Working with families impacted by relational trauma

The DDP model (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Parenting and Practice) is a multi-layered intervention for care-experienced children, their families and supporting practitioners. Developed by Dan Hughes, DDP is based on theories of Attachment and Intersubjectivity and informed by neuroscience. DDP interventions focus on building intersubjective relationships from within which healing can occur. This allows the child to experience increased attachment security. Children who have experienced relational trauma, attachment disruptions and loss, and multiple moves will struggle to trust in self or others.

Within the webinar, I will reflect on how therapy and parent support guided by the DDP model can help children to move from mistrust to trust, transforming their sense of who they are and the stories they hold about what has happened to them. We are aware that DDP is a Western model based on Western psychological understanding. The webinar will consider the importance of understanding cultural differences and adapting interventions within the context of the culture, identity and experience of the families.

‘Traumatic events strike against our minds and hearts and create a story that is fragmented, with gaps, and is distorted by strong emotions from which the child shrinks and hides. These stories are rigid, with meanings given to the child by the one abusing them. From these jagged stories of shame and terror that arose from relational trauma, DDP is creating stories of connection, strength and resilience.’ (Dan Hughes, 2019)

DDP builds safety, connection and resilience for the children, the families and the practitioners supporting them.

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