Is your child struggling with their emotional health?

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy

DDP aims to help children and their caregivers build more secure and healthy relationships.

Bergin Psychological Services. Helping Clients Find Peace of Mind, for over 25 years.

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) is a therapeutic approach primarily used for children who have experienced early attachment trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or other adverse experiences. DDP was developed by Dr. Daniel A. Hughes and is based on attachment theory and principles. It focuses on helping both the child and their caregiver(s) to heal and develop secure attachment relationships.

Here's an overview of how DDP works:

  • Assessment: The therapist begins by conducting a thorough assessment of the child's history, including any traumatic experiences and attachment disruptions. The therapist also assesses the child's attachment style, emotional regulation, and their caregiver's ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment.

  • Therapeutic Alliance: The therapist establishes a strong therapeutic alliance with the child and their caregiver(s). This trust and rapport are crucial for the success of the therapy.

  • PACE Approach: DDP uses a therapeutic approach known as PACE, which stands for Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy. PACE emphasizes these four principles to create a safe and healing environment.

    Patrick Cahill MA, MIACP

    Patrick is the newest team member and brings over 20 years of experience as a fully qualified Psychotherapist. He leads our DDP programme and he is deeply passionate about helping individuals and families improve their mental well-being and empowering them to overcome obstacles and live fulfilling lives.

Let’s Talk DDP !

To book your free telephone consultation with our Senior Clinician about our DDP- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy(DDP), please fill out your details below, and we will respond to you the same working day.

As you would expect, all information shared with us is treated with the utmost confidentiality.

What Our Clients Say.

  • “This clinic is an excellent alternative to the public route if you are in a position to do this. The process is very timely and I personally within three weeks had a diagnosis and treatment initiated !. Katarina has an in-depth knowledge and has an excellent way of interpreting what I was saying even when I was not sure how to articulate it…… I highly recommend this clinic, Zak is very easy to talk to and will help you feel at ease throughout the whole process!”

    Helena, Dublin Oct 2023

  • “The assessment was very thorough. Got what I hoped for from the session. I wish I had known about Bergin Services earlier. I’ve spent a lot of money on therapy sessions and still didn’t get to the stage I got to all in one session with Mr Powers. Thank you!”

    Kathleen, Ireland. Dec 2019

  • “I moved from the place of being stuck to being empowered and in charge of my life. Plenty of that involved therapy and a friendly working relationship with a good therapist. Thank you Zak” :)

    Michelle, London Zoom Client. June 2020

  • "The team at the clinic are excellent. They really listen and understand what I'm going through. Zak and Katarina are excellent at what they do and you can see they really love their job. While I have a long way to go to get better it makes it easier known I have you guys to help and guide me. I really appreciate all your help.”

    Martin, Ireland. Feb 2020