Therapist & Achieving Best Outcomes

Therapist & Achieving Best Outcomes

At Al Barr Care, we believe in providing a nurturing and therapeutic environment for children and young people who have experienced trauma. Our approach is built on Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) principles, focusing on Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy (PACE) to support emotional healing and growth.

Our Therapeutic Model

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) & PACE

We incorporate the Foundations for Attachment model (Golding, 2017), based on DDP principles (Hughes, 2012), to help young people build trust, emotional regulation, and secure relationships. Our staff undergo specialized training to ensure they can provide:

  • Therapeutic parenting techniques
  • Managing behaviour with compassion
  • Understanding trauma and attachment
  • Emotional support through reflective conversations
  • Creating a safe and secure environment

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DDP helps children who have faced early-life neglect or trauma feel secure in their new surroundings. Through therapeutic engagement, children gain a better understanding of their past and develop healthier relationships with caregivers.

Expert-Led Therapeutic Support

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Hannah Dobbs, a DDP Therapist with extensive experience in residential child care, provides expert training and consultation to our team. Her qualifications include:

  • BSc (Hons) in Clinical Psychology (BPS accredited)
  • Level 1 & 2 in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy
  • Advanced training in therapeutic parenting and attachment models
  • CPD-accredited courses in stress management and child placement matching

She trains our staff in Foundations for Attachment and the Nurturing Attachments Programme, equipping them with skills to offer the best therapeutic care.

Ongoing Support & Training for Staff

We conduct monthly reflective meetings with our staff to help them understand children’s emotional needs and behavioural patterns using DDP and PACE principles. This helps create a supportive, trauma-informed environment at Al Barr Care.

In addition to Foundations for Attachment training, our staff can access:

  • Managing Stress, Burnout & Secondary Trauma (CPD Accredited)
  • Child Placement Matching for Long-Term Stability (CPD Accredited)
  • Advanced Behaviour Management Techniques
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A Holistic Approach to Care

At Al Barr Care, we are dedicated to supporting children in their healing, growth, and development. By integrating evidence-based therapeutic models, expert training, and a compassionate care approach, we provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.

Our team is committed to fostering emotional well-being, resilience, and confidence in every child, helping them overcome challenges and build a brighter future. Through personalized care and structured support, we empower young individuals to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling, independent lives.

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