Trust-Based Relative Intervention (TBRI), a care approach designed to address the relational and developmental requirements of children and young people affected by trauma, is a new model. TBRI considers the whole child—his or her brain, biology, behavior, body, and beliefs—and provides parents and caregivers with practical tools and insight to help their child(ren) reach his or her highest potential. And perhaps most integral, TBRI has connection at its core—the truth that connection builds trust, and trust builds healthy relationships.
The TBRI model is based upon three guiding principals:
Connecting Principles: Create connections which disarm fears, build trust and enhance learning.
Empowering Principles: Strengthen learning and regulation by meeting a child’s physical and environmental needs.
Correcting Principles: Shape beliefs and behavior effectively so that children feel protected, empowered, and safe.
When children have experienced trauma, they need parents and caregivers that are prepared, committed, and knowledgeable.
As Dr. Karyn Purvis, who developed TBRI alongside Dr. David Cross, once said, “All children need to know that they’re precious and unique and special. But a child [who…
