Emoticon:
An Emotional Regulation Group for Kids
Is your child easily overwhelmed with BIG emotions?
Do they struggle with angry outbursts, meltdowns or feeling out of control when things get tough?
You’re not alone — and there’s support.
Emoticon is an 8-week, in-person therapy group in Waterloo designed for kids aged 9-11. Through games, stories and activities kids build real-life emotional skills and strategies that work!
Emoticon really helped our child to identify his emotions and view them as messages that his body is telling him. The coping strategies are easy for him to remember when he is in the middle of an emotional situation.
~ Parent of child
Emoticon Teaches Emotional Regulation
Emotional regulation is the ability to manage and express emotions in ways that fit the situation. This means that whether a child is feeling angry, worried, excited, or happy, they are able to Feel It, Name It and Tame It.
Emotional regulation skills empower kids in other areas of life, too. As kids gain skills to regulate their emotions, they also develop:
- Increased confidence
- Improved self-esteem
- Greater resiliency
- Deeper empathy
- Improved relationships
How Kids Learn Emotional Regulation Through Emoticon?
Emotional regulation is a skill, which means kids can learn and improve their skills as they practice. But Emoticon is not your typical therapy group — it feels more like an adventure than a class. Through playful challenges, games and group activities, kids learn how to name and tame their emotions while building relationship and connection to others in the group.
Alongside the kids’ program, parents attend a one-time session to learn about the group’s approach and share insights about their child. Each week, parents also receive practical tips and updates to help support their child’s new skills at home.
Emoticon helps kids unlock their emotional intelligence – empowering kids with the real-life tools they need to understand and name their emotions while learning to handle tough situations with confidence.
Emoticon is brilliant! Not all kids cope well with big feelings – so to normalize them and talk about them in an interactive way as well as give tools to continue the conversation at home was amazing for our child.”
~ Parent of participant
Register for Emoticon
Registration is now open and the next group is starting soon.
Space is limited so contact us today to reserve your child’s spot.
Understanding and processing emotion is key to a child’s mental, emotional and relational health. Help your child become an Emoticon pro — sign up today!
Who: ages 9-11
Format: In person
Location: 4-60 Baffin Place, Waterloo
Dates: Mondays; October 20 (parent session), October 27 – December 8, 2025
Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $700*/8 weeks including parent session
Facilitator: Kat Giles, MSW, RSW
* This group is covered by most extended health benefits plans. Financial assistance may also be available from New Life Charity. Contact our office for details.
Therapy & Counselling Services
Individual Therapy
We hold space for you to address and process the issues concerning you. Experience hope, healing and peace in a healthy, professional and confidential relationship.
Couples Therapy
Learn to attune to one another, communicate, and set healthy boundaries while working through the situations you are facing as a couple. Learn more in our FAQ section.
Family Therapy
We work with you and members of your family to strengthen your relationships by fostering attachment-based connections and healthy communication.
Children & Teens
We specialize in supporting children in their mental, emotional and social health in a way that is safe and engaging – meeting your child right where they are at.
Young Adults
We provide a non-judgemental space to help you discover your identity, learn how to handle stress and set direction for your future. Heal yourself and your relationships.
Art Therapy
Discover art therapy as an excellent choice to creatively express your internal emotions and process your experiences through colour and medium. No art expereince required!
Music Therapy
Tune in to your inner world through the creative space of music therapy. Explore the use sounds, lyrics and rhythm with your therapist to express your feelings and experiences. No musical training required.
Groups
We host groups for DBT Skills, Emotional Regulation, Parenting Workshops and more. Our facilitators create a safe learning environment and offer professional, practical and relatable support.
Prayer Counselling
Experience a form of counselling where you can engage your faith and spirituality as you address trauma, generational patterns, addictions, and emotional woundedness.