Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Training

Training for House of Refuge Foundation Caregivers and Social Workers

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 connected. TBRI® is designed to meet the complex needs of children who have experienced adversity, early harm, toxic stress, and/or trauma. Because of their histories, it is often difficult for these children to trust the loving adults in their lives, which often results in perplexing behaviors. TBRI® offers practical tools for parents, caregivers, teachers, or anyone who works with children, to see the “whole child” in their care and help that child reach his highest potential. Because of their histories, children who have experienced trauma have changes in their bodies, brains, behaviors, and belief systems. While a variety of parenting strategies may be successful in typical circumstances, children with histories of harm need caregiving that meets their unique needs and addresses the whole child. That said, we’ve found that any child benefits from a nurturing, trusting relationship with a safe adult. From January 4-7, 2024, the House of Refuge Foundation (HORFI) hosted a 4-day training on Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) for its house parents and social workers at The Linden Suites in Ortigas Center. Ms. Glady Q. Bunao Executive Director of Kaisahang Buhay Foundation (KBF) and former HORFI Executive Director, and Ms. Sarah Cabredo, from All God’s Children International (AGCI), were the resource persons who are TBRI practitioners and experts.

By the end of the training, caregivers were equipped with essential tools to provide compassionate, trauma-sensitive care, creating a positive and nurturing environment for the children at HORFI. This training significantly strengthened the foundation’s capacity to support each child’s healing journey, fostering an atmosphere where they can grow, develop, and ultimately thrive

"When you connect to the heart of the child, everything is possible" -Dr. Karyn Purvis