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Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)

Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) is a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach designed to meet the complex needs of children who have experienced adversity, abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma. Developed by the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, TBRI® emphasizes building trust, promoting healing, and fostering healthy relationships.

Core Principles of TBRI®:

  1. Empowering Principles:
    Focus on meeting a child’s physical and environmental needs. This includes creating predictability, ensuring a sense of safety, and addressing sensory or physiological challenges to help children regulate their emotions and behaviors.
  2. Connecting Principles:
    Prioritize building secure attachments through empathy, active listening, and consistent care. These principles help children feel valued and understood, strengthening their ability to form healthy relationships.
  3. Correcting Principles:
    Teach self-regulation and appropriate behaviors using gentle guidance and positive discipline. This approach emphasizes teaching rather than punishment, helping children learn skills to navigate challenges effectively.

TBRI® in Practice:

  • Attachment-Focused:
    TBRI® recognizes the critical role of secure attachment in emotional and behavioral development, helping caregivers repair and strengthen relationships.
  • Playful Engagement:
    Encourages caregivers to use playful, low-stress interactions to build trust and reduce fear responses.
  • Individualized Care:
    Tailors interventions to the unique needs of each child, considering their history, temperament, and developmental level.

Benefits of TBRI®:

  • Improves emotional regulation and resilience in children.
  • Reduces challenging behaviors and increases cooperation.
  • Strengthens caregiver-child relationships.
  • Promotes healing from trauma and adverse experiences.

TBRI® is widely used by therapists, educators, and caregivers in settings such as schools, foster care, adoption services, and family therapy. Its holistic, relationship-centered approach provides children and families with the tools to heal, grow, and thrive.