Welcome to PACE: Mastering Connection and Understanding Trauma

Welcome to this Level 1 course on the PACE framework – your essential guide to building stronger, more understanding relationships with children and young people. We know that working with young people, especially those who have faced significant challenges or trauma, can sometimes feel overwhelming. They might act out, withdraw, or seem distrustful. This course will give you the tools to navigate these moments with confidence and compassion.

This course will guide you through the core elements of the PACE Model – Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy. You'll discover how these four pillars, developed by Dr. Dan Hughes, create a safe space for connection, allowing young people to feel seen, heard, and valued.

We'll also delve deeper into the impact of trauma, exploring Developmental Trauma and The Iceberg Model to understand why young people respond with fight, flight, freeze, or flock behaviours, and what deeper needs might lie beneath the surface. You'll learn the power of "Name It to Tame It", a crucial skill for helping children understand and regulate their emotions.

But it's not just about the young person; it's about you too. We'll explore The Two Hands of Parenting, balancing nurture with necessary structure, and address common challenges like Understanding Blocked Care, providing strategies for reconnecting and maintaining your capacity to care. Crucially, you'll learn essential Self-Care for Therapeutic Parents and practical Responding to Trauma Behaviors to ensure you're equipped to support both yourself and the young people in your care.

By the end of this course, you'll have a robust understanding of how to apply the PACE model, foster Secure Attachment, and confidently respond to trauma-informed behaviours, all leading to more fulfilling and effective relationships.

Ready to begin your journey to mastering PACE and making a profound difference?