Working with Relational Trauma in Schools

Written by experienced clinicians, this book provides an exploration of how educators can easily use Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) to help vulnerable pupils to thrive.

DDP is an intervention model for children and young people who have experienced trauma in past relationships. Safety and security is increased through offering emotional connection in a variety of ways, helped by the attitude of PACE (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy). The model gives children the opportunity to experience the relationships necessary for healthy development, emotional regulation and resilience.

This book gives educators all the tools they need to embed DDP into their practice, including building connections with students, partnerships with parents, understanding the theory behind DDP, and overcoming the challenges of implementing it in practice. These principles can be adapted to support pupils at all levels.

About the Authors

Kim S. Golding, CBE, BSc, MSc, D. Clin. Psy. AFBPsS is a clinical psychologist and author. She is a DDP consultant and trainer with interest in developing parenting and education to help children with experience of developmental trauma. Discovering people's stories together is central to her work.

Sian Phillips is a psychologist in Kingston, Ontario. She is a certified DDP practitioner, consultant and trainer. Seven years ago she established a specialized school program, Belong, which utilizes Dyadic Developmental Practice as its framework and also works with larger school boards to integrate DDP as their framework for trauma-informed education.

Louise Michelle Bomber is qualified as a specialist teacher, a therapist and a DDP certified practitioner. She is the Clinical Lead and the Director of TouchBase Centre CiC in Brighton, which offers a range of support services for children and young adults (5 to 25) who have experienced significant relational traumas and losses to move towards learned security and recovery.