Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy in Phoenix, AZ
Does your child seem angry and act out, even when you are trying to reason with her/him? Is she/he quiet, moody, or unresponsive? Are you so tired of trying that you find yourself in an adversarial relationship with your child or teenager? You may find your child, tween, or teen has difficulties connecting, finding it hard to feel safe and secure within the family. Your child or teen may also experience challenges in intersubjectivity (the ability to give and take in a relationship). Often children and adolescents cannot self-regulate and rely on their parents or caregivers to help them develop self-control; this can be extremely difficult. If the child cannot explain their feelings or participate in a conversation with their parent or caregiver, both the parents and child may become frustrated, lash out, or isolate.
In addition, if a child experiences what they perceive as frightening or traumatic early in life, they may come to the conclusion that they cannot rely on others, and self isolate. Often parents are not aware of the effect of such an experience. As the child grows, this may manifest as worrying or challenging behaviors that don’t make sense. Especially to the parent who is trying so hard. These outward behaviors may show up in such a way that you may feel that your child doesn’t want or need you. Such difficulties may extend outside the home to friendship, relationships, and school. If you are experiencing any of these things with your child, DDP or Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy can help you establish a positive relationship with your child, and restore peace for you and your family!
As a child therapist, I only see your child once a week, while you, the parents or current caregivers, are on duty 24/7; therefore it is imperative that you be involved in the therapy.
What is DDP?
DDP or Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy was developed by Dan Hughes, Ph.D., over the past 20 years. The DDP approach is based on intersubjective relationships and attachment disorders. It is an attachment-focused model that helps parents to understand and relate to their child. Parents or caregivers are deeply involved in this therapy. As your therapist, I do not accuse, judge, or condemn you, but rather seek to understand and provide you with effective parenting tools.
My Approach to Dyadic Development Psychotherapy in Phoenix, AZ
As a therapist, I only see your child once a week, while you, the parents or current caregivers, are on 24/7. I usually see parents four times before I begin to work with the child, preparing you to participate in your child’s healing. After working with you, we will decide when you are ready to join in your child’s therapy. I will meet with your child two to three times, have a family session, and then a parent session. Using the principles you learn in DDP will help you have a deeper understanding of your child, even during the most challenging moments; simultaneously, you support the child in understanding other ways to manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
One of my principal goals is to improve your relationship with your child or teen by establishing a positive and profound emotional bond between you; this bond allows us to learn together in a trusting relationship. With your child or teen, I explore all areas of his/her life, thinking and feeling, safe and traumatic, present and past, providing coherence and understanding for the child or teen and parent/caregiver. The conversations with the child involve PACE (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy). The child gains experience with relationships and begins to feel secure and heal emotionally; consequently, the whole family learns about and practices healthy relationships and communication.
Who can benefit from Dyadic Psychotherapy in Phoenix, AZ?
Children or teens and their families who have experienced one or more of the following are good candidates for DDP :
Divorce
Adoption
Physical or emotional abuse
Emotional or physical isolation
Parents or caregivers who suffered severe prolonged disease such as cancer
Caregivers or parents who experienced mental or emotional challenges
Parents or caregivers who suffered emotional or physical abuse as a child
Children of caregivers who have struggled with instabilities in their lives (such as the Covid pandemic, loss of income, special needs children)
In some families, children and parents may not be aware of the source of the child’s frustration; However, even in these cases, dyadic developmental psychotherapy provides a safe place to explore and strengthen your relationship together.
Beginning Therapy in Phoenix, AZ is Simple.
If your child or teen is struggling with past trauma due to adoption, stress-related factors, grief, or a range of other issues, then DDP therapy maybe for them. My online Phoenix, Arizona counseling practice offers several types of highly effective therapeutic modalities. If you’re looking to get started, you will meet with me, Tahirih Herrera, your DDP therapist, who specializes in trauma, adoption, grief, children, adults, and professionals. My goal for you or your child is to develop coping mechanisms to work through the triggers that are holding you back from enjoying life. Call or contact me, and set up an appointment. We can discuss your concerns, explore options, and start the process! Here is how you get started:
Meet with Tahirih, a skilled, DDP therapist
Let’s help your child connect with what is going on and move forward!
Other Therapy Services and specialties Tahirih Herrera, LCSW offers:
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy isn’t the only service I offer in my online Phoenix, AZ practice. Other areas of focus and mental health services Tahirih Herrera, LCSW Counseling provides include therapy for children, anxiety treatment, pre-teen therapy, trauma, grief and loss counseling and, therapy for teens. Additional modalities I offer include, DBT, Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, and EMDR therapy. All these services are available via online therapy in Arizona. Therefore, you can begin counseling online from Tuscon, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, or anywhere in the state. I look forward to speaking with you as your child recovers and moves forward.
“To love your child is to learn the song that is in her heart, and then sing it to her when she forgets it.”
– A proverb of the Inuit people