Texas Christian University faculty and staff will have an opportunity to deepen their
understanding of relationship-based, trauma-informed practices through a campus-wide
Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) training on January 14, 2027, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration is open now and will close on December 15, 2026.
Developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross at TCU’s Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPICD), TBRI has grown into a globally recognized framework used across education, mental health, child welfare, healthcare, and justice systems. Today, the model is implemented in more than 60 countries and continues to expand through ongoing research, education, and collaboration.
Bringing this training to the broader TCU community reflects the university’s commitment to fostering a supportive and connected campus culture. Organizers hope the experience will strengthen relationships across departments, programs, and teams while providing practical skills that support collaboration, communication, and well-being throughout the university.
What Is TBRI?
Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) is a holistic, attachment-based, trauma-informed approach designed to support individuals who have experienced adversity and to strengthen relationships in a variety of settings. The model equips professionals with practical strategies to address behavioral, emotional, and relational challenges by recognizing and responding to underlying needs.
Trauma can result from experiences such as abuse, neglect, institutional care, medical
trauma, difficult births, or natural disasters. These experiences can influence a
person’s brain, body, behavior, and beliefs, often affecting their ability to trust
and connect with others.
Grounded in decades of research in attachment theory, sensory processing, and neuroscience, TBRI is built on three interconnected principles:
- Empowering Principles: Supporting physical and environmental needs.
- Connecting Principles: Building safe, meaningful, and trusting relationships.
- Correcting Principles: Addressing fear-based behaviors through connection and understanding.
While TBRI was originally developed to support adoptive families, its applications have expanded significantly and are now used in a wide range of professional and community settings.
Who Uses TBRI?
Professionals across many disciplines incorporate TBRI into their work, including:
- Educators and administrators
- Mental health professionals
- Social workers and counselors
- Healthcare providers
- Residential care and child welfare staff
- Juvenile justice professionals and law enforcement personnel
- Government agencies and organizations pursuing systemic change
- Parents and caregivers
Importantly, TBRI is not only for individuals who have experienced trauma. Because the model focuses on understanding needs, building connection, and fostering healthy relationships, its principles can benefit everyone.
Registration Information
The training will be offered as an in-person classroom experience. There is a $25 registration fee to help offset the cost of materials. Register here.
Departmental billing codes must be submitted before registration can be approved. Faculty and staff can provide their billing code through the designated registration process. Employees in Student Affairs and Human Resources do not need to submit a separate billing code.
With its emphasis on connection, understanding, and practical relationship-building skills, TBRI offers a valuable opportunity for TCU employees to learn a shared framework that can strengthen interactions across the campus community.
Training Details
- Date: January 14, 2027
- Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Format: In-Person Classroom
- Cost: $25
- Registration Deadline: December 15, 2026
Faculty and staff interested in attending are must register by December 15, 2026.