10, Storeys Meadow, West Meon. Petersfield. Hampshire. GU32 1AP
DYADIC DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOTHERAPY (DDP)
UNDERSTANDING ATTACHMENT, CONNECTION AND EMOTIONAL SAFETY
I believe that every child deserves to feel safe, understood, accepted and connected.
Children who have experienced difficult early relationships, trauma, loss or disruptions in care may sometimes find it harder to trust others, manage overwhelming feelings or feel secure in their relationships.
My approach to play therapy is grounded in compassion, curiosity and an understanding that children’s behaviour is often a way of communicating feelings and experiences they may not yet have the words to express.
My Training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
I have completed Level One training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), an attachment-focused therapeutic approach developed by clinical psychologist Dr Daniel Hughes.
Following this training, I am “beginning to apply the DDP principles within my practice”, alongside my existing play therapy approach.
This additional learning deepens my understanding of how early relationships, attachment experiences and developmental trauma can influence children’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour and ability to connect with others.
It also supports my commitment to creating a therapeutic environment where children feel emotionally safe, listened to and accepted.
what is dyadic Developmental psychotherapY?
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy is a relationship-focused therapeutic model developed to support children and young people who have experienced developmental trauma and difficulties with attachment.
The approach recognises the importance of safe, trusting relationships in helping children begin to make sense of their experiences, develop emotional regulation and build connections with the adults who care for them.
A central part of DDP is an approach known as PACE.
The PACE Approach
PACE stands for Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy.
These four qualities help adults respond to children with warmth, understanding and emotional sensitivity.
Playfulness
Creating moments of warmth, lightness and shared enjoyment that can help children feel more relaxed and connected.
Acceptance
Accepting and validating a child’s inner emotional experience, even when certain behaviours need gentle and appropriate boundaries.
Curiosity
Wondering about the feelings, thoughts and experiences behind a child’s behaviour, rather than making assumptions or focusing only on what can be seen.
Empathy
Helping children feel understood by recognising their emotional experiences and responding with compassion and sensitivity.
Together, these principles can help create a sense of emotional safety and support more trusting relationships.
BRINGING THIS UNDERSTANDING INTO PLAY THERAPY
Play offers children a natural way to communicate, explore their experiences and express emotions that may be difficult to put into words.
I am beginning to apply the principles learned through my DDP Level One training to further develop my understanding of attachment, relational safety and the emotional needs behind children’s behaviour.
This complements my play therapy work by encouraging a thoughtful, compassionate and relationship-focused approach.
Rather than viewing behaviour simply as something to change, I aim to remain curious about what a child may be communicating and what they might need from the adults around them.
Supporting Parents and Carers
Parents and carers play an important role in helping children feel safe, understood and connected.
My developing understanding of DDP principles also supports the way I think about children’s relationships with their caregivers, particularly when families are navigating emotional difficulties, challenging behaviour or the effects of earlier experiences.
I recognise that supporting a child who is struggling can sometimes feel overwhelming. My aim is to offer a compassionate, non-judgemental space where children’s emotional needs and the importance of nurturing relationships remain central.