Dynamic Solutions for Change Dynamic Solutions for Change Dynamic Solutions for Change Mikenda Plant DAFT Conference May 2014 Attachment Focused Family Therapy Approaches to Supporting Children Experiencing Developmental Trauma & Learning Disabilities

Dynamic Solutions for Change Dynamic Solutions for Change Aims To think about how developmental trauma, separation and loss can impact long term on the learning abilities of children in care and children who have been adopted. To think about what ‘executive functioning’ means and how Attachment Focussed Family Therapy can be used to help support the development of children’s learning abilities. To explore how parents and carers can be supported therapeutically to facilitate effective learning environments for their children.

Dynamic Solutions for Change Dynamic Solutions for Change Introductory exercise Theory Videos -adoptive parents' experience of therapeutic parenting sessions -use of Theraplay based work in family sessions -adoptive parents' experiences of using social story ideas in family sessions Questions and feedback Outline

Dynamic Solutions for Change Dynamic Solutions for Change Physical and emotional responses of a child to life threatening events To self or significant other Loss of coping capacity Feelings of terror, powerlessness, and out-of-control physiological arousal Complex trauma – multiple traumatic events What Is Developmental Trauma?

Dynamic Solutions for Change Dynamic Solutions for Change Impact of Developmental Trauma Interpersonal interactions Self esteem Impulse control Emotion Conscience development Cognitive problems Developmental problems

Dynamic Solutions for Change Trauma and the Brain

Dynamic Solutions for Change Dynamic Solutions for Change Impact of Trauma on the Developing Brain Brain stem - over-developed ‘flight or fright’ response Pre-frontal cortex - under developed executive functioning

Dynamic Solutions for Change Dynamic Solutions for Change Behaviour Rating of Executive Functioning (BRIEF) Behaviour inhibition The ability to shift Emotional control To initiate tasks Working memory Plan Organise oneself and one’s materials Self-monitor

Dynamic Solutions for Change Dynamic Solutions for Change Shame Global self Overwhelming unbearable pain Want to curl up and die/disappear Reinforces view that `I’m rubbish. I never get anything right. Everyone hates me’ Leads to denial/ rage/blaming others, `downward spiral’ Reinforced by BLAME and PUNISHMENT Guilt Specific behaviour Sharp discomfort Want to `undo’ the specific behaviour Sense of having `let myself down’ or `let others down’ Leads to desire to confess, apologise, repair, not do it again Reinforced by EMPATHY Shame Versus Guilt

Dynamic Solutions for Change Dynamic Solutions for Change Poor Executive Function Child Fails to complete task Adult responds with criticism, disappointment, anger Child feels shame: “I’m a stupid kid and no- body likes me” Shame triggers Fight, Flight, Freeze, Giggle Brain stem takes over. Cortex de- activated. How Shame paralyses Executive Function

Dynamic Solutions for Change Dynamic Solutions for Change Attachment Focused Family Therapy Combination of therapeutic approaches: – Attachment Focused Family Therapy – Theraplay based work – Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Dynamic Solutions for Change Dynamic Solutions for Change Key elements: Interactive & Relationship Based Direct Here and Now Experience Guided by the Adult Responsive, Attuned, Empathic & Reflective Preverbal/Social/Right Brain Level Multi-sensory including Touch Playful Theraplay

Dynamic Solutions for Change Dynamic Solutions for Change Active Intersubjective therapeutic stance Co-creation of meaning & coregulation of affect Role of Therapist

Dynamic Solutions for Change Dynamic Solutions for Change

Dynamic Solutions for Change Dynamic Solutions for Change