0692 - From Protection to Connection: Introduction to Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) with Children, Youth & Families

Course Description

Hours: 12

This two-day professional development course provides therapists with an introduction to Dan Hughes’s dyadic developmental psychotherapy (DDP), an attachment-focused and trauma-informed approach designed to support children, adolescents and families impacted by developmental trauma, attachment disruptions, loss, neglect and relational adversity.

DDP is grounded in the understanding that healing occurs within safe, emotionally attuned relationships. Rather than focusing primarily on behaviour management, DDP helps clinicians understand the meaning beneath behaviours and create experiences of connection, co-regulation, emotional safety and relational repair.

Participants will learn the foundational principles of DDP, including:

• Attachment and developmental trauma frameworks.
• The impact of early relational experiences on the nervous system, identity and behaviour.
• Understanding behaviours as adaptive survival strategies.
• Building safety and trust within the therapeutic relationship. 
• Supporting co-regulation between caregivers and children/youth. 
• Helping families move from shame and disconnection toward curiosity and connection.

Participants will develop practical skills for:

• Working with emotionally guarded or reactive children and adolescents. 
• Engaging caregivers as central to the healing process.
• Responding to shame, anger, avoidance and relational rupture.
• Deepening emotional communication within families.
• Using attunement and reflective dialogue to foster secure attachment.

Through case examples, experiential exercises, role plays, demonstrations and clinical discussion, therapists will gain practical tools to begin integrating DDP principles into their work with children, youth, caregivers, and families.

This course is ideal for:

• psychotherapists 
• social workers 
• psychologists 
• child and youth workers 
• family therapists 
• school-based clinicians 
• foster care and adoption professionals 

Especially relevant for clinicians working with:

• developmental trauma 
• attachment disruptions 
• foster and adoptive families
• emotional and behavioural challenges 
• relational conflict 
• neurodivergent children and adolescents 
• complex family systems 

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how relational safety, attunement and connection can become powerful vehicles for healing and transformation.

Notes

Time Zone: All listed class times are held in ET (Ontario, Canada)

For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:

Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967

Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.

Website: wlu.ca/fswpd

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Counselling Techniques Certificate : Counselling Techniques
• Family and Couples Counselling : Family and Couples Counselling