Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)

Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is a holistic, attachment-based, and trauma-informed caregiving approach designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. Developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University, TBRI is grounded in research and principles from developmental psychology, neuroscience, and attachment theory. It aims to build trusting, healing relationships between children and their caregivers, promoting emotional healing and behavioral change.

Understanding Trust-Based Relational Intervention

TBRI is particularly effective for children who have experienced trauma, neglect, or instability, including those in foster care, adoption, or other non-traditional caregiving settings. It focuses on understanding the underlying needs behind behaviors, offering compassionate, nurturing responses to address those needs.

Core Principles of TBRI

TBRI is based on three interconnected principles:

• Connecting Principles: Focus on building and strengthening relationships through attentive listening, meaningful touch, and warm engagement. This principle emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, trusting environment.
• Empowering Principles: Aim to equip children with physical and emotional regulation skills. This includes addressing sensory needs, creating routines, and ensuring physiological strategies for well-being.
• Correcting Principles: Offer proactive and responsive strategies for guiding behavior. These strategies are designed to teach respect, responsibility, and valuable life skills without shaming or harming the child.

Methodologies in TBRI

TBRI employs a variety of techniques tailored to the individual child’s needs, including:

Mindful Awareness and Responsive Caregiving

Caregivers are trained to be observant and responsive to the child’s needs and cues, promoting a sense of safety and attachment.

Sensory Processing Techniques

Activities and interventions that address sensory processing issues and help regulate the child’s emotional and physiological state.

Life Value Terms

Using simple, consistent terms to reinforce important life values and expectations, facilitating clear communication and understanding.

Behavioral Rehearsal and Role-Playing

Practicing desired behaviors and skills in a safe, supportive setting to build confidence and competence.

Playful Engagement

Utilizing play as a means to connect, teach, and correct, making learning enjoyable and effective.

Benefits and Application

TBRI has shown to be effective in various settings, offering benefits such as:

• Improved attachment and relationships between children and caregivers.
• Enhanced emotional regulation and reduction in behavioral issues.
• Increased feelings of safety, trust, and belonging in children.
• Empowered caregivers with practical, research-based tools and strategies.

Who Can Benefit from TBRI?

TBRI is beneficial for caregivers, educators, and professionals working with children who have experienced trauma or come from vulnerable backgrounds. It is especially relevant for adoptive and foster families, residential care providers, and those involved in child welfare and mental health services.

Training and Practice

To implement TBRI effectively, caregivers and professionals undergo comprehensive training that covers the theory and practical application of the intervention. The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development offers resources, training seminars, and certification programs in TBRI.

Conclusion

Trust-Based Relational Intervention provides a compassionate framework for nurturing deep, meaningful connections between children and caregivers. By addressing the holistic needs of the child, TBRI facilitates healing, resilience, and positive behavioral change, laying the foundation for a more hopeful, empowered future for vulnerable children.