
Discounts also available for groups of 5 or more)