Feasibility and acceptability of integrating principles of sensory regulation, Theraplay®, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and dyadic-developmental psychotherapy (STEDi) with adoptive families: A framework analysis

This study aimed to establish feasibility and explore acceptability of an integrative developmental trauma intervention for adoptive families.

Article Abstract

“Integrative interventions for the psychotherapeutic treatment of developmental trauma and attachment difficulties in care experienced children have recently increased, however scientific exploration of the acceptability and feasibility of these practices is lacking. This study aimed to establish the feasibility and explore the retrospective acceptability of an integrative intervention for adoptive families which included principles of Sensory Regulation, Theraplay®, Dyadic-Developmental Psychotherapy, and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. Feasibility was assessed via descriptive analysis of recipient attendance patterns and assessment measure completion rates. Acceptability was explored utilising Framework Analysis of semi-structured interviews with separate analyses for intervention deliverers and recipients. Purposive sampling recruited nine therapists and 14 adoptive parents from eight families within the UK. Credibility was maintained via service user/deliverer consultation, triangulation, member checking, reflexive logs, and quality appraisal checklists. The intervention was deemed feasible and acceptable for therapists and adoptive parents. Issues detracting from acceptability for therapists included the risk of integrating models for unsuitable reasons at unsuitable times, uncertainty relating to integrating effectively, and pressure on decision making when integrating models. Issues for adoptive parents included therapy being unable to ameliorate all their difficulties, aspects being hard to understand, aspects being uncomfortable and uncertain, and the therapy requiring high levels of effort. To enhance acceptability a Delphi study contributing to the development of competence and adherence measures would be valuable for therapists. Adoptive parents would benefit from services taking steps to enhance their understanding whilst integrating these approaches. Finally, research investigating the efficacy of integrating these modalities is required.”

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Purrington, J., Goodall, S., & Lynch, J. (2025). Feasibility and acceptability of integrating principles of sensory regulation, Theraplay®, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and dyadic-developmental psychotherapy (STEDi) with adoptive families: A framework analysis. Journal of Child and Family Studies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-025-03052-9