Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP)
Available in Cheshire and online throughout the UK

We work with children, young people, and families who may be struggling with the effects of early trauma, disrupted attachments, or emotional and behavioural challenges. One of the ways we support this healing process is through Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) , a relationship-based, trauma-informed therapy grounded in connection, safety, and trust.

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What is DDP?

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy is an attachment-focused therapy developed by Dr. Dan Hughes. It is designed to help children and young people who have experienced early relational trauma, such as neglect, abuse or disruptions in care giving, and who now find it difficult to trust, regulate their emotions, or form secure relationships.

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The word dyadic refers to the two-person (dyad) relationship and it usually refers to a child and their parent or caregiver. The therapist works alongside them to support and strengthen that bond. DDP brings together the child, caregiver, and therapist in a safe, collaborative space to foster healing, understanding, connection, attunement and emotional growth.

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Core Principles of DDP

At the heart of DDP (and our practice at Pathways) is the PACE approach. This approach is based on four key principles:

• Playfulness – creating lightness and openness in communication

• Acceptance – showing unconditional positive regard for the child’s inner experience

• Curiosity – wondering gently about the child’s feelings and behaviours, without judgement

• Empathy – feeling with the child and offering comfort and understanding

 

These principles help build safety and trust, allowing children to begin to explore difficult feelings and experiences that may otherwise feel overwhelming or confusing.

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What to Expect in a DDP Session

DDP is a relational therapy that typically involves both the child and their primary caregiver together in sessions. The therapist supports both individuals in communicating more openly, honestly and safely, and helps the caregiver to remain emotionally available, responsive and reflective.

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In the early stages we may spend time individually, helping the caregiver to understand the impact of trauma and attachment disruptions, while building safety and trust with the child. As sessions progress, we may gently explore the child’s past experiences and support new, healthier patterns of relating.

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Each session is guided by the child’s emotional readiness and needs. The process is always paced carefully and with sensitivity.

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How Does DDP Work?

When children experience trauma early in life, particularly in the context of care giving relationships, it can shape how they view themselves, others and the world (these are called internal working models). They may learn that adults can’t be trusted, believe themselves to be unloveable or seek to control situations to feel safe.

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DDP helps children begin to process their experiences and unlearn these defensive patterns by experiencing safety, empathy, and attunement in the therapeutic relationship, and crucially, in the relationship with their caregiver. Over time, this consistent experience can help rewire emotional and relational patterns, building a more secure internal working model.

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Benefits of DDP

DDP has been found to be especially helpful for children and families where there is a history of early trauma, adoption, foster care or attachment disruption. Some of the benefits include:

• Strengthened emotional connection between child and caregiver

• Improved emotional regulation and resilience

• Increased trust and openness in relationships

• Reduction in defensive or challenging behaviours

• Greater understanding and empathy within the family

• Healing of trauma-related relational wounds

 

What Can DDP Help With?

DDP can be helpful for a range of issues, particularly when traditional behavioural approaches haven’t worked. It is particularly suited for:

• Children with attachment difficulties

• Adopted or fostered children

• Children who have experienced early neglect or abuse

• Complex trauma

• Emotional and behavioural difficulties

• Relationship struggles between children and caregivers

• Difficulties with trust, control or shame

 

We also offer support for parents and carers to develop reflective, attuned and therapeutic parenting approaches alongside the therapy.

 

How DDP Differs From Other Therapies

Unlike individual therapy that focuses only on the child or young person, DDP actively involves the caregiver in the therapeutic process. This is because healing relational trauma requires a relational solution. Safe, secure attachments are central to emotional recovery.

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DDP is not about 'fixing' behaviour with rewards or consequences. Instead, it focuses on the child’s inner world and understanding the reasons behind their behaviour, building connection and offering co-regulation, rather than control.

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While other therapies may be more structured or technique-based, DDP is rooted in relationships, emotional presence and trust. It’s a gentle, respectful, and often transformative approach to supporting children and families.

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If you’re caring for a child or young person who is struggling to connect, regulate or trust and you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, DDP may offer a way forward. We are here to support you.

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Please get in touch if you’d like to know more or arrange an initial conversation.