Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
Program/Intervention Name
Category
Attachment Interventions, Parenting Skills - Training and Enhancement, Trauma Treatment
Program/Intervention Description
What: DDP is a model of treatment and parenting for children with problems secondary to abuse, neglect, and multiple placements. When a child's early attachment history consists of abuse, neglect, and/or multiple placements, he/she has failed to experience the dyadic (reciprocal) interaction between a child and parent that are necessary for normal development and he/she often has a reduced readiness and ability to participate in such experiences. Many children, when placed in a foster or adoptive home that provides appropriate parenting, are able to learn, day-by-day, how to engage in and benefit from the dyadic experiences provided by the new parent. How: A comprehensive initial assessment must be conducted that touches on the seven domains that may be affected by Complex Trauma. This treatment program serves to develop a detailed treatment plan. Treatment usually involves 1 session per week of 2 hours divided up as follows: The initial several sessions are just with the caregivers to assist them in “discovering” the important elements of attachment-facilitating parenting and in reviewing the text, Attachment Parenting, edited by Arthur Becker-Weidman, PhD. Once the caregivers are ready, then each 2-hour session begins with the therapist meeting with the parents, followed by the conjoint session with the child and caregivers, followed by time with the caregivers to “debrief” about the session. Treatment Components: Treatment must be provided in a consistent manner to develop and maintain a therapeutic alliance.
Intervention Target Population Identified (Age Group)
0-5, 6-12, 13-17, >17
Program Goals/Outcomes
Develop a more secure pattern of attachment, Resolve trauma symptoms, Secure a more permanent connection and relationship with the committed caregiver, Increase attunement with their child, Develop reflective function, Use attachment-facilitating parenting approaches, Increase sensitivity
QIC Target Group
Both Target 1 and Target 2
QIC Adoption/Guardianship Relevance Levels
LEVEL 3: Replicated Without Adaptation for Adoption or Guardianship
QIC level of Evidence
LEVEL 4: Promising Practice
Intervention Web Site/URL
Contact Person/Purveyor
Agency/Affiliation
Contact Email
Contact Phone
External Links (Registry/Other Catalog)
- California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse: www.cebc4cw.org/program/dyadic-developmental-psychotherapy
Attachments
- Purveyor Information Sheet: Dyadic-Developmental-Psychotherapy.pdf
