DAN HUGHES AND DDP/PACE

Dyadic Developmental Psychology and Practice (DDP) is an attachment‑focused therapeutic approach designed to support young people who have experienced early trauma, loss or disruptions in their relationships. It was developed by Dr Dan Hughes, an American clinical psychologist, and is regulated worldwide by DDP Network and in the UK by DDP Connects UK.

 

At its core, DDP recognises that healing happens through safe, attuned relationships. It helps caregivers and professionals create the kind of emotional environment where a child can feel understood, accepted and connected. By emphasising curiosity, empathy and openness, DDP works to rebuild trust and strengthen the child’s sense of security.

 

In practice, DDP involves both the child and their caregiver (the dyad), working together with a trained practitioner. Sessions focus on nurturing healthy communication, repairing relational breaks and helping the child make sense of their experiences without fear or shame. The approach is grounded in the PACE attitude, Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy, which guides adults in responding to the child in ways that promote safety and emotional growth.

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​​​​Together, these elements create a relational environment where young people can feel secure enough to grow, heal and express themselves more freely.

 

It is a misconception that DDP and PACE can only be used in interactions with children. The practitioner uses the same approach in interactions with the parent, during both dyadic sessions with both family members and individual sessions in preparation for working with the child.

 

Over time, DDP and the use of PACE support families in developing stronger bonds, reducing conflict and creating a more stable foundation for the child’s development.

 

At ATTACH‑Manchester, every member of our team is trained in DDP to Level 1 or Level 2. This shared foundation ensures that the principles of DDP and the PACE attitude are woven into everything we do.

 

These approaches guide how we build relationships, how we communicate and how we support young people and their families. By staying grounded in PACE, we create interactions that feel safe, respectful and emotionally attuned. This helps young people feel understood and supported, and it strengthens the trust that is essential for healing, learning and growth.

 

Whether we’re offering direct support, working with families or collaborating with professionals, the philosophy of DDP and PACE shapes our practice.