Sian is a psychologist that works with children who have experienced abuse and neglect and the adults that care for these children. She is a certified Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist, consultant and trainer. Sian trains and supervises internationally and has a private practice in Kingston Ontario where she specializes in the assessment and treatment of developmental trauma. She works with schools to integrate DDP as the framework for trauma-informed education.
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Practice and Parenting helps adults and children work towards finding safety in relationships. Sian first works with care-givers or educators to help them understand how a child’s challenging behaviour is protective, how trauma can change the trajectory of brain development making it even more difficult for a child to be successful in relationships and learning and then how to increase the sense of safety for a child using Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy.
Being Playful, Accepting, Curious and Empathic (PACE) is a way of being and way to communicate to others that they can be close to us without fear. When we can provide these safety signals to children, it is a way to co-regulate their affect, help them find emotional equilibrium, and gradually make sense of their lives.