BOUNCE Approach®AttachmentCPD CertifiedOn-DemandND-Affirming
Understanding and Exploring P.A.C.E.
Explore the four elements of Dan Hughes’ trauma-informed relational approach — and how to bring Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy into your real-world practice.
Some children don’t need more boundaries, more consequences, or more reasoning. They need an adult whose presence feels safe enough to risk being seen. Children impacted by trauma, insecure attachment, or nervous system overwhelm aren’t choosing to be difficult — they’re protecting themselves from relationships that have hurt before. And the way back isn’t a behaviour plan. It’s a way of being.
PACE — Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy — was developed by Dr Dan Hughes as a trauma-informed relational approach grounded in attachment theory. This training explores each of the four elements and how to bring them into practice across schools, homes, and therapeutic settings. Informed by Polyvagal Theory, neurodivergent-affirming values, and the understanding that behaviour is always communication.
Designed for teaching assistants, SENCOs, pastoral leads, ELSAs, therapists, social workers, foster carers, and adoptive parents. No prior knowledge of PACE or attachment theory required — just a willingness to show up differently for the children who need it most.
Three bonus resources to deepen your practice.
A structured snapshot to identify where a child may be struggling on the inside while appearing fine on the outside — so you can see beneath the surface and respond to what is actually there.
Track entry to exit progress and evidence what has changed across the review period — giving you a clear picture of impact over time.
Understand the nervous system foundations behind regulation, emotional expression, and connection — so you can apply them with confidence in your sessions.