Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy
Building connection, safety, and trust through relationships
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) is a relationship-focused therapy that supports children, young people, and their caregivers in healing from the effects of early trauma, neglect, and attachment difficulties.
Rooted in the principles of safety, attunement, and connection, DDP helps children feel emotionally secure, seen, and understood. Therapy often involves both the child and their parent or caregiver and supports the development of healthier, more connected relationships over time.
I use DDP principles to create a therapeutic environment where curiosity, compassion, and co-regulation can support emotional healing and growth. Sessions may explore patterns of relating, emotional expression, and ways to rebuild trust following early relational wounds.
I am currently trained in DDP and working towards accreditation with the DDP Institute.
DDP can be particularly helpful for:
Adopted children or those in foster care
Families navigating attachment disruption or complex trauma
Children struggling with emotional regulation, connection, or behaviour
Sessions can include both individual and joint work with parents or carers, with regular reviews to support shared understanding and progress.
Life Story Work
Helping children make sense of their past, understand their present, and feel hopeful about their future
Therapeutic Life Story Work is a gentle and structured approach that supports children and young people in understanding their personal histories - especially when their early experiences involve trauma, loss, or separation.
It helps children answer the often-unspoken questions: Who am I? What happened to me? Why did it happen? And what does that mean for who I am today?
Through creative exploration, storytelling, and safe reflection, life story work can support emotional regulation, strengthen identity, and improve relationships with caregivers. It provides a vital foundation for children who have experienced disruptions in attachment or care.
I am trained in Therapeutic Life Story Work and integrate it with trauma-informed approaches such as Art Psychotherapy and DDP, depending on the needs of the child and family.
Life Story Work can help when:
A child has limited or confusing knowledge of their early life
There are gaps, secrecy, or shame in their narrative
The child is adopted, fostered, or has experienced multiple placements
A therapeutic framework is needed to support a deeper understanding of identity and belonging
This work is often done in collaboration with parents, carers, and professionals, and progresses at a pace that feels safe and manageable for the child.
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Adoption Support Counselling
Specialist therapeutic support for adopted children, adults, and families
Adoption can bring with it a rich but complex emotional landscape - for children, adults, and the families around them. Alongside joy and belonging, there may be experiences of loss, identity confusion, attachment difficulties, or behavioural challenges that benefit from specialist therapeutic support.
I am due to begin training in the Postgraduate Diploma in Adoption Support Counselling with The Albany Centre, a course recognised by local authorities and adoption agencies across the UK. This advanced qualification will enhance my ability to support individuals and families across the adoption journey, offering safe, informed, and relational care.
This service will be available later in my practice, following the completion of training.
Once fully completed, I will be offering:
Therapy for adopted children and young people
Support for adoptive parents and families
Space for adults exploring their adoption stories
Trauma-informed care integrated with approaches such as DDP, EMDR, art therapy, and life story work
If you’re a parent, carer, or professional seeking support in this area, you’re welcome to get in touch to express interest or join a future waitlist.
