DDP in Australia
Transform your practice with DDP and PACE
Grounded in attachment theory, intersubjectivity and neurobiology, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Practice (DDP) is a powerful model for working with children and families impacted by developmental trauma.
DDP is growing rapidly in Australia, making now the perfect time to explore training and join our growing community of trauma responsive professionals.
About DDP
Developed by Dr. Daniel Hughes, Clinical Psychologist and noted author, the DDP model helps foster safety, trust and emotionally attuned relationships, the foundation for healing in children who have experienced early life trauma. For all professionals who work with children and families.
- Based upon PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy)
- Empowers caregivers and builds relational safety
- Integrates well with existing therapeutic frameworks
- Growing community of trained professionals across Australia
Dr. Daniel Hughes, founder of DDP, introducing Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Practice
Research
DDP is currently the subject of the Relationships in Good Hands (RIGHT) Trial in the UK, funded by the National Institute for Research (NIHR) in association with the University of Glasgow, the University of Oxford, the University of Nottingham and NHS Lanarkshire.
Dr. Daniel Hughes, founder of DDP, introducing PACE
About PACE
PACE stands for Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy, and is a way of being that helps create trust, especially with children and families who’ve experienced trauma.
When we bring PACE into our interactions, we create a space where children feel safe to be themselves. It’s about meeting them with warmth and understanding, being curious about their feelings without judgment, and sharing moments of lightness and joy. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher or therapist, PACE can transform the way you connect with the children and young people in your life.
Get involved
Find your next step and join our growing DDP community in Australia
DDP & DDP PACE Training
Start your DDP Journey and train with certified DDP Trainers and approved DDP PACE Trainers.
To explore training options for your staff, please get in touch using our contact form.
DDP Level One
The DDP and DDP PACE training above is brought to you by Compass Seminars AUS
Connect with peers and supervisors
Join an online DDP Supervision Group run by Lorren Arezio, Leah Milward and Michelle Thiele. Connect with others and gain support on your DDP journey, open to those post DDP Level One training.
Looking to support your team with in-house supervision, connect with us to find out more.
Mondays with Lorren Arezio, DDP Trainer
Thursday mornings with Lorren Arezio, DDP Trainer
Thursday afternoons with Leah Millward, DDP Trainer
Fridays with Leah Millward, DDP Trainer, and Michelle Thiele, DDP Practitioner
Development of DDP in Australia
Kim Golding CBE, DDP Trainer and author, and Lorren Arezio, DDP Trainer
Start your DDP journey with us
Starting your DDP journey is about becoming part of our community and learning how to connect with children, young people, and families who’ve experienced trauma or attachment disruptions.
Your journey begins with DDP Level One training, moving onto the advanced DDP Level Two, where you’ll learn to develop DDP principles within your practice. From there, you’ll move into supported practice within supervision, individually or in groups.
As you grow your skills and confidence, you can work towards certification as a DDP Practitioner. From there you can take your expertise even further becoming a DDP Consultant, and if you would like to teach and inspire others, a DDP Trainer.
Kim Golding CBE, DDP Trainer and author, and Lorren Arezio, DDP Trainer, introducing the DDP Journey
Supporting DDP in Australia
DDP Australia Steering Committee
We established the DDP Australia Steering Committee in late 2021 to help coordinate the growth of DDP within Australia. Meeting regularly throughout the year, the committee is made up of representatives from across the country as well as having a direct link with the DDPI Worldwide Board.
We are focussed on ensuring that the development of DDP within Australia is relevant and connected to our people, culture and history. This includes training programmes, developed resources, and that the support offered to practitioners remains culturally appropriate, inclusive and accessible at all levels, with fidelity to the DDP model.
We are looking for opportunities to lead in the innovation of DDP, across Australia and the world. Can you help? Are you interested in finding out more?
Contact us directly using the form, we’d love to connect with you.
Leah Millward & Ben Monaghan
DDP Australia Steering Committee co-chairs
DDPI Worldwide
DDPI Worldwide is the global Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Practice training and certification institute. We are a not-for-profit organisation based in the US, that educates, facilitates, promotes and advances DDP across the world.
For over 15 years DDPI Worldwide (formally DDPI) has provided training and robust certification in DDP, a life-changing therapeutic treatment model for children with significant developmental trauma, their families and caregivers.
We were founded by Dan Hughes, creator of DDP, Clinical Psychologist and noted author. As DDP grew in popularity the need to establish training and certification procedures increased. DDPI was created to fulfil this need as a training and certification institute in 2009.
We are a primarily volunteer led organisation and have evolved and grown to serve a global DDP community with members in 5 continents.