This support group offers connection, care, and a sense of safety for families recovering from experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV). Children and caregivers who have lived through IPV may carry invisible wounds—grief, fear, confusion, anger, and loss of trust. Our program uses play as a developmentally appropriate way for children to express their feelings, rebuild a sense of safety, and reestablish connection with the natural world and those around them.

Alongside the children’s group, we offer an optional parent/caregiver group that runs at the same time, creating space for women to process, reflect, and rebuild connection with themselves and their child. The program supports families in healing together—through nature, play, and compassionate community.

No. This is not a therapy group and does not include a formal treatment plan. While it is led by trained professionals, it is not considered clinical therapy. Instead, it’s a relational, play-based support group intended to reduce isolation, provide emotional safety, and foster healing through connection and community. It can act as a bridge while families wait for therapeutic services or can complement other forms of support already in place.

No, this program does not qualify as therapy or clinical counseling, so receipts cannot be submitted to extended benefits for reimbursement. We can provide general proof of payment, which may be helpful when accessing support through social service agencies or other funding partners.

Our groups are facilitated by a multidisciplinary team that may include social workers, counselors, early childhood educators, trauma-informed practitioners, and playworkers—each of whom brings a compassionate, relational, and play-based lens to their work.

This program is best suited for women and children who have experienced and exited a relationship where intimate partner violence occurred, and who are no longer in immediate crisis or danger. A good fit for the children’s group includes:

• Children who have witnessed or experienced IPV in the home
• Children who are navigating transitions such as living in a shelter, with a new caregiver, or re-establishing a safe home life
• Children whose parent or caregiver is actively supporting their healing process
• Children who can participate in a group setting (with support), and are willing participants
• Caregivers who are open to their child engaging in play and conversation around themes of safety, boundaries, empowerment, and emotional expression
  

Participation in the Parent Group is strongly encouraged to promote co-regulation and relational healing.

All programs are now fully subsidized (with a $20 admin fee at check out). If this admin fee is a barrier please reach out.

Also, if you are financially in a position to donate to increase our subsidy fund, allowing more families to access our programs, please give generously here. 

For new families, please follow this registration process:

1. Book a short intake call HERE
2. Participate in a 20 minute call with Playful Mindset staff
3. Receive registration link to complete Jotform and payment
4. Confirmation email with welcome and program details  
5. Information Package sent 2 weeks prior to program start, including Site Map & Directions

Returning families will be able to register directly when registration opens.

We work with children aged 0–12 years. Each group is age-specific to support peer connection and developmental needs. Please confirm that the group you are registering for is appropriate for your child’s age.

Sessions begin with loose parts and open-ended outdoor play, allowing children to settle into the space and build safety in their own time. From there, we move into an Opening Circle that may include songs, stories, and group check-ins related to themes of trust, courage, emotional expression, and safety.

Children then move into a mix of free play and facilitated experiences—such as roaming through the forest, engaging in imaginative play, building with natural materials, storytelling, and creative art-making. Risky play is encouraged in a safe, supervised way, allowing children to release energy and process hard feelings that may be difficult to express in words.

Children may build shelters, create symbolic objects, or engage in dramatic role play to explore feelings and reclaim their sense of agency. Props like puppets, costumes, and nature-based tools are available to support their play.

Each session closes with a gentle Closing Circle, which may include a story, poem, or group reflection. Families receive take-home resources to continue the healing journey between sessions.

Participation in the Parent Group is optional but highly encouraged. Caregivers are held in a supportive and confidential space where they can connect with other women, process their own experiences, and receive guidance around supporting their child’s emotional recovery. Sessions are part peer support, part nature-based grounding, and part facilitated reflection.