Working with Relational Trauma in Children’s Residential Care: A Guide to Using Dyadic Developmental Practice

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) is a therapeutic approach, based in attachment theory, which is used to support children who have experienced relational trauma. By consciously offering PACE (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy), adults can help children - and each other - to feel more secure and open to others.

This guide provides an overview of DDP and explores how it can be used to support children in residential care settings. Case studies, examples, and expert guidance from the authors’ extensive experience demonstrate how to apply the principles of DDP to daily practice. From integrating the PACE model into conversations - both with children and colleagues - to balancing physical safety with relational safety in secure care situations, this book offers a way to build a culture of support throughout the whole structure of residential care settings.

Edwina M. Grant (Author)
Edwina M. Grant, CPsychol, is an educational psychologist. She is a also a certified DDP consultant and trainer. Edwina started her career in residential child care as a practitioner and then manager. She has always had a passion for best practice in residential care and now offers training, consultancy and support to the adults who provide care and education for children who have experienced developmental trauma.

George S. Thompson (Author)
George S. Thompson, MD, FAPA, is a child psychiatrist specializing in residential treatment of traumatized youth and in polyvagal-informed crisis response. He trains individuals in skills and attitudes that cultivate compassionate, trustworthy relationships and assists healthcare organizations to build emotionally safe, curious, coherent, and collaborative cultures. Dr. Thompson is medical director for two psychiatric residential programs, psychiatrist for an innovative youth psychiatric urgent care center, and part of the team training mobile responders in Albuquerque’s Department of Community Safety. With Marilyn Sanders, George is author of Polyvagal Theory and the Developing Child: Systems of Care for Strengthening Kids, Families, and Communities.

Kim S. Golding (Author)
Kim S. Golding CBE, BSc, MSc, D. Clin. Psy. AFBPsS is a clinical psychologist who works in Worcestershire, England where she was influential in the founding of the Integrated Service for Looked After Children - a multi-agency, holistic service providing support for foster, adoptive and residential parents, schools and the range of professionals supporting children growing up in care or in adoptive families. Kim was trained and mentored by Dan Hughes in the use of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP). She was formerly on the board of the Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy Institute supporting the use of DDP in Europe, USA and Canada. She accredits and trains professionals in the approach and has been invited to speak about this work internationally.