This Course

The Course if a recorded 60 minute webinar that was originally held in the Institute in September of 2022

This Webinar focuses is an overview on basic principles of the Developmental Trauma and Attachment Program (DTAP) and focuses on the impact of attachment on the brain development in infants and the disruption that occurs from trauma exposure. Attachment behaviors by the caregiver regulate the infant's right brain and limbic system linked to emotions.

The DTAP Guiding Principles stress the interconnectedness of attachment theory and trauma-informed approaches in treatment.Parent involvement, therapist's attitude, learning from clients, and targeted interventions based on brain functioning levels are pivotal. Safety and engagement are prioritized alongside ongoing training and supervision requirements.

The approach emphasizes the importance of non-verbal communication, presence over technique, and caregiver's role in creating a safe and trusting environment through attachment-rich interactions.Therapies recommended for trauma should extend beyond talk therapies and address felt safety through sensory-rich environments. The approach focuses on being present, eye contact, warmth, and spontaneous touch over manualized techniques.   

• Therapists must be open to learning from clients throughout the treatment phases.   
• Trust is earned through perceived safety and meeting needs before awareness.   
• Developmental or complex trauma may not be curable through talking alone.

The webinar highlights how trauma treatment needs to impact the physiology and leverage multiple approaches beyond verbal therapies for effective outcomes.