We all need relationships that are characterized by PACE – playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy. At Shalem, we are excited to be able to help build these kinds of relationships through attachment-focused therapy.

In all of Shalem’s programs, we recognize that we are relational beings and it is in the context of relationships that we grow and flourish. It is also in the context of relationships that we get hurt and it is in the context of relationships that we heal. Because we are all social and relational beings, attachment-focused therapy focuses on healing in and through our relationships.

One particular model of attachment-focused therapy is called Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP). Developed by Dan Hughes of Maine, USA, this model is being brought to Canada by Shalem’s director of Attachment services, Betty Brouwer. Betty is one of two certified DDP trainers in Canada.

The DDP model emphasizes the importance of the context of healthy relationships that can provide corrective developmental experiences that promote healing and growth. It is a model that helps to build and strengthen relationships in families and in communities. PACE is an attitude that is central to these types of healthy relationships. We see healing happen in relationships that are playful and in which people are accepting, curious and empathic toward each other.

DDP was initially developed as a way of supporting foster and adoptive children and their new families where there was complex trauma and attachment disruptions in their previous relationships. It has since been applied to other families and in other settings.

Betty works along side Sian Phillips, the other certified DDP trainer in Canada. This past fall, Betty was able to assist Sian as she continues her work of bringing PACE to the Prince Edward Hastings School Board, where they are working to develop DDP-informed schools and classes. There is a growing recognition that the attitude of PACE is “good for all and essential to some.”

Betty and Sian are working together with Susan Schumacher of the Attachment Association of Canada to bring DDP to Ontario and across Canada.

If you are interested in knowing more about training in the DDP model or to become a certified DDP therapist, or if you are interested in a one-day workshop on attachment, brain, trauma and PACE, call us at 1-866-347-0041.

As part of our ongoing training and support of DDP therapists, we are hosting DDP study days in Ontario twice a year. The most recent took place this past November here in Hamilton, where we explored how to support parents who are parenting children with large attachment injuries. The next study day is happening this spring, Friday, May 26, 2017 in Kingston.

We are really excited to continue to help equip people so that healthy relationships are built, attachment injuries are healed, and communities are strengthened. Together we can change the world, on PACE at a time.

 

Betty J. B. Brouwer is our Director of the Linking Lives/Building Attachment program and the Artistic Director of Shalem’s RE-create Outreach Art Studio.