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The Nautilus Project
What is the Nautilus Project?
The Nautilus Project is a therapeutic group program designed to help children and families recover from trauma, challenges with neurodivergence, and mental health challenges.
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Inspired by the nautilus shell, which symbolizes resilience and growth, the program focuses on fostering emotional resilience and a strong sense of belonging.
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Through evidence-based practices such as mindfulness, play therapy, expressive arts therapy, trauma-informed yoga, and building an internal locus of control, The Nautilus Project provides children, teens, and caregivers/parents with the tools to enhance emotional well-being and thrive.
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Whether or not a formal diagnosis is present, our approach is designed to help participants develop emotional regulation, build resilience, and empower them to succeed in both group settings and at home.
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We are proud to offer Spanish-speaking services to support children and families whose primary language is not English. Additionally, in the summer of 2025, we will introduce therapeutic canine interactions with Lucy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, to further promote emotional resilience.
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The Nautilus Project at The Tides Therapy Offices offers a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where all children can feel understood and encouraged to reach their full potential.
What Kind of Families and Kids Benefit from This Group?
The Nautilus Project is designed to support families with school-age children 6-18 facing a range of challenges, particularly those dealing with trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, or neurodivergence. It’s especially helpful for children and teens who may struggle with emotional resilience, stress, or mental health challenges—whether or not they have a formal diagnosis. Families who are looking to build stronger emotional connections, foster healthier communication, and improve emotional well-being will benefit greatly from this program. It is also ideal for parents who want to be more attuned to their child’s emotional needs, providing a safe space for both children and parents to learn and grow together. Whether your child is working through past trauma, navigating mental health challenges, or learning to manage emotions, The Nautilus Project offers tools, support, and a sense of community to help them thrive. This program is open to families of all backgrounds, including those seeking support in Spanish.
How Does the Family-Centered Approach Work?
​​​​​​​​​​The program is designed to be family-centered, with children working within the group while parents actively participate. This structure allows parents to learn valuable strategies for supporting their child’s emotional regulation and resilience. At the same time, parents practice attunement, connecting with their child’s emotional state to strengthen their bond and foster a sense of security. This collaborative approach enhances the healing experience for both children and parents.
What is Attunement and Why is it Important?
​​Attunement is a critical part of emotional development. It helps parents recognize, respond to, and connect with their child’s emotions in real-time, strengthening their emotional bond and helping to create a safe, supportive environment. Through this connection, children can better regulate their emotions, building resilience and responding to challenges both in the group and at home. This process also promotes healthier communication and emotional understanding within the family dynamic. ​
How Can Encouraging Other Parents to Join Benefit the Group?
One way to start a group is by encouraging other parents you know to join. Having familiar faces in the group can be incredibly comforting, especially during the initial sessions. It helps ease the transition into the group dynamic, as both parents and children may feel more comfortable with people they already trust. This sense of familiarity fosters a positive and supportive environment, essential for building emotional safety and connection within the group. Encouraging others to join also strengthens the sense of community and shared experience, enhancing the overall therapeutic process and creating a space where everyone feels supported.
When Will the Group Sessions Be Scheduled?
When 5-8 requests are made for a new group, sessions will be scheduled for a weekday late afternoon, after school lets out. This timing is designed to accommodate families’ schedules and ensure consistency, making it easier for families to attend and participate.
What is the Length and Structure of the Group?
The groups will run for 35-45 minutes with children only, in 6-week sessions. Families may choose to attend multiple 6-week sessions if desired. Afterward, parents will join the group for the remainder of the hour, where their child will share thoughts, feelings, and experiences directly with them. This allows parents to learn from their child, who takes on the role of the expert. It fosters the child's sense of autonomy and agency while strengthening the connection between parent and child. Parents are encouraged to respond in a supportive and unconditionally positive way.
What is Group Integrity and Why is it Important?
The Nautilus Project focuses on preserving group integrity to ensure a supportive and trusting environment for both children and parents. By fostering emotional safety and a sense of belonging, we create a space where families can heal and grow together. Group integrity is essential for personal growth, as it encourages open sharing, emotional connection, and mutual understanding—key factors for long-term resilience.
