P.A.C.E Therapeutic Training

Course introduction

P.A.C.E Therapeutic Training is a trauma-informed course aimed at equipping educators with therapeutic teaching tools. In this course, we explore the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in relation to mental health in the schools, the pillars of secure attachment, and unpack the P.A.C.E model which was devised by renowned clinical psychologist Dr Daniel Hughes.

PACE represents Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy; and is often viewed as a supportive parenting technique. However, with the increase in poor mental health outcomes in education, more schools are adopting a restorative trauma-informed approach by using PACE to support student and staff wellbeing.

Therapeutic teaching through P.A.C.E, will enable you to enhance security and attention of children, young people and staff, increase worthiness, and most importantly, create a sense of belonging in a safe and inclusive school environment.

What we will cover throughout the day

• Understand how the P.A.C.E model can enable educators to develop and build trust and emotional connection with children/young people;

• Develop practical skills to adopt the P.A.C.E model into your setting;

• Exploring each part of PACE in turn – Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy. Looking at what each one is (and what it is not);

• Explore behaviour as communication through a trauma-informed lens;

• Understand the impact of trauma on the development of the brain, emotional regulation, attachment, and social development;

• How to use P.A.C.E alongside regulation and behavioural support;

• How to use this connection alongside behavioural support & deliver discipline with empathy;

• The importance of self-care for professionals and understanding the concept of blocked care.

Target audience

Headteachers, Senior Leaders, Educational Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Teachers, TAs, Learning Support, MHSTs, SENCo/ALNCo, Pastoral Support, Behaviour Leads. As well as multidisciplinary teams i.e. looked after children, foster care, adoption agencies, social services.

Trainers for this course

Nicola Harvey

Nicola Harvey

Nicola Harvey is a former SEND teacher with a passion for promoting wellbeing and inclusion in education. She is the founder of Harvey Heals Wellbeing & Training Consultancy which strives... to raise awareness of compassionate mental health through a diverse and inclusive lens. Nicola is a qualified and experienced mental health specialist, education consultant, clinical reflective practice supervisor, and MHFA England trainer. With a compassion-focused approach, Nicola strives to embed evidence-based nurturing approaches to supporting mental health and wellbeing.Read more

See what others have to say about us

"Nicola was very knowledgeable and approachable and did a great job"

"Fantastic course! Nicola is incredibly passionate, professional and knowledgeable about youth mental health. I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions. Thank you!"

"Thank you Nicola, for making what can be a difficult and challenging subject easier to talk about. I learnt a great deal on ways to support young people!"

About the venue

Stay at home, get comfortable and enjoy our live interactive course via Zoom! You’ll receive the link a few days before the course date so you can get prepared (and excited) ahead of time.

Handy course logistics

• The course will run via Zoom from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive mid-morning, lunch and afternoon breaks to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course pack includes handouts, an M&S voucher for food, a snack, a pen and a notepad – we’ll send this to you before the day. Please note this is only for UK-based participants, international attendees will receive the pack via email.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school. Contact us for details.
• Please Note – the cost is per person