Written by Jamie Barker, Operations & Executive Coordinator at The MEHRIT Centre. Jamie recently celebrated nine years with the organization and was reminded once again at SRSS 2026 of the power of co-regulation.

One of my favourite moments from the 2026 Self-Reg Summer Symposium wasn’t something that was planned.

It happened on the second day, when we experienced some unexpected Wi-Fi issues.

As anyone who has organized an event knows, technology challenges can quickly become stressful. People were trying to connect to the Wi-Fi, access resources, and get ready for the next session. It would have been easy for frustration to spread.

When Stress Shows Up Unexpectedly

Instead, I witnessed something incredibly special.

Before anyone had to ask for help, people simply noticed.

Someone would see a delegate looking unsure and walk over to help. Another would quietly sit beside someone who was having trouble connecting. Others offered reassurance, shared ideas, or patiently worked through the problem together.

No one had been assigned to do this.

No one waited to be asked.

They just naturally stepped in.

As I stood back and watched, I realized I wasn’t just seeing people solve technology problems. I was watching co-regulation unfold right in front of me.

Understanding the Cognitive Domain of Stress

Technology issues can create a significant amount of stress in the cognitive domain. When we’re trying to solve an unexpected problem, remember passwords, navigate unfamiliar systems, or worry about missing something important, our brains are working overtime. The more overloaded we become, the harder it can be to think clearly or solve the very problem we’re facing.

What struck me was how instinctively our Self-Reg community understood this.

Without talking about the five domains or using Self-Reg language, people naturally began reducing one another’s stress. A calm presence. A reassuring smile. Someone saying, “Let’s figure it out together.” Those small moments helped lower the cognitive load so people could think more clearly and move forward.

Sometimes We Need Co-Regulation Too

Then, a little later, I found myself needing that same support.

What I thought was a small tech issue quickly turned into something much bigger behind the scenes. I could feel my own stress building as the issue became more complex than any of us had expected.

Once again, I wasn’t alone.

Members of our Self-Reg community stepped in and patiently walked through it with me. They stayed calm when I was feeling overwhelmed, helped me think through each step, and reminded me that we’d get there together.

Yes, they helped solve the technical problem.

But more importantly, they helped co-regulate me.

A Community That Practices Co-Regulation

Looking back, I don’t remember the Wi-Fi issues nearly as much as I remember the people.

I remember a community that noticed when someone else’s stress was beginning to rise.

I remember people offering calm instead of criticism, curiosity instead of frustration, and connection instead of judgment. For me, that was one of the most powerful moments of the Symposium.

Co-Regulation Is Something We Offer One Another

It reminded me that co-regulation isn’t something we switch on when we’re working with children. It’s something we can offer one another every day. Sometimes it’s as simple as noticing someone who looks stuck, sitting beside them, and helping to lighten the load.

At SRSS 2026, I saw that happen over and over again.

And it reminded me why this community is so special.

Continue the Self-Reg Learning:

Self-Reg Foundations Certificate Program

Self-Reg Framework 101 (individual access)

The Self-Reg Framework: The Five Domains of Stress Blog written by Stuart Shanker