Who is DDP For?

DDP is designed for:

• Children and adolescents with histories of abuse, neglect, or multiple placements
• Families formed through adoption or fostering
• Young people struggling with attachment difficulties, complex trauma, or emotional and behavioural challenges
• Parents and caregivers seeking to strengthen their connection with their child

The Core of DDP: PACE

At the heart of DDP is the PACE model, which guides how therapists and caregivers interact with children:

• Playfulness – Brings joy and lightness to interactions
• Acceptance – Accepts the child’s inner world without judgment
• Curiosity – Shows genuine interest in understanding the child’s feelings and behaviour
• Empathy – Communicates compassionate understanding

These elements help children feel seen, heard, and valued, laying the groundwork for healing.

How Does DDP Work?

DDP is a relational and experiential therapy that typically involves both the child and their caregiver in sessions. The therapist works to:

• Create a safe space for emotional expression
• Help the child understand and process early experiences
• Strengthen the caregiver-child relationship
• Support caregivers in responding to their child with PACE

Sessions may include reflective dialogue, story work, and interactive exercises tailored to the child’s needs.

Benefits of DDP

• Improved attachment and trust between child and caregiver
• Reduced anxiety, aggression, and emotional dysregulation
• Greater emotional resilience and self-understanding
• Enhanced caregiving confidence and capacity

DDP aims to restore the child’s ability to connect, love, and feel safe in relationships.

“Attachment is not about perfection. It’s about repair, connection, and the courage to keep showing up.” — Dr. Daniel Hughes

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A practical, evidence-based approach to changing thoughts, behaviours, and emotions.

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a widely-used, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected. By identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, CBT empowers individuals to develop healthier responses and more effective coping strategies.

CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and time-limited — making it especially effective for treating a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties.

Who is CBT For?

CBT can be helpful for people of all ages — children, adolescents, and adults — who are experiencing:

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Depression or low mood
• Phobias or obsessive-compulsive thoughts
• Post-traumatic stress symptoms
• Eating disorders or body image concerns
• Sleep problems or chronic stress
• Low self-esteem or perfectionism
• Behavioural challenges in children or teens

CBT can be delivered individually, in groups, or with families, depending on the specific goals and needs.

How Does CBT Work?

CBT helps individuals become more aware of how automatic thoughts and core beliefs influence emotions and behaviours. Through guided discovery and practical techniques, clients learn to:

• Identify unhelpful or distorted thinking patterns
• Replace them with more realistic and balanced thoughts
• Develop healthy coping strategies and behaviour changes
• Build emotional resilience and confidence over time

CBT is collaborative — you and your therapist work together to set goals, monitor progress, and practice skills between sessions.

Key CBT Techniques May Include:

• Cognitive restructuring (challenging negative thinking)
• Exposure therapy (gradual facing of feared situations)
• Behavioural activation (increasing positive activities)
• Mindfulness and grounding techniques
• Problem-solving and planning
• Skills training (e.g. emotion regulation, assertiveness)

Therapists often provide worksheets, exercises, and practical tools to help clients apply what they’re learning to everyday life.

Benefits of CBT

• Improved mood and emotional regulation
• Decreased anxiety, stress, and intrusive thoughts
• Better coping strategies for everyday challenges
• Increased self-awareness and self-efficacy
• Long-term tools for preventing relapse

CBT focuses not just on understanding the problem, but on actively changing what isn’t working.

What to Expect

CBT is typically short to medium-term (e.g. 6–20 sessions), depending on the issue. In the first few sessions, you and your therapist will clarify your goals and identify key thought and behaviour patterns. Therapy then progresses through learning, practicing, and reinforcing new ways of thinking and responding.

Between-session work (often called “homework”) is a key part of CBT’s success — it helps make the strategies stick.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward, CBT may help you regain control and clarity.

“You don’t have to believe everything you think. CBT helps you rewrite the story — with insight, skill, and strength.”

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Healing trauma by processing the past to reclaim the present.

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help people recover from trauma, distressing memories, and overwhelming life experiences. Rather than focusing on talking about the trauma in detail, EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer cause emotional disturbance.

Originally developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR is recommended by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) as a frontline treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Who is EMDR For?

EMDR is highly effective for people experiencing:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety, panic attacks, or phobias
• Childhood trauma or attachment wounds
• Sexual, emotional, or physical abuse
• Grief and complicated loss
• Performance anxiety or low self-worth
• Medical trauma, accidents, or natural disasters

EMDR can benefit children, adolescents, and adults — and is often used when traditional talk therapy hasn’t fully resolved the issue.

How Does EMDR Work?

When a traumatic or distressing event occurs, the brain’s natural ability to process and store the memory may become overwhelmed, leaving it “stuck.” This can lead to flashbacks, emotional triggers, or irrational beliefs like “I’m not safe” or “I’m not good enough.”

EMDR helps by activating the brain’s natural healing processes using bilateral stimulation — such as side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or tones — while the client focuses on a traumatic memory.

This process helps the brain:

• Reprocess disturbing memories
• Unlock emotional blocks
• Reduce the emotional charge of past events
• Install new, adaptive beliefs (e.g., “I am strong,” “I am safe now”)

The 8 Phases of EMDR

EMDR follows a structured 8-phase approach:

1. History Taking & Treatment Planning
2. Preparation – Building trust and learning coping strategies
3. Assessment – Identifying target memories
4. Desensitization – Using bilateral stimulation to reduce distress
5. Installation – Strengthening positive beliefs
6. Body Scan – Noticing and releasing physical tension
7. Closure – Stabilization and review
8. Revaluation – Tracking progress over time

Sessions are typically 60–90 minutes and can be part of a broader therapeutic process.

Benefits of EMDR

• Significant reduction in trauma-related distress
• Relief from anxiety, fear, and negative self-beliefs
• Enhanced emotional resilience and stability
• Healing that goes beyond just “coping” — to actual transformation
• No need to rehash traumatic events in detail

EMDR helps clients feel more present, empowered, and emotionally free.

What to Expect

EMDR begins with careful assessment and preparation. Your therapist will work with you to ensure you feel safe and supported before starting memory reprocessing. Throughout therapy, you remain in control and are never pushed to go further than you feel ready.

Many clients find EMDR to be deeply healing and life-changing, even after just a few sessions.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

If you’re carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, or distressing memories, EMDR offers a path toward lasting relief and emotional freedom.

“The past affects the present — until it is processed.” — Francine Shapiro, PhD

Psychotherapy

A safe space to explore, heal, and grow — at your own pace.

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy — often called “talk therapy” — is a collaborative process where you work with a trained mental health professional to explore thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and life experiences. It provides a supportive space to gain insight, process challenges, and develop healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to yourself and others.

Psychotherapy is not just for crises. It’s for anyone seeking greater clarity, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.

Who is Psychotherapy For?

Psychotherapy can support people of all ages and backgrounds. You might benefit if you’re experiencing:

• Anxiety, panic, or chronic stress
• Depression, low mood, or apathy
• Grief and loss
• Relationship issues or family conflict
• Trauma, abuse, or neglect
• Low self-esteem or identity struggles
• Life transitions, burnout, or feeling “stuck”
• Difficulty regulating emotions or managing anger

It can also be a space for personal growth, self-discovery, and emotional education — even if there’s no specific crisis.

How Does Psychotherapy Work?

Through regular sessions, psychotherapy offers a safe, confidential environment where you can:

• Talk about what’s on your mind — with no judgment
• Explore patterns that may be holding you back
• Learn coping strategies and emotional tools
• Gain deeper insight into your thoughts and behaviours
• Work through past experiences and begin to heal

Sessions are guided by your needs and goals. The pace is respectful and attuned to where you are emotionally.

Types of Psychotherapy

There are many approaches to psychotherapy. Your therapist may draw from models such as:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Humanistic or Person-Cantered Therapy
• Attachment-Based or Trauma-Informed Approaches
• Integrative Therapy – combining elements tailored to your needs

Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to choose an approach that best fits your situation and goals.

Benefits of Psychotherapy

• Increased emotional awareness and resilience
• Healthier relationships and communication
• Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Greater self-acceptance and confidence
• Ability to set boundaries and make empowered choices
• A deeper understanding of who you are and what matters to you

Over time, psychotherapy helps you live with more clarity, connection, and inner peace.

What to Expect

In your first session, your therapist will invite you to share what’s brought you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. From there, you’ll work together to build trust, set goals, and begin the process of exploration and healing.

Sessions usually last 50 minutes and may be weekly, biweekly, or adapted to your needs.

Take the First Step

You don’t have to carry everything alone. Whether you’re navigating pain, confusion, or a desire for growth, psychotherapy offers a path forward.

“Therapy is not about changing who you are. It’s about coming home to yourself — with compassion, courage, and care.”