Introduction to Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)

This workshop provides you with a foundational understanding of Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®)—a trauma-informed, attachment-centered framework designed to support children, adolescents, and families impacted by early adversity, chronic stress, medical trauma, or disrupted attachment. Developed by the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, TBRI® integrates developmental neurobiology, sensory regulation, and relational safety to help professionals more effectively interpret behavior and guide healing.  

Throughout the session, participants will explore how trauma and stress shape the brain, influence emotional regulation, and impact therapeutic engagement. The workshop introduces the three principles of TBRI®—Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting—and demonstrates how these concepts translate into practical tools that strengthen trust, reduce fear-based responses, and promote relational repair. 

Objectives:

• Gain a foundational understanding of TBRI® and its core principles.  
• Recognize how trauma, stress, and sensory needs influence student behavior. 
• Explore practical ways to apply TBRI® concepts in supportive educational settings. 

About Kara Applegate, LCSW:

Kara Applegate, LLMSW-C, CFLE, is a trauma-informed clinical social worker, TBRI® Practitioner, and Interpersonal Development Specialist with the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University (TCU). She is also the owner of Kara Applegate Counseling PLLC, where she serves as a contracted child and family therapist with Lindsey South & Associates and provides clinical services, professional trainings, and organizational consultations.  

Kara earned her Master of Social Work from Western Michigan University with a clinical concentration in trauma across the lifespan, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development. Her advanced training includes TF-CBT, PCIT, Gottman Level 1, and attachment-centered, play-based therapeutic modalities, and she is currently completing advanced play therapy training.  

Kara has extensive experience supporting children, teens, and families impacted by relational trauma, neurodivergence, behavioral challenges, and major life transitions such as adoption or foster care. Her clinical work centers on creating safe, nurturing, relational spaces through connection, co-regulation, and strength-based practices. She helps clients understand behavior as communication and builds skills for regulation, relational repair, and long-term resilience. As a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), she integrates a holistic, family-centered lens into both therapy and caregiver coaching.