What trauma informed support actually looks like
Early experiences of loss, neglect or trauma can shape a child's relationships and emotional wellbeing for years afterwards. In this video, Dr Jude Johnston, our Director of Psychological Therapies, introduces our adoption support and trauma service, and explains how we help children, young people and families begin to heal.
Helping children feel safe and connected.
Who we support
We have been working alongside adopted, special guardianship and care experienced children, young people, adults and their families for over ten years.
We understand that early experiences of loss, neglect or trauma can have a lasting impact on relationships, behaviour and emotional wellbeing. Our role is to provide the specialist assessment and therapeutic support that helps everyone involved make sense of those experiences, and begin to heal.
What being trauma informed means in practice
Being trauma informed is not a single technique. It shapes everything we do, from how we design our spaces to how we listen and respond.
We pay careful attention to safety, trust and connection, so that everyone who comes to us feels heard and supported.
Our therapy rooms are designed to feel homely, warm and welcoming, because the right environment genuinely makes a difference. We are committed to accessibility too, whether that means adapting materials, offering online sessions, or making practical adjustments so that everyone can take part comfortably.
Assessments that build a full picture
Our assessments look at emotional development, attachment, sensory processing and family relationships.
Together, these help us build a complete picture of what a child needs in order to feel safe and connected, so that any support we offer is shaped around them rather than applied from a template.
The therapies we offer
We provide a full range of therapeutic interventions, tailored to each child, young person, adult or family. These may include:
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy
- Play therapy, and creative therapies including art, music and drama
- Trauma focused cognitive approaches
- Family based approaches
We are also proud to work in partnership with BUSS Model Ltd, founded by Sarah Lloyd, a specialist occupational therapist and play therapist.
Safe, joined up care
We take risk and safeguarding extremely seriously.
We work closely with social workers, schools and healthcare teams to make sure that care is safe, joined up and responsive, and that everyone supporting a child is working towards the same goal.
Talk to us
You will find a compassionate, expert team here who care about helping people build resilience, confidence and stronger relationships.
If you would like to know more about how we can help you or someone in your family, please get in touch. We would be glad to answer your questions and help you take the next step.
Not sure where to start?
Our clinical team can talk through your options and help you work out the right next step, whether that is for you or for someone you care about.