Specialist Trauma Services
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At Abacus Psychology Service, we offer specialist trauma-informed assessments and therapeutic support for children, young people, and adults who have experienced overwhelming or adverse life events. Our team includes clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, and specialist trauma therapists with extensive experience supporting individuals affected by complex trauma, attachment difficulties, developmental trauma, and post-traumatic stress.
We understand that trauma impacts every person differently. Our approach is grounded in compassion, evidence-based practice, and a deep commitment to emotional safety and empowerment. We work closely with families, schools, care providers and professionals to create sensitive, bespoke support packages that respect each individual’s story and strengths.
Our trauma services include:
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Psychological formulation and consultation
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Trauma-informed therapy (EMDR, DDP, CBT, narrative approaches)
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Specialist assessments including risk, attachment and trauma impact
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Staff training and supervision for trauma-informed practice
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Support for looked-after children and those in residential care
Whether you're a parent, carer, school, social worker or service commissioner, we’re here to help. Our trauma work is always delivered with clinical care, flexibility and a relational focus—building trust, connection, and the capacity to heal.
Healing After Trauma for you and yours
At Abacus Psychology Service, we offer compassionate, specialist support for children, young people and adults who have experienced trauma. This may include difficult life events such as abuse, neglect, loss, violence, or ongoing stress. Trauma can affect emotions, behaviour, learning and relationships — but with the right support, recovery is possible.
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Our team includes clinical and counselling psychologists, trauma therapists and other professionals trained in approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and attachment-informed care. We take time to understand each person’s unique story, needs and strengths — and work at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
We can help with:
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Understanding the effects of trauma on your child or family
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Reducing anxiety, distress, aggression or shutdown behaviours
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Supporting looked-after children and those with disrupted attachments
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Improving family relationships and emotional wellbeing
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Navigating education, care, or therapeutic pathways
We offer both one-to-one therapy and support for families, as well as consultation to schools, carers and professionals involved in the young person’s life. Above all, we work in a way that builds trust and strengthens the sense of safety, stability and connection.
Trauma Services for Local Authorities, Schools, and Residential Providers
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Abacus Psychology Service delivers trauma-informed psychological input to support children, young people and families who have experienced adversity and complex trauma. Our team includes highly experienced clinical and counselling psychologists, trauma therapists and allied professionals skilled in delivering formulation-led care for individuals presenting with developmental trauma, attachment difficulties, and trauma-related mental health concerns.
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Our trauma services are evidence-based, relational, and designed to work across systems — home, school, care and professional networks — to promote safety, stability and recovery.
We offer:
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Comprehensive psychological formulations and impact-of-trauma assessments
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EMDR, DDP, trauma-focused CBT and integrative therapy packages
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Attachment and risk assessments for care planning
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Reflective consultation and supervision for staff teams
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Bespoke training in trauma-informed practice for education, health and care settings
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Multi-agency working and support for complex placements or transitions
We work with schools, Multi-Academy Trusts, Local Authorities, fostering agencies, and residential children’s homes to provide trauma-informed input that improves outcomes, reduces placement breakdown, and builds emotionally secure systems around the child. All work is underpinned by robust clinical governance and delivered by HCPC-registered professionals.
What is DDP?
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) is a specialist therapeutic approach designed to help children and young people who have experienced early trauma, neglect or disrupted attachment. It focuses on building trusting relationships and creating emotional safety through connection with a supportive caregiver or therapist.
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DDP was developed by clinical psychologist Dr. Dan Hughes and is grounded in the understanding that children heal through relationships — especially when those relationships are built on empathy, curiosity and acceptance. DDP helps children make sense of difficult early experiences and supports caregivers in responding in ways that promote trust and connection.​​
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The PACE Model
At the heart of DDP is the PACE approach, which stands for:
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Playfulness – creating moments of joy and connection
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Acceptance – unconditionally accepting the child’s inner world
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Curiosity – wondering together about what the child is feeling or experiencing
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Empathy – responding with deep emotional understanding
These principles help children feel safe enough to explore difficult emotions and experiences — without fear of blame or shame.
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Who is DDP for?
DDP is especially helpful for:
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Children who have experienced early abuse, neglect or trauma
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Looked-after or adopted children
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Children with difficulties in trust, relationships or emotional regulation
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Families and carers struggling with challenging behaviour that stems from early trauma
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How Does It Work?
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DDP involves working with both the child and their caregiver together — helping the adult to understand and respond to the child’s emotional needs. Sessions may also include time with the therapist alone to reflect and build skills. The goal is to strengthen the relationship and support emotional healing through connection.
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At Abacus Psychology Service, our DDP-informed therapists work with families, schools, and care providers to help children feel understood, accepted, and emotionally safe — creating the conditions where change and healing can happen.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal and rebuild their lives following symptoms of emotional distress.
It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. There are many studies that show that by using EMDR therapy people can heal quickly from the emotional pain that may have taken years to recover.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend EMDR as the evidence based treatment of choice when working with trauma.
There is also growing evidence and research to suggest EMDR is also successful in treating anxiety, phobias, depression, self esteem, relationship difficulties and OCD.
EMDR has a specific structure, and a therapist will work through several stages in treatment to support you. EMDR is suitable for children and adults.
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If you would like to know more about EMDR and how it might help you can watch the videos below or contact us here
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