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Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy

DDP is an attachment focused, relational approach with the aim of enhancing and positively influencing parent-child relationships.

What: is Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP):

DDP is an attachment focused, relational approach with the aim of enhancing and positively influencing parent-child relationships. Relationships and intersubjectivity are at the core of DDP; creating safety in relationships is a fundamental part of the therapy.

DDP therapy sessions:

Whilst sessions are initially parent only, the therapy usually progresses to being dyadic, therefore parent(s) and child together.

DDP is both directive and non-directive in its approach and it is a systemic model, working with the system around the child.

DDP helps to build trust between parent and child, providing a safe space for the child’s emotional experiences to be shared and to make sense of them together; to co-construct meaning and narratives, and to help make sense of the past and how it might be interacting with the present.

The therapy aims for parent and child to have a more positive relationship and to increase understanding of what might be going on underneath the behaviour being presented.

  • Sensory Integration
  • Rhythmic Movement Therapy
  • Halliwick Training
  • Swimming Stroke Progression
  • OT Principles and Functional Development
Samantha Stephenson

Meet the therapist:

My name is Sam. I am an Accredited Play Therapist and DDP Informed Practitioner (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy). I love that play therapy enables children to explore their feelings and experiences through the language they know best, play. Play therapy is child-led; it encourages children to express what they cannot verbalise, provides a space to process and make sense of difficult life experiences, and helps children to find their voice and connect with themselves. I endeavour to offer a supportive, caring and confidential place within the safety of the therapeutic relationship; integral for processing and healing to begin. I strive to see the whole person, taking a systemic view, and not just the difficulties or trauma being faced.