The Bród Method™ is a trauma-informed, child-centred framework developed by Deirdre McCarthy MSocSc, BSW, CORU Registered Social Worker, author, professional coach, lecturer, and founder of Family3: Social Work & Family Consultancy.

The framework was created to support children, families, and professionals navigating separation, loss, conflict, and complex life experiences, while maintaining a clear focus on emotional safety, regulation, and child participation.

 

The Bród Method™ is grounded in the belief that every child deserves to feel:

Happy – Healthy – Safe – Loved

These four core needs form the foundation of the model and guide all work carried out through Family3, including family support, coaching, training, therapeutic resources, and professional education.

Why The Bród Method™ was developed

Through many years of social work practice, court work, and family support, it became clear that children often experience major life changes without fully understanding what is happening around them.

Professionals and parents may struggle to find the right words, the right approach, or the right tools to support children in ways that feel safe, honest, and developmentally appropriate.

The Bród Method™ was developed to provide:

• A clear structure for child-centred conversations

• Practical tools to support emotional regulation

• Guidance for adults supporting children

• A trauma-informed lens for decision making

• A shared language that can be used across families and services

The method brings together professional knowledge, lived experience, and creative resources to help children make sense of change in a way that protects their wellbeing.

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Core Principles of The Bród Method™

The Bród Method™ integrates key principles from:

• Trauma-informed care

• Attachment theory

• Regulation and neurobiology of stress

• Child participation and children’s rights

• Relational and strengths-based practice

• Reflective and coaching approaches

The framework supports both children and adults by recognising that those caring for children also need support, understanding, and space to reflect.

The Four Pillars of The Bród Method™

The model is built around four essential needs that every child has:

Happy

Supporting children/Adults to experience joy, connection, play, and positive relationships, even during difficult times.

Healthy

Supporting emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing, including the ability to understand and express feelings safely.

Safe

Helping children/ Adults feel secure in their relationships and environment, with clear communication and predictable support.

Loved

Ensuring children feel valued, accepted, and cared for, even when families are changing or relationships are difficult.  Helping adults find belonging and valued in their lives. 

 

These pillars guide all work within the Bród Method™ 

How The Bród Method™ is used

The Bród Method™ is used in a range of settings, including:

• Family support and consultation

• Separation and co-parenting work

• Court-related guidance

• Trauma-informed training

• Professional supervision and reflective practice

• Coaching for individuals and professionals

• Educational and therapeutic resources for children

• Workshops for parents and services

The method provides a shared framework that can be used by families, social workers, educators, healthcare staff, and helping professionals.

 

Books and Resources

The Bród Method™ is also brought to life through stories, training materials, and therapeutic tools created by Deirdre McCarthy, including the children’s book:

It’s Not Fair: Bród’s Journey Through Their Parents’ Break-Up

and a growing range of resources designed to help children understand feelings, relationships, and change in ways that feel safe and supportive.

A trauma-informed, relational approach

The Bród Method™ recognises that change can be stressful for both children and adults.
By focusing on regulation, safety, connection, and understanding, the framework helps create environments where children can feel secure, heard, and supported, even during difficult transitions.

At the heart of the method is a simple belief:

When children feel Happy, Healthy, Safe, and Loved, they are better able to cope with change, express their feelings, and grow with confidence.

© The Bród Method™

Developed by Deirdre McCarthy
Family3: Social Work & Family Consultancy