What is Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy?
DDP is an attachment-focused therapy, created by Dan Hughes. The primary focus of DDP is the relationship between parents and children. Through the help of a DDP-trained therapist, parents can gain insight as to the meanings behind their children’s behaviors and find ways to strengthen their emotional connection.
Would my child benefit from DDP?
DDP can help children who have experienced hurt or neglect within their families in their early years. These experiences are often called developmental trauma, because of the negative effects they have on children’s physical and emotional development. Removal from family of origin is also a type of developmental trauma. Early trauma can lead to children having difficulty feeling safe and secure in their families. These children may display a number of challenging behaviors, in their attempt to feel a sense of control over their environment.
What does a DDP session look like?
The therapist will begin by working with the parents and helping them understand the DDP process. The therapist will explore parents’ own attachment histories, as well as how they may be impacting their current parenting. This can help add understanding and empathy when parents face difficult moments with their child. The therapist will guide the parents in using new parenting approaches that are aimed at fostering a safe, secure connection with their child.
When the therapist assesses that the parents are ready, their child will join the sessions. The therapist will help facilitate interactions between parents and child and help the child remain emotionally regulated. The sessions are focused on exploring shared experience, rather than behavior modification, although positive behavior change often occurs in the process.
If you have questions about DDP, or if you are wondering if this type of therapy may be right for your family, contact us today! Both therapists at EGCS are trained in Level II DDP.