DDP Therapy For Children & Teenagers

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, often called DDP, is an evidence-based treatment originally developed by Dr. Dan Hughes to help children who have experienced developmental trauma and attachment disorders. It centers on the PACE model: Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy to create a safe emotional environment for healing attachment wounds and trauma. Our DDP certified Clinical Psychologist will work with you and your child to strengthen your bond and process painful past experiences together. By co-regulating emotions, your child will learn to feel secure and begin to replace defensive behaviors with healthy, trusting connections.

Yes, DDP is highly effective for children with attachment difficulties and disorders because it focuses on repairing the foundational sense of safety between the child and parent/caregiver. It is a highly regarded intervention for adopted children and children in care. Research suggests that this approach helps reduce emotional dysregulation and improves the child’s ability to trust, leading to more stable and resilient family bonds.

The DDP process works by involving you, the parent or caregiver, directly in sessions to facilitate co-regulation and emotional safety. Our DDP therapist will model the PACE stance, helping your child move to a state of open engagement. Through ‘proactive storytelling’, you and our DDP therapist will help your child make sense of their past trauma, creating a coherent life narrative, encouraging attunement, empathy and curiosity. This collaborative approach focuses on deepening the affective-reflective bond, ensuring your child feels seen and accepted while learning to navigate complex emotions.

Yes, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy DDP is widely recognised as an evidence-based treatment for trauma attachment disorders. Research studies, including randomised controlled trials and follow up studies, have shown statistically significant improvements in emotional regulation and relational functioning.

DDP has been reviewed by bodies such as the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse, highlighting its strong evidence base. This gives parents and professionals confidence that it is an effective treatment for young people who have experienced early trauma.

DDP is typically a long-term intervention and many families complete between 20 and 30 sessions over 6 to 12 months or longer. The first few sessions (often 3–5) involve only the parents/caregivers to prepare them for the PACE model. Our DDP clinical psychologist will review progress every 6 sessions to adjust the plan. Healing complex attachment wounds often requires a sustained commitment to ensure lasting change.