About This Publication

What happens in a toddler's nervous system when fear and immobilization occur without the presence of a safe caregiver — and can that disruption be healed?

This peer-reviewed paper, co-authored by Dr. Abi Blakeslee alongside Joseph P. Riordan and Dr. Peter A. Levine, explores exactly that. Published in the International Journal of Neuropsychotherapy (Volume 5, Issue 1, 2017), it presents both a theoretical framework and a clinical case study demonstrating how Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal Theory, and Attachment Theory can work together to resolve early childhood trauma.

Read the Full Article Here

What This Paper Explores

At the heart of the paper is a concept the authors call Dyadic Completion (DC) — the neurobiological restoration of secure attachment between a traumatized toddler and their Primary Attachment Figure (PAF) through completing thwarted survival responses.

Using the case of "Little Bill," a 30-month-old boy who developed Childhood PTSD following post-surgical restraint trauma, the authors demonstrate how Rescue Role Play — a structured, titrated form of play therapy rooted in SE — allowed the child to discharge incomplete survival energy, restore comfort-seeking behaviors, and re-establish secure attachment with his caregiver.

The paper introduces new clinical terminology bridging SE, neuroscience, and attachment theory, and makes a compelling case for including PAFs in post-surgical recovery to prevent the onset of trauma altogether.

Why This Matters for Clinicians

This research opens a doorway for SE practitioners, neuropsychotherapists, and attachment-informed child therapists working with preverbal and early childhood trauma — offering a concrete, body-based intervention framework that goes beyond what talk therapy alone can reach.

Citation

Riordan, J.P., Blakeslee, A., & Levine, P.A. (2017). Toddler Trauma: Somatic Experiencing®, Attachment and the Neurophysiology of Dyadic Completion. International Journal of Neuropsychotherapy, 5(1), 41–70.

About Dr. Abi Blakeslee

Dr. Abi Blakeslee, Ph.D., MFT, SEP, CMT is a trauma psychologist, Senior Faculty at Somatic Experiencing International, and founder of Implicit Psychotherapy. Her research and clinical work bridges somatic psychology, neuroscience, and depth psychology to advance trauma treatment across the lifespan.

Toddler Trauma Somatic Experiencing®, Attachment and the Neurophysiology of Dyadic Completion 

Somatic Experiencing, Attachment, and the Neurophysiology of Dyadic Completion