Refers to the emotional bond between a child and a caregiver which can influence emotional, social and cognitive development.

Brings together information about the interaction of biological factors, psychological factors and social factors in order to make sense of a child and family’s presentation.

Approach to parenting children who have been neglected and abused in a manner that meets their developmental need and aims to help the child to develop first a capacity to be co-regulated, and over time to self-regulate.

Developed by Dr Daniel Hughes is a dyadic parent and child therapy treatment for families with adopted or fostered children who had experienced neglect and abuse in their birth families and suffered from significant developmental trauma.

Assessment tool developed for use in Theraplay® which is designed to assess a child and parents’ attachment relationship in terms of Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge.

Technique used to help children and parents focus their awareness in the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting their feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.

Consists of a team of specialist professionals in the fields of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Social Work, Occupational Therapy and Education who contribute to the assessment and treatment of developmentally traumatised children.

Therapeutic model and approach developed by Family Futures that focuses on healing the neurological, physiological and psychological harm to a child’s development caused by neglect and abusive parenting in infancy.

Assessment tool developed for use in Theraplay® which is designed to assess a child and parents’ attachment relationship in terms of Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge.

How our brain receives and processes sensory information so that the body can be effective in everyday life. There is a theory of sensory integration and a therapeutic approach based on this theory.

Tool used to map children’s interpersonal relationships. This can be conducted within a sand-tray or on paper.

Form of therapy aimed at relieving the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental and physical trauma-related health problems by focusing on the client’s perceived body sensations (somatic experiences).

Non-intrusive assessment tool designed to elicit children’s unconscious representations of relationships, caregivers and family roles by giving them the beginning of the ‘story’ and asking them to complete them.

Child and family therapy intervention for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. It is based on the natural patterns of playful, healthy interaction between parent and child and is personal, physical, and fun.