An Introduction to PACE/PACE Mind - (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) for Professionals & Parents/Carers - Hobbies & Leisure Activity
Dates & course durations
7th October 2026.
24th February 2027.
19th May 2027.
6.00pm-9.00pm.
1 day.
Course fees
£50
What you'll cover
Developed by clinical psychologist Dr. Dan Hughes, PACE stands for Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy. It is a foundational trauma-informed approach designed to help children and young people who have experienced trauma or attachment difficulties feel emotionally safe. It prioritizes deep relational connection over immediate behavioural correction.
The PACE framework revolves around four core pillars of thinking and communicating:
- Playfulness: Interacting with a light, warm, and hopeful tone. Instead of lecturing or being stern, a playful approach de-escalates tension, lowers defenses, and shows the child that an adult's love is unconditional.
- Acceptance: Unconditionally accepting the child’s inner life—their thoughts, feelings, wishes, and perceptions. You validate their emotions without necessarily condoning poor behavior. This prevents the child from feeling judged, criticized, or shamed.
- Curiosity: Approaching a child’s actions with genuine, non-judgmental wonder rather than frustration. By helping the child explore why they acted a certain way (e.g., "I wonder if you were feeling worried about the test?"), you show that you are trying to understand their perspective.
- Empathy: Sitting alongside the child in their emotional pain without trying to immediately "fix" it. It actively demonstrates that their feelings matter to you, ensuring they feel heard, "felt," and supported during difficult times.
Facilities
Students have access to a fantastic range of College-wide facilities such as the Learning & Research Centre, study hubs, computer areas with accompanying multi-function printers and helpdesk advice.
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