TBRI

Trust Based Relational Intervention

What is TBRI?

Created by: Dr. Karyn Purvis and David Cross

TBRI® is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. TBRI® uses Empowering Principles to address physical needs, Connecting Principles for attachment needs, and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors. While the intervention is based on years of attachment, sensory processing, and neuroscience research, the heartbeat of TBRI® is connection.

Tools for success

Erin Goodman, MSW, CSW

S. Chris Troutt, LMFT

 The Papillion Center

“Tuning In”

Notice verbal cues, gestures, postures and behavior as “clues” and remember that there are needs behind every behavior.

Give them a Voice

More than anything they need to know that they’re safe, they’re precious and they have a voice.

A child that has a voice and is heard, does not have to resort to manipulation and control.  A child that does not feel heard WILL resort to another form of communication that doesn’t depend on connection.

Give them 12 Words or less

“Try that again with respect”

  • “Gentle hands” “Gentle touch”

  • “Match my voice” (modeling volume control)

  • “Are you asking or telling?”

  • “Make it right” (forgiveness and restitution)

  • “Let me see your beautiful eyes”

  • “Would you like to ask for a compromise?”  “Let me hear it, what’s your compromise?”

  • “Take a deep breath, give me words”