Denise's goal is to help adoptive parents (and parents with children with birth trauma) to better understand their child's behaviors, and provide them with techniques that WORK to pull out of power struggles, help their child reach a higher level of functioning and to become an integrated member of the family.   

Denise understands that the parents are not the problem, that 'normal' parenting doesn't work, and has solutions that DO work!  In her day-long "Therapeutic Parenting for Traumatized Children" she provides insight into the "why" of their behaviors, with our focus on learning how to identify what drives the behavior, and the entire afternoon is spent on innovative interventions to respond differently.  Attendee's leave with an entirely re-loaded toolbox of interventions, as well as a manual for continued support to learn the model. 

In addition, Denise provides ongoing support and help for parents via email, phone or video-conferencing.  You are not alone!  We get it, and can help.

Her Approach

I know the parents are not the problem.

I know you've tried 'everything' and nothing works.

I know that it's the incessant testing, challenging, sneakiness, and paybacks that wear you down.

I can help you understand why your child does what they do by helping you understand what is driving the behaviors so you can better reach them.

I can provide you with tools that will help you 

• Pull out of power struggles
• Leave the problem with the child
• Teach cause & effect
• Help your child be strong - in a healthy way
• Talk so your child will be able to hear you
• Listen so you know what is causing behaviors
• Learn techniques to help your child trust
• Find a new way to relate and build a new relationship with your child
• Restore peace in your home

Her Background

Denise L. Best, M.A. is a Licensed Mental Health Clinician in the State of Iowa and a Registered Attachment Clinician with the Association for the Treatment & Training in the Attachment of Children(www.attach.org)

After extensive specialized training, she developed her own protocol for the healing of Reactive Attachment Disorder, now more commonly referred to as "Complex Trauma" or "Attachment Trauma". With the addition of the healing practice of Neurological Reorganization, she further advanced the information and interventions for her much sought-after Therapeutic Parenting Program. Denise presents this program to parents, direct care staff and professionals across the United States and Canada.

Denise is the Clinic Director of the Adoption & Attachment Treatment Center of Iowa, in Iowa City.(www.aatcofiowa.com)

319-338-2722

Denise provides a day-long training "Therapeutic Parenting & Interventions for       Traumatized Children"

Parenting for Adopted Kids

Contact Denise