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Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy

DDP is an attachment focused, relational approach with the aim of enhancing and positively influencing parent-child relationships.

Relationships and intersubjectivity are at the core of DDP; creating safety in relationships is a fundamental part of the therapy.

Whilst sessions are initially parent only, the therapy usually progresses to being dyadic, therefore parent(s) and child together.  DDP is both directive and non-directive in its approach and it is a systemic model; working with the system around the child.  DDP helps to build trust between parent and child, providing a safe space for the child’s emotional experiences to be shared and to make sense of them together; to co-construct meaning and narratives, and to help make sense of the past and how it might be interacting with the present.  The therapy aims for parent and child to have a more positive relationship and to increase understanding of what might be going on underneath the behaviour being presented.

DDP is underpinned by PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy); this relational approach can help parents to respond more effectively to their child’s behaviours. It can be a helpful therapy for children who are fostered or adopted or live in kinship care.