Our Approach
Our Approach to Care
All interactions with the young people are guided by evidence-based psychology practice. We use the Trauma Recovery Model (Skuse & Matthew, 2015) to guide best, trauma-informed and attachment-aware practice. Some key theories, techniques and research that underpin our approach are:
Attachment theory (Bowlby, 1988),
PACE Model (Golding & Hughs, 2012),
Therapeutic Parenting Model (Shealy, 1996),
Model of person-centred care (Rogers, 1995),
Trauma Theory (Cook et al., 2005; Holland et al., 2014)
Motivational Interviewing technique (Miller & Rollnick, 2013).
List of Key Terms for Our Approach to Care:
Trauma-informed – being trauma informed means we understand what trauma is, how it can impact a child’s development (including physiological, neurological, social, emotional, cognitive and sensory impacts) and how this influences how a child relates to the world. In trauma-informed care we see behaviour as a communication of unmet need.
Attachment-aware– means having an awareness of the importance and function of “relational attachment,” including different attachment styles and internal working models (IWM). Also how early attachment experiences impact our development and future relationships.
Collaborative- means we aim to work “alongside” the young person, ensuring their voice and perspective is heard and taken seriously. We acknowledge that the young person is the expert on their own life and that working with them to understand, and to help them understand, their needs and how they can be met is an empowering process and one where trusting, attuned relationships can be built.
Person-centred- means that the young person will always be at the centre of any decisions that are being made about their care and life. We need to always ask questions like: “is this in the best interest of the young person?”, and as above, “what do they think about this?”
Individualised and holistic– means that we always treat each young person as an individual, with a unique set of circumstances and with a unique set of needs. Working holistically means we see the whole person and always consider their whole range of needs & experiences, including physical, emotional, social, cognitive, sexual, sensory, cultural and spiritual.
Non-judgemental – this means no matter what a young person does or says we will never respond with judgment. Judgement incites shame, guilt and blame. These are common feelings that can accompany trauma. Therefore, by responding with judgement we reinforce a sense of “I am to blame,” “I am bad” etc. whereas if we respond with empathy and non-judgement we support the individual in feeling believed, valued and cared for.
Working in partnership with
