Theraplay is an engaging, playful, relationship-focused treatment method that is interactive, physical and fun. Theraplay was developed by Phyllis Booth and Ann Jerberg in the late 1960s / early 1970s and is still considered a highly effective treatment method. This is a child and family treatment for enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. It is based on the natural patterns of healthy interaction between parent and child. Theraplay interaction focuses on four essential qualities found in the parent/child relationships: Structure, Engagement, Nurture and Challenge. Peace of Mind therapeutic services can offer work based on Theraplay principles.

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy

Dyadic developmental psychotherapy is based on the work of Dan Hughes who is an American Clinical Psychologist.  This is a treatment for families who are caring for fostered or adopted children who have experienced neglect and abuse in their birth families and suffered significant developmental trauma.

The work uses attachment based knowledge and research to help the child develop as much attachment security as possible, and to help those involved in parenting understand the child, in the context of their past and experiences.  The dyadic developmental intervention work involves the creating an environment that is ‘playful, accepting, curious and empathic’ (PACE). It recognises the vital role that foster parents, adoptive parents, relatives and residential works play as attachment figures for children and young people who have experienced trauma and loss early in life (Dan Hughes).


Therapeutic Life Story Work

For children who have been removed from the care of their family and suffered many placement breakdowns, their life history can be extremely fragmented, leaving the child feeling lost and with no sense of belonging. This can impact hugely on their well-being and make the child very vulnerable in their present and future. Therapeutic Life Story Work offers children opportunity to explore, question and understand past events of their life. Within this it gives them a voice and safe space to feel and express their emotions when making sense of past experiences and the relation it has to their current thoughts, feelings and behaviours.


Eye Movement and Desensitisation and re-programming [EMDR}

Eye movement desensitisation & reprogramming is a relatively new therapy established within the last 20 years or so.  It is an extremely effective treatment for individuals who have experienced unresolved traumatic experiences.  It was used largely with war veterans who have post traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] and it is recommended by NICE as a treatment.  It can also be very useful for a variety of emotional issues.

Many people have traumatic experiences during their lifespan which can lead to increased stress, however most people recover quickly as they are supported to do this and have healthy coping mechanisms.  Some people are unable to process the trauma which remains 'stuck' and can lead to significant emotional health difficulties.  The effects of this can be felt physically, emotionally and psychologically which can affect their lives long after the event.  Therefore specialist help will alleviate the symptoms of trauma and enable the client to regain control over their well being and regain control of their thoughts.