An evidenced based therapy model, NPP.

In this episode, Dr. Elaine McCullough, Clinical Psychologist explores the thinking behind the Neuro Physiological Psychotherapy (NPP) model and the published research that supports it. Dr. McCullough unpacks the physical and emotional effects of developmental trauma, the role of co-regulation in healing, and how the NPP model helps children build safety, connection, and long-term resilience. Dr. McCullough also shares key findings from research into the model’s effectiveness, including outcomes for children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and neurodevelopmental needs.

Explore the research at www.familyfutures.co.uk/research-findings

Timestamp Topic Guide

0:00 – Introduction to the episode and Dr. Elaine McCullough
2:12 – What is the NPP model? Overview of how it works
4:49 – The nervous system and Polyvagal Theory explained
7:37 – Cues of safety, sensory work, and parent-child co-regulation
10:38 – Why you can’t start with talking therapy
13:51 – How safety builds new neural pathways and emotional memory
16:50 – How staff use the model across all therapeutic disciplines
18:46 – What “neurosequential but not linear” means in practice
19:44 – Why the research began: early outcomes and evidence
22:47 – What “the full model” includes
24:57 – Key findings: behavioural and educational outcomes
28:53 – The statistics: relationships, medication, school access
32:21 – What stands out from the research?
34:33 – Why don’t we invest earlier? A call for cost-benefit analysis
37:02 – Prenatal alcohol exposure: new findings from the most recent research
41:39 – The NPP model and FASD: what the data shows
44:23 – Neurodiversity, ADHD, and overlapping presentations
48:52 – What’s next: pathways, plasticity, and brain repair
54:19 – Physical damage from trauma and signs of neurological recovery