This therapeutic parenting program focuses on parenting children and young people who have experienced developmental trauma, especially children who have experienced attachment problems, trauma, loss and/or separation early in their life.

The program is based on the principles of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), which emphasises the importance of creating a strong and supportive attachment relationship between the child and caregiver (Hughes, 2009;2011)

The program teaches staff the foundations for attachments by using the foundation for attachment model of parenting by parenting with PACE which stands for Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy. These principles provide a framework for staff to approach their interactions with children in a supportive, understanding, and emotionally attuned way.

The face-to-face program allows for hands-on training and the opportunity for participants to interact with and learn from experienced trainers and professionals. The three-day duration of the programme provides ample time for participants to fully immerse themselves in training and gain a deeper understanding of the principles and practices of therapeutic parenting and an introduction to PACE.

*A one day refresher course is available for those that have completed Foundations for Attachments.*

Aims:

Understanding the Challenges of Parenting (Day 1):

• Understanding the challenges of parenting

• Learning about blocked trust

• Loss of intersubjectivity

• Shame

• Hidden and expressed attachment need

Therapeutic Parenting (Day 2):

• PACE - Building Connections

• Managing behaviour

• Parenting in the moment

Taking Care of Yourself (DAY 3):

• Blocked care

• Attachment history