top of page

Attachment Focused Family Therapy (DDP informed)


Attachment-focused family therapy (AFFT) is a type of family therapy where the therapist's aims are to help a parent and a child repair t​heir relationship and work to develop or rebuild an emotionally secure relationship


AFFT is heavily influenced by Dan Hughes's attachment theory, which demonstrates that humans have an inherent, biological desire for meaningful relationships. According to attachment theory, a secure attachment develops when parents are sensitive to the needs of their children and consistently available. Secure attachment is likely to have a positive effect on the child's development, as securely attached children are more likely to have good emotion regulation skills, feelings of confidence and self-worth.


When a child experiences early years developmental trauma such as abandonment, neglect, criticism, or detachment occur, the child's trust in relationships is likely to be damaged, and attachment difficulties may occur. AFFT is designed to increase the security of the attachment between a parent/carer and child so the relationship can provide a supportive foundation.


DDP is a model of therapy formulated by Dan Hughes and is based on and brings together attachment theory, what we understand about developmental trauma, the neurobiology of trauma, attachment and caregiving, intersubjectivity theory and child development.


This therapy helps children learn to trust. It is family-based and involves the child with his or her caregivers

bottom of page