Speakers

Working from Attachment, PACE, and Trauma-Informed Perspectives in Children’s Homes

This talk offers an exploration of attachment-focused and trauma-informed care as utilised within children’s homes, including its practical implementation and showcasing its effectiveness. Centred around the principles of Bowlby’s attachment theory and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy informed by Dr Dan Hughes, the session will delve into how this therapeutic model supports children and young people who have experienced relational trauma, loss, or disrupted attachments.

Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of how attachment theory underpins therapeutic caregiving, and how the PACE approach (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, empathy) promotes emotional safety, builds and strengthens relationships, and encourages healing. The talk will feature real-world examples to illustrate how teams can integrate PACE into daily interactions, crisis management, and care planning. We will also delve into practical tools and communication techniques to help carers maintain a trauma-informed, nurturing environment, even in the face of behaviours that challenge.

In addition to the theoretical framework and practical support, the talk will include first-hand feedback from the teams working throughout Phoenix residential settings. Attendees will hear how the attachment-focused approach has improved team-child relationships, enhanced emotional regulation development in our young people, and contributed to more stable placements.

Ideal for anyone working with trauma, this talk provides both the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of attachment-focused care, equipping participants with meaningful strategies to support vulnerable children more effectively.

Speaker Bio:

Katherine Bills graduated from Bournemouth University in 2020 with a 1:1 in Psychology. She spent two years working as a residential support worker with Action for Children where she attained certification in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (Level 1 and 2). Katherine then graduated from Cardiff University with a Masters in Children’s Psychological Disorders in 2023. She has since been working for Phoenix Learning and Care Ltd as an Assistant Psychologist, conducting assessments and supporting teams with attachment-focused therapeutic input. 

Dr Graham Ball is a Senior Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Lead for Phoenix, working across Children’s Homes in the Southwest. After nine years as a Residential Support Worker, Graham pursued his Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, specialising in trauma and complex needs. His journey includes work with children in care, supporting adults with autism, working with adults experiencing homelessness and complex needs, and developing therapeutic community projects around tabletop role-playing games.