What is TBRI®?

Trust‑Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) is a holistic, attachment‑based, trauma‑informed model of care developed by the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University. TBRI® is designed to meet the complex needs of children and youth who have experienced early adversity, toxic stress, abuse, neglect, or relational trauma.

TBRI® focuses on healing the whole child by addressing physical needs, building connection, and correcting fear‑based behaviors through three synergistic principles: Empowering®, Connecting®, and Correcting®.

Originally developed for adoptive parents, TBRI® is now used worldwide by caregivers, professionals, organizations, and governments working to create systemic, trauma‑informed change.

What ages does TBRI® work for?

TBRI® is effective across the lifespan — from infants and young children to adolescents and adults. While the strategies may look different depending on developmental stage, the principles of connection, regulation, and felt safety apply at any age.

I’m having problems with my child’s behavior. Where should I start?

We recommend starting with our Caregivers and Parents resources, which include practical tools, videos, courses, books, and guidance developed specifically for families. Visit the Caregivers and Parents page.

Can you refer me to a professional trained in TBRI®?

While we cannot endorse or refer individual therapists or professionals, you are welcome to search our TBRI® Practitioner Directory, which lists individuals who have completed TBRI® Practitioner Training and consented to share their information publicly.

We encourage families to seek professionals who recognize caregivers as essential to the healing process and who support applying TBRI® strategies in daily life — not only during sessions.

How do I request a TBRI® trainer to speak at my event?

If you are interested in hosting a TBRI® Training Specialist from the Karyn Purvis Institute to speak or provide training at your event, please contact us here. We will follow up with details about availability, fees, and contracting.

May I schedule a consultation with a KPICD staff member?

The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development is an academic research institute and does not provide individual or clinical consultation services. However, our Outreach Team does consult with organizations and systems seeking to implement Trust‑Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) at an organizational or systems level.

Can you train me in Trust‑Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®)?

Yes. Professionals may apply for TBRI® Practitioner Training, our most in‑depth training program. This training is offered multiple times each year, with limited capacity.

If you are not serving in a professional capacity, we recommend starting with our Caregivers and Parents resources instead.

If I complete TBRI® Practitioner Training, may I train others?

Yes, with guidelines. TBRI® Practitioners may train others within their organization using the TBRI® Caregiver Training Package. Specific usage guidelines are outlined in the TBRI® Practitioner Rights and Responsibilities Quick Reference Guide.

How do I access the TBRI® Caregiver Training Package?

If you have completed TBRI® Practitioner Training, you can access the Caregiver Training Package by logging into myTBRI®, our learning platform.

If you were trained prior to 2017 and do not yet have access, please contact us.

What resources can I use while waiting to apply (or reapply) for TBRI® Practitioner Training?

While awaiting acceptance, we encourage you to continue your TBRI® learning journey through:

• The TBRI® Podcast
• Our YouTube channel and animated explainer videos
• Research and education resources across the KPICD website
• The Hope Connection® 2.0 Camp and related education initiatives

These resources support both caregivers and professionals at all stages of learning.

Why wasn’t I accepted into TBRI® Practitioner Training?

TBRI® Practitioner Training has limited capacity, and acceptance decisions are based on multiple factors, including professional role, impact, organizational readiness, and geographic need. Many qualified applicants are not accepted on their first application.

We encourage applicants to review the full explanation in the TBRI® Practitioner Training FAQ, which addresses selection criteria and reapplication guidance.

Are your trainings and resources accessible to Deaf and Hard‑of‑Hearing participants?

We are actively working to expand accessibility across our trainings and resources. Selected offerings include ASL interpretation, captioning, visual learning supports, and sensory‑responsive strategies. Accessibility options continue to grow as part of our commitment to inclusion.

If you have accessibility needs or questions, please contact us to discuss available options.

Are TBRI® courses and materials available in other languages?

Yes. A variety of Trust‑Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) materials are available in multiple languages, including Amharic, Bulgarian, Estonian, Finnish, Haitian Creole, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Ukrainian. Browse our Resource Library and search for the language you need.

If you are interested in supporting or funding additional translations, please contact us.

When is the next The Hope Connection® 2.0 Camp?

For upcoming camp dates and application deadlines, please visit The Hope Connection® 2.0 page.