PACE in Action

Parenting a child who has social, emotional or mental health difficulties can feel overwhelming and create barriers to forming the loving, playful relationship you long to have with your child.

In this welcoming 2- hour online group, we will explore children’s behaviours through the lens of needs — what those behaviours might be communicating, and how we can respond in ways that build connection rather than disconnection.

Each session we will explore the PACE approach to parenting, developed by Dan Hughes, and apply this model to scenarios emailed in by parents prior to the session. PACE is a trauma-informed approach to parenting, which focuses on 4 key components for building secure relationships and emotional development: PLAY, ACCEPTANCE, CURIOSITY & EMPATHY.

Furthermore, as an Autplay practitioner with years of experience supporting neurodivergent children with mental health difficulties, all approaches a neuroaffirming and neurodiversity-informed.

This is an opportunity to have support from an experienced Play Therapist and a community of parents with shared experiences, for any parenting challenges.

These sessions offer:
✨ Fresh perspectives and practical, trauma-informed strategies for responding to behaviours with compassion and creativity
✨ 90 minutes of discussion focused on scenarios shared by parents. Email your concerns beforehand, shaping each session around what matters most to you
✨ An initial 20 - 30 minute recorded presentation on an aspect of the PACE approach
✨ A community of parents and carers who get it

Follow-Up Parenting Pathways to Connection Group (Dartington)
Alongside the online sessions, join an in-person walking group to deepen support and connection with other parents.
These start and end at The Green Table on Dartington Hall Estate. The walk will be steady without need for high levels of fitness but it does cover uneven ground and steep gradients. (See Parenting Pathways to Connection Support Group on Eventbrite to book a ticket)

COST

2 hour Online Support:

• FREE- for families currently in receipt of Play Therapy sessions with Maaike
• £45 - standard rate
• £25 - supported rate for families who would otherwise be unable to afford to attend
• £65- community supporter rate- contribution to the supported rate

Walk & Talking Group in Dartington
£10/person
Free to families whose children currently attend play therapy sessions with Maaike