Working with Relational Trauma in Children's Residential Care

This is a wonderful book that affirms the importance of DDP in the relationships of children in out of home care. It also explores the beautiful themes that shape the identity and capacities of children - love, trust, shame. It offers direct applications of DDP for practitioners in this context. Kim Golding and her colleagues reflect on the how relationships have the power to transform childhood pain and trauma into meaning that heals. – Dr Joe Tucci, CEO of the Australian Childhood FoundationThis book will be of great value not only in residential care but anywhere where DDP is practiced. Based on the authors’ wealth of experience this book is full of conversations and stories that beautifully illustrate DDP principles to practice, whilst providing safety and new knowledge of self and other. – Dan Hughes, Ph.D. Founder of DDPGrant, Thompson, and Golding present an innovative exploration in Working with Relational Trauma in Children’s Residential Care, skilfully uncovering the transformative impact of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) on the lives of children in residential care. This timely and accessible book seamlessly blends DDP with insights from contemporary neuroscience, providing a fresh perspective on applying these principles to therapeutic environments for children with profound trauma experiences. The authors showcase the remarkable effectiveness of the DDP approach, cultivating a therapeutic atmosphere that warmly and playfully invites children into a realm of safety. Through co-regulation and a ‘symmetry’ of presence with the child, their approach encourages children to process their trauma-related experiences, creating an environment where they can securely embark on a journey of emotional healing and growth. – Stephen W. Porges, PhD. Founding Director, Traumatic Stress Research ConsortiumIf you care about children, please take this book with you wherever you go and devour it. You’ll learn that residential treatment is not a place of last resort; it can be a place that gives rise to hope. – Jonathan Baylin, coauthor of Attachment-Focused TherapyThis is a must have for any residential setting that is looking to embed or introduce therapeutic care. This is wonderfully written by Kim, Edwina and George who have a wealth of expertise that enriches each chapter and creates a fantastic guide for all practitioners. – Anthony Small, Registered Manager“This is one of the most comprehensive and valuable guides to DDP I have read.” * Jeanine Connor MBACP - Therapy Today *

Edwina M. Grant (Author)

Edwina M. Grant, CPsychol, is an educational psychologist and a certified DDP consultant and trainer. She began her career in residential child care as a practitioner and manager, driven by a passion for best practice. Currently, she provides training, consultancy, and support to adults who care for and educate children who have experienced developmental trauma.

George S. Thompson (Author)

George S. Thompson, MD, FAPA, is a child psychiatrist specializing in the residential treatment of traumatized youth and polyvagal-informed crisis response. He trains individuals in skills and attitudes for fostering compassionate, trustworthy relationships and helps healthcare organizations develop emotionally safe, curious, coherent, and collaborative cultures. Dr. Thompson serves as medical director for two psychiatric residential programs, is a psychiatrist for a youth psychiatric urgent care center, and is part of the team training mobile responders in Albuquerque’s Department of Community Safety. He is also the co-author of Polyvagal Theory and the Developing Child: Systems of Care for Strengthening Kids, Families, and Communities.

Kim S. Golding (Author)

Kim S. Golding CBE, BSc, MSc, D. Clin. Psy. AFBPsS is a clinical psychologist based in Worcestershire, England. She played a key role in establishing the Integrated Service for Looked After Children, a multi-agency service offering holistic support to foster, adoptive, and residential parents, schools, and professionals working with children in care or adoptive families. Trained and mentored by Dan Hughes in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Kim formerly served on the board of the Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy Institute, supporting DDP’s use internationally. She accredits and trains professionals in DDP and is a frequent international speaker on the topic.