Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is an approach to caring for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or other forms of adversity. Developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross, TBRI is based on the latest research in child development, neuroscience, and attachment theory. It is a holistic, evidence-based model that focuses on building trust, connection, and healing relationships.
At its core, TBRI recognizes that children who have experienced trauma often struggle with attachment and trust issues. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions, behaviors, and impulses. They may feel unsafe and have a heightened sense of fear and anxiety. TBRI seeks to address these issues by providing children with a secure, nurturing, and predictable environment. It also involves teaching caregivers how to respond to children in a way that promotes healing, growth, and resilience.
The TBRI approach is based on six key principles:
1. Empowerment: TBRI seeks to empower children by giving them a sense of control over their environment, choices, and outcomes. This includes providing them with opportunities to make decisions, express their feelings and needs, and take ownership of their behavior.
2. Connecting: TBRI emphasizes the importance of building strong, healthy, and nurturing relationships between caregivers and children. This involves establishing trust, empathy, and understanding, and creating a sense of safety and belonging.
3. Correcting: TBRI recognizes that children who have experienced trauma often struggle with behavior issues. Rather than punishing or shaming them, TBRI seeks to correct their behavior in a positive and supportive way. This involves setting clear boundaries, providing consistent consequences, and reinforcing positive behaviors.
4. Practicing: TBRI recognizes that healing and growth take time and practice. It encourages caregivers to be patient, persistent, and consistent in their efforts to promote positive change.
5. Focusing: TBRI seeks to focus on the strengths and positive qualities of each child, rather than their deficits or weaknesses. It emphasizes the importance of building on these strengths and helping children to develop new skills and abilities.
6. Nurturing: TBRI emphasizes the importance of providing children with a nurturing, supportive, and predictable environment. This includes meeting their basic needs, providing them with a sense of structure and routine, and creating a sense of safety and security.
TBRI is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It recognizes that each child is unique and may require different strategies and interventions. It also recognizes that caregivers may have different needs and abilities, and may require different levels of support and training. TBRI is therefore flexible and adaptable, and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each child and family.
In conclusion, Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is a comprehensive approach to caring for children who have experienced trauma or other forms of adversity. It is based on the latest research in child development, neuroscience, and attachment theory, and emphasizes the importance of building trust, connection, and healing relationships. By providing children with a secure, nurturing, and predictable environment, and teaching caregivers how to respond to them in a way that promotes healing and growth, TBRI can help children and families to overcome the effects of trauma and achieve greater resilience and well-being.
Our office offers support for children and families with TBRI trained therapists. If you are needing support for your family, we are here to help. You can contact us for a free consultation with our care coordinator who can also get you scheduled for your first session.
-Jenna Fleming, LPC-S, NCC
