Beyond Individual Therapy: A New Approach to Trauma Care Emphasizes Systemic Healing

NEW YORK, NY – November 19, 2025

Shifting the Paradigm of Trauma Care

For decades, trauma-informed care has focused on understanding the impact of adverse experiences on individuals and adapting treatment accordingly. Now, a new perspective is gaining traction – one that emphasizes the need to transform entire systems to foster healing and prevent re-traumatization. Chaddock, a leading non-profit organization specializing in trauma and attachment-based services, is at the forefront of this movement with the release of Beyond Trauma Care: Combining the Science of Healing with the Power of Relationships, authored by its President & CEO, Matt Obert.

The book details the ‘Chaddock Way,’ a relationship-centered model built around their Developmental Trauma and Attachment Program (DTAP), and argues that truly effective trauma care requires a fundamental shift in how organizations approach their work – moving beyond individual therapy to cultivate “cultures of attachment.”

The 'Chaddock Way' and the Science of Attachment

DTAP isn't simply a new therapeutic technique; it’s a comprehensive framework rooted in decades of research into brain development and the lasting impact of early childhood trauma. The program’s core principle lies in the understanding that trauma disrupts a child’s ability to form secure attachments, hindering their emotional, social, and cognitive development. “We’ve found that traditional approaches, while helpful, often fall short because they don’t address the systemic factors that contribute to trauma and prevent lasting healing,” explains an anonymous Chaddock staff member.

The ‘Chaddock Way’ utilizes evidence-based interventions such as Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®), but goes further by emphasizing the importance of creating safe, predictable, and nurturing environments within families, schools, and social service agencies. This requires training staff to understand the neurobiology of trauma, building strong relationships with clients, and consistently responding to their needs with empathy and compassion.

“It’s about creating a context where trust can flourish and relationships can be repaired,” says another anonymous source within the organization. “We’re not just treating symptoms; we’re addressing the underlying wounds and helping individuals rebuild their capacity for connection.”

Beyond Individual Therapy: A Systemic Approach

The book challenges the traditional siloed approach to behavioral health, arguing that organizations must become trauma-informed at all levels – from leadership and policy to direct service delivery. This requires a commitment to creating a culture of safety, transparency, and collaboration, where staff are empowered to prioritize relationships and respond to clients with empathy and compassion.

The ‘Chaddock Way’ advocates for a shift in mindset – from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” This simple but profound shift can dramatically change the way individuals are perceived and treated, fostering a sense of hope and empowerment.

According to industry analysts, the growing emphasis on systemic change is driven by several factors. The behavioral health market is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by rising mental health needs and increased awareness of the impact of trauma. Simultaneously, there is a growing recognition that traditional treatment models are often insufficient to address the complex needs of individuals who have experienced significant adversity. “There's a growing awareness that you can't just ‘fix’ trauma with therapy alone,” said one expert in the field. “You need to create environments that support healing and prevent re-traumatization.”

Chaddock’s model aligns with this trend. The organization offers its DTAP program in various levels of intensity, including in-home intensive services, demonstrating a commitment to meeting clients where they are and providing flexible, individualized care. This approach reflects a broader shift towards integrated, home-based services, which are increasingly recognized as effective alternatives to traditional facility-based treatment.

Implications for the Future of Trauma Care

The release of Beyond Trauma Care comes at a critical moment, as the field of trauma-informed care continues to evolve. The book offers a compelling vision for the future – one where organizations prioritize relationships, embrace systemic change, and create environments that foster healing and resilience.

“This isn’t just about improving the lives of individuals; it’s about creating a more compassionate and equitable society,” explains one advocate for trauma-informed care. “By creating cultures of attachment, we can help individuals overcome adversity, build strong relationships, and thrive.”

The book is already generating significant interest within the behavioral health community, and experts predict that it will have a lasting impact on the field. While the true measure of its success will depend on the extent to which its principles are adopted by organizations across the country, the book’s message is clear: true healing requires more than just therapy; it requires a fundamental shift in how we approach trauma and the systems that perpetuate it.