DNMS

DNMS, which stands for Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy, is a psychotherapy approach developed by Dr. Shirley Davis. It is a neurobiological model of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals overcome trauma and attachment wounds by addressing their unmet developmental needs. The core principle of DNMS is that early life experiences, particularly those involving neglect or abuse, can create deficits in a person's capacity to regulate their emotions, form healthy relationships, and experience a sense of self-worth.

The therapy works by helping clients identify and understand these unmet needs. Through a series of guided imaginal dialogues and somatic experiences, clients are encouraged to access the younger parts of themselves that experienced the trauma or neglect. The therapist then facilitates a process of "meeting" these younger selves with the resources and understanding that the adult self now possesses. This involves providing comfort, validation, and reassurance to the wounded child within.

DNMS emphasizes the importance of the client's biological and neurological state. It recognizes that trauma can dysregulate the nervous system, leading to persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, and a sense of being stuck. By creating a safe and nurturing therapeutic environment, DNMS aims to help re-regulate the nervous system and promote healing. The goal is to integrate these younger, wounded parts of the self into the whole, allowing for greater emotional resilience, improved relationships, and a more cohesive sense of identity.