Trust-Based Relational Intervention®: A Framework for Connection and Healing

Erica Edenfield
May 29
5 min read

Children and adults with histories of trauma, neglect, or loss often develop survival strategies that make relationships difficult. These "hard histories" can show up as defiance, withdrawal, aggression, or an inability to trust. For caregivers, teachers, and therapists, this can be confusing and exhausting—especially when traditional methods of discipline or support seem to make things worse.

Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) offers a different way. Developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross at the TCU Institute of Child Development, TBRI is a holistic, attachment-based framework designed to meet the needs of children (and adults) who have experienced adversity. It isn’t a therapy model, but a set of principles and practices that help caregivers respond with connection, compassion, and structure.

In this post, we’ll explore the foundations of TBRI, its core principles, how it works, and why faith-based families and clinicians may find it especially meaningful.

A Brief History of TBRI

TBRI emerged from research conducted by Drs. Purvis and Cross with children from "hard places"—those who had experienced early harm, institutionalization, or disrupted attachments. As they listened to adoptive parents and observed children’s behaviors, they began to develop a relationship-centered approach rooted in developmental psychology, neuroscience, and attachment theory.

In 2013, the framework was formally named Trust-Based Relational Intervention®, and the model gained national attention through trainings, books, and the documentary The Connected Child. Today, TBRI is used not only in adoptive and foster families, but also in schools, juvenile justice centers, clinical practices, and churches.

What Is Trust-Based Relational Intervention?

TBRI is a set of principles and tools designed to help caregivers build trusting relationships with children and adults from hard backgrounds. It rests on the belief that all behavior is communication, and that connection is the foundation for change.

TBRI focuses on three core principles:

Empowering Principles: Address physical needs (hydration, nutrition, sensory regulation) and create felt safety.
Connecting Principles: Build trust through eye contact, voice tone, touch, and playful engagement.
Correcting Principles: Provide structure, boundaries, and guidance in a way that maintains connection.

The goal is not behavior management, but relational healing. Through consistent, attuned care, TBRI helps children (and adults) feel safe enough to let go of survival strategies and learn new ways of relating.

Key Components of the TBRI Approach

Attachment Awareness: Understanding how early relationships shape the brain and behavior.
Nurture and Structure: Balancing warmth and limits to promote safety.
Playful Engagement: Using play to disarm fear and build trust.
Empowerment Strategies: Addressing physiological and sensory needs to reduce reactivity.
Responsive vs. Reactive Discipline: Redirecting behavior through connection rather than punishment.
Re-do’s and Repair: Creating opportunities to practice healthy behaviors in a safe environment.

TBRI is rooted in the understanding that healing occurs in the context of relationship. Caregivers become co-regulators, not enforcers.

Who Can Benefit from TBRI?

TBRI was developed with children in mind, especially those in foster care, adoption, or institutions. But its application has broadened:

Caregivers of traumatized children
Teachers and school counselors
Juvenile justice workers
Therapists and clinicians
Ministry leaders and church volunteers
Families navigating attachment wounds or behavioral challenges

The framework is highly adaptable and can be used across settings and age groups. Even adults with trauma histories benefit from TBRI-informed environments.

Who Might Not Be a Good Fit for TBRI?

TBRI is not a quick fix, and it requires caregiver buy-in and patience. It may not be the best fit when:

The caregiver cannot or will not consistently engage with the approach.
Immediate safety risks (e.g., violent behavior) require more intensive intervention first.
There is no support for the caregiver to manage their own stress and triggers.

That said, TBRI can often be integrated alongside other interventions to support long-term healing.

What to Expect When Using TBRI

When TBRI is implemented, caregivers often begin by changing their own posture and expectations:

Before Correction Comes Connection: Caregivers learn to respond to needs, not just behaviors.
Empowerment First: Practical strategies like offering water, snacks, or movement breaks help create regulation.
Correct with Compassion: Rather than punish, caregivers guide children through re-dos, choices, and collaborative problem solving.

Caregivers might notice more intense behaviors at first as children test the safety of the new dynamic. But over time, trust grows, and behaviors begin to shift.

Why Faith-Based Clients May Find TBRI Meaningful

TBRI resonates deeply with many Christian families and organizations because it aligns with biblical principles:

Unconditional Love: "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). TBRI reflects grace in action.
Healing in Relationship: God heals through relationship, not punishment. TBRI centers connection.
Servant Leadership: Caregivers take on the posture of Christ—humble, patient, and sacrificial.
Restoration and Redemption: TBRI offers a framework for seeing behavior as an invitation to restore what was lost.

For families who believe in the transforming power of love, TBRI offers a roadmap to embody that love in daily interactions.

Conclusion & Call to Action

TBRI is more than a set of tools—it’s a mindset of compassion, curiosity, and courage. Whether you're a parent, therapist, teacher, or ministry leader, adopting a trust-based approach can transform not just behaviors, but lives.

If you're ready to learn more about how to integrate TBRI principles into your home, classroom, or counseling work, our team at Restoration Counseling can help. We offer parent coaching, caregiver support, and trauma-informed education to walk alongside you in the journey.

Reach out today to discover how trust can become the foundation for lasting change.

References & Recommended Resources

For “Trust-Based Relational Intervention®: A Framework for Connection and Healing”

Core Sources:

Purvis, K. B., Cross, D. R., & Sunshine, W. L. (2007). The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family. McGraw-Hill.
Purvis, K. B., Cross, D. R., Dansereau, D. F., & Parris, S. R. (2013). Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®): A Systemic Approach to Complex Developmental Trauma. Child & Youth Services, 34(4), 360–386.
TCU Institute of Child Development. (n.d.). About TBRI. Retrieved from https://child.tcu.edu/about-us/tbri

Training and Certification:

TBRI® Practitioner Training: TCU Institute of Child Development https://child.tcu.edu/training
TBRI® Caregiver Training Series: Available through TCU or certified practitioners

Helpful Media:

The Connected Child Documentary (Based on the book by Purvis & Cross)
Created to Connect Study Guide – Faith-based resource by Empowered to Connect https://empoweredtoconnect.org

Related Reading:

Bath, H. (2008). The Three Pillars of Trauma-Informed Care. Reclaiming Children and Youth, 17(3), 17–21.
Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2011). The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind. Delacorte Press.
Perry, B. D., & Winfrey, O. (2021). What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing. Flatiron Books.