Redirection as an Emotional Regulation Tool

Your Redirection Toolkit: Scripts, Science + A Soothing Shift 💫

Hi {{ first_name }},

So as you may know, tomorrow I am jumping in the RDS Dublin Horse Show! So I will be spending the day preparing and getting myself organised. 

Two wonderful members of our psychology team, Kate McCready and Siobhan Campion will be delivering training instead during our LIVE session today, so I really hope you enjoy it!

I was just thinking about last week - thank you again for showing up in last week’s session with such thoughtful questions.

As a follow up, myself, Kate and Siobhan talked about designing a personalised training for ye in the Neurodiversity Parenting Membership on: Using Redirection as a Parenting Tool. 

Because parents often tell me, "I try redirecting, but it feels like I'm avoiding the issue… or I worry it won’t help."

Let’s reframe that.

Redirection is not avoidance, it can be a core regulation tool, especially when the brain is in survival mode.

When the stress response is activated, talking doesn’t teach. But co-regulation does.

Why Redirection Works (Neurosequential Insight)

Think of redirection like a gentle nudge for the brain to shift tracks—from "threat + react" to "regulate + re-engage."
It gives the lower brain something rhythmic, sensory, or relational to hold onto—so the upper brain can come back online.

💬 Weekly EPT Script: The Soothing Pivot

Here’s a script to try when emotions are rising:

“It feels really big right now, huh? Let’s shake it out for 10 seconds and then decide what to do next.”
“Can we try the stomp-stomp-freeze game for 1 minute, then we’ll come back and chat?”

You’re not dismissing the feeling—you’re supporting the body to move through it first.

✍️ Weekly EPT Exercise: The Redirection Menu

Create a visual menu of redirection options with your child (pictures, drawings, or real objects).

Label it:
🧺 “Things That Help Me Reset”
Let them pick a few:
– Water bottle refill
– 10 big jumps
– Squishy toy
– Music switch
– “Blow out the candles” (breathing game)
– Look at a favorite photo

The more involved they are in building their menu, the more likely it is to work in the moment.

EPT Pro Tip:

Redirection is most effective before escalation peaks.
Practice during low-stress moments so it’s familiar when you need it.
Think of it like laying tracks ahead of the train—not trying to reroute it mid-crash.

Looking forward to seeing you at this week’s live session where we’ll cover:
✨ What to do when redirection doesn’t work
✨ How to tailor redirection to your child’s sensory profile
✨ Building a “Co-Regulation Corner” in your home

Have a great session today, and I look forward to hearing how it went. 

Your Child and Adolescent Psychologist,

Lorraine Xx