Dyadic developmental psychotherapy for children with developmental trauma histories: An exploration of children’s therapeutic experiences

Aims: Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) is a family-based psychotherapeutic intervention designed to help children and young people with the psychological difficulties resulting from developmental trauma. The study aims to understand the experience of DDP from a child’s perspective.Method: Six children participated, aged between 8 and 12 years old, adopted or living with extended family under Special Guardianship Orders, and accessing ongoing DDP interventions. Narrative story stem methodologies were utilised to elicit projective responses, alongside creative visual methodologies. Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Two master themes and eight subthemes were identified, describing a dynamic process where the qualities of the therapeutic interactions were salient, generating potential for increased caregiver closeness and connection. A cycle of interactive repair was important to maintain the process of developing trust. Five of the six participants were able to express benefits of the therapy, depicting increased connection and closeness with caregivers. Implications: Findings infer that the attuned presence of therapeutic adults in DDP may influence perceived differences in attachment security, through the active involvement of caregivers. Outcomes are likely to be moderated through therapist effects. Play and activity-based research techniques were helpful in promoting meaningful inclusion for this group of children.