We were made for relationships, and the fundamental one in a child’s life is family. The traditional parenting model often overlooks the key developmental and relationship needs of children. They need to feel safe, secure, valued and loved. Connection builds trust, which in turn builds healthy relationships. Trust-based Relational Intervention® (TBRI), a model of care designed to meet the relational and development needs of traumatized children and teens, is an effective way to address these issues. 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.
TBRI is a model developed by Dr. Karyn Parris and Dr. David Cross from the Karyn Parris Institute of Child Development at TCU. The model is based upon three guiding principals:
TBRI Connecting Principles: Create connections which disarm fears, build trust and enhance learning.
TBRI Empowering Principles: Meeting a set of criteria will help to strengthen learning and regulation.
