I offer a DDP informed practice. What does this mean?

 

DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy) and Play Therapy

Both Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and Play Therapy are therapeutic approaches that help children process difficult experiences, build emotional resilience, and develop healthier relationships. While they share some common goals, they differ in how they work and who is involved in the therapeutic process.

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What is Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)?

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) is an attachment-focused, trauma-informed approach developed by psychologist Dr. Dan Hughes. It was originally designed to support children who have experienced developmental trauma, neglect, abuse, loss, or disruptions in early attachment relationships.

The word dyadic refers to the relationship between two people—typically the child and their parent or caregiver. Unlike many forms of therapy that focus primarily on the child, DDP actively involves caregivers in the therapeutic process.

DDP is based on the understanding that healing occurs through safe, trusting, and attuned relationships. The therapist works with both the child and caregiver to strengthen connection, improve emotional communication, and help the child make sense of their experiences.

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A key principle of DDP is PACE, a way of relating that promotes emotional safety and connection:

• Playfulness

• Acceptance

• Curiosity

• Empathy

Through this approach, children can explore difficult feelings and experiences while feeling understood, accepted, and supported by the important adults in their lives.

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What is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is a developmentally appropriate form of counselling that uses play as a child's natural language of communication. Children often express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences more easily through play than through words.

During Play Therapy sessions, children may use toys, art materials, sand, stories, role-play, movement, and creative activities to explore emotions, process experiences, and work through challenges.

Play Therapy can help children who are experiencing:

• Anxiety or worries

• Low self-esteem

• Emotional regulation difficulties

• Family changes such as separation or divorce

• Bereavement and loss

• Trauma

• Social or behavioural difficulties

• School-related challenges

The therapist provides a safe, accepting, and non-judgmental environment where the child can explore their inner world at their own pace.

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How Are DDP and Play Therapy Different?

While both approaches support emotional healing and development, there are some important differences:

 

DDP

• Primarily focuses on attachment and relationships.

• Caregivers are actively involved in the therapeutic process.

• Particularly effective for children with attachment difficulties and developmental trauma.

• Emphasises healing through connection and co-regulation with trusted adults.

 

Play Therapy

• Uses play as the primary medium for communication and expression.

• Sessions are often child-led and developmentally focused.

• Can support a wide range of emotional, social, and behavioural difficulties.

• Helps children process experiences through symbolic and creative expression.

 

How Can DDP and Play Therapy Work Together?

These approaches are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many therapists integrate elements of both DDP and Play Therapy into their work.

Play provides children with a natural and safe way to express themselves, while DDP offers a relational framework that strengthens attachment and emotional connection. Together, they can help children develop a greater sense of safety, self-understanding, emotional regulation, and trust in relationships.

For many children, healing happens not only through talking about experiences but through experiencing safe, attuned, and playful relationships where they feel seen, understood, and accepted.

 

In Summary

DDP and Play Therapy both recognise that children thrive when they feel safe, connected, and understood.

• DDP focuses on healing through relationships, attachment, and caregiver involvement.

• Play Therapy uses play as a child's natural language to support emotional expression and growth.

• Both approaches aim to help children make sense of their experiences, strengthen emotional wellbeing, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others.

 

When used appropriately, DDP and Play Therapy can provide powerful pathways for healing, resilience, and emotional development.