In this powerful episode, Kokeb McDonald is joined once again by Fran Rubio-Katz to tackle a universal challenge: how to handle ourselves when we feel emotionally triggered—whether as therapists, educators, or parents. Drawing from the Conscious Discipline brain state model and their real-life experiences in classrooms and clinics, Fran and Kokeb explore how to shift from reactive to responsive, how to teach emotional regulation through modeling, and why self-awareness is the foundation of mindful service. Fran shares practical steps like breathing, affirmations, and self-talk that re-center you during difficult moments, while also modeling emotional safety for the children in your care.

They also discuss:

• The importance of naming your brain state
• Signs your body gives you when you’re triggered
• Using your own dysregulation as a teachable moment
• Creating safe spaces—for kids and for yourself
• Navigating emotionally charged conversations with parents or coworkers with compassion

Whether you’re a therapist, parent, or teacher, you’ll leave this episode with calming tools and a renewed perspective on how to show up with intention and connection—even when things get tough.

You’ll also get a sneak peek at Fran’s powerful workshop, Mindfulness in Action: A Toolkit for Calm, Connection & Co-Regulation, now available through RITP.

Episode Highlights

• [01:50 ] Understanding brain states with the Conscious Discipline model
• [03:00 ] Fran’s personal trigger: whining—and go-to affirmations to shift your brain state.
• [05:00 ] Identifying physical symptoms of being triggered
• [09:20 ] How Fran models emotional regulation in the classroom
• [13:00 ] Using triggers as teachable moments for children
• [16:30 ] Applying these same strategies as a parent at home
• [18:15 ] Managing triggers when working with parents (not just kids!)
• [21:30 ] How to approach emotionally charged parent meetings
• [24:15 ] The power of intention before difficult conversations
• [28:30 ] “Dust yourself off and try again”: relational repair in action
• [30:00 ] Overview of the Mindfulness in Action training and how to access it

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🔗 Mindfulness in Action: A Toolkit for Calm, Connection, and Co-regulation

Available anytime through the RITP website: https://ritp.info/certification

This training supports parents, educators, and service providers in learning how to regulate their nervous systems and model emotional resilience.

🎓 Learn More With Our Reflex Integration Course

Dive deeper into reflex integration strategies with our comprehensive certification program. Perfect for therapists, educators, and professionals seeking to expand their skills.

Visit: https://ritp.info/certification

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