What is Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy?

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) reduces mental health concerns and promotes well-being. It’s for children who experience abuse, neglect, or are in the foster care system. DDP focuses on the family, as family dynamics are crucial protective factors in a traumatized child’s life.

DDP supports Attachment Theory. Attachment Theory states that if infants receive the appropriate amount of physical touch, safety, love, and care, they will grow up to form healthy relationships with others. If infants don’t receive proper care, they will have problems forming healthy relationships. In DDP, the relationship between parent and child is key to the child’s emotional development after significant trauma.

DDP includes parenting skills to help caregivers make secure, safe connections with their children following trauma.

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy also relies on knowledge of the effects of developmental trauma and how, in children, experiencing abuse, neglect, or similar situations can cause changes in the brain that might change how the child develops.

Your DDP therapist will work with you and your child to make a plan that considers your child’s specific developmental level, emotional, and behavioral issues.