TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention)
I want to thank my colleague, Gretchen Lima, for sharing information about TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) and its application to parenting children who have experienced complex trauma, abuse, and neglect. I encourage you to watch the following YouTube video: TBRI® An Overview: Putting the Pieces Together
Developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, TBRI focuses on building trusting relationships and creating a sense of safety.
Key Principles of TBRI:
Connecting: Emphasizes building strong, positive relationships through intentional and nurturing interactions. This helps the child feel seen, heard, and valued.
Empowering: Focuses on addressing the child’s physical and emotional needs. This includes creating a predictable and stable environment, meeting sensory needs, and teaching self-regulation.
Correcting: Involves gentle, proactive discipline that aims to teach rather than punish. It uses techniques like re-dos and compromises to help children learn appropriate behavior and social skills in a compassionate manner.
Why TBRI Works:
TBRI is effective because it takes into account how trauma impacts the brain and behavior. It integrates insights from neuroscience, attachment theory, and developmental psychology. TBRI also provides caregivers with practical tools to help children heal and develop healthy relationships, enabling them to build trust, feel secure, and thrive.