Our values are the core of our practice framework and inform both what we do and the way we do it. Our approach is underpinned by five key theories that provide a shared evidence base and help us achieve our vision.
Our Practice Framework
Practice Frameworks have been described as merging the ‘art’ and ‘science’ of work with children and families. The science represents the evidence base that informs our work. A large part of the ‘art’ is what each individual brings to their work – your values, expertise, experience, and insights are what will bring the ACTG Practice Framework to life and make a real difference for all our clients.
Our Values
Underpinning Theories & Practice Modalities
A theory or practice modality can be defined as ‘a system of ideas intended to explain something’. The five key theories that form the basis of our work are:
Child development theories
Child development theories are about understanding and appreciating the cognitive, emotional, physical, social and educational growth that children go through from birth and into early adulthood.
Trauma - informed Practice
Trauma – informed Practice is more than a treatment modality or theory. Trauma informed approaches cause a shift in thinking about how we view people and social problems. At its core, it seeks to understand human behaviour by examining traumatic events throughout life. It does not see presenting problems as needing to be fixed but attempts to understand why these problems exist in the first place.
Attachment theory
Attachment theory focuses on how children form a bond with their primary caregiver and the influence it has on emotional development, growth into adulthood and parenthood. The starting point of the theory of attachment is that babies have a biological drive to seek closeness to a protective adult in order to feel safe, secure and protected.
Social learning theory
Social learning theory
is based on the premise that people learn from one another through observation and imitation, and that new behaviour will continue if it is reinforced. According to this theory, rather than simply hearing a new concept and applying it, the learning process is made more efficient if the new behaviour is modelled as well.
Systems theory
Systems theory explains human behaviour as the intersection of a variety of factors that work together as a system. An effective system is based on individual needs, rewards, expectations, and attributes of the people living in the system. Therefore families, couples and organisation members are directly involved in resolving a problem even if it is an individual issue.
Psycho Dynamic Thinking
The psychodynamic approach includes all the theories in psychology that see human functioning based upon the interaction of drives and forces within the person, at times those which are unconscious, and between the different structures of the personality. Psychodynamic thinking helps us to provide a frame with which adults, children, their carers and their helpers can create a space where learning and healing can take place.
Early Childhood Approach
Our therapeutic services are designed to support:
- Children’s overall development
- Fine motor skills such as writing
- Sleeping routines and toilet training
- Self care skills such as eating and dressing
- Behaviour, attention and concentration challenges
- Social skills and communication
- School Readiness
