DDP stands for Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. It is a therapy and parenting approach that uses what we know about attachment and trauma to help children and families with their relationship.

DDP was originally developed by Dan Hughes as a therapeutic intervention for families who were fostering or had adopted children, but it is now widely used to support all families who are facing problems. DDP actively involves the parent or carer in the sessions with the child/young person. This therapy encourages the child to rely on the parent or care provider, rather than themselves and as they experience empathy and attunement from their parents/carers, with the goal of reducing difficult behaviours and greater closeness to parents and carers will develop.

Dyadic Development Psychotherapy (DDP) involves creating a safe setting in which the child can begin to explore, resolve, and integrate a wide range of memories, emotions & current experiences that are frightening, shameful, avoided or denied. The Therapist uses a range of techniques including non-verbal attunement, reflective dialogue, acceptance, curiosity &and empathy, to enable the child to create a coherent life- story which is crucial for attachment security and is a strong protective factor. The PLACE model which is shared in the therapy is used (Playful, Loving, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy).