The ROOTS Framework — For Professionals

A clinical consultation and training framework for psychologists, 

therapists, SENCOs, and teachers supporting children's emotional 

regulation and development.

The ROOTS framework draws on choice theory, Acceptance and 

Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, attachment theory, 

and the neuroscience of emotional regulation — five evidence-based 

roots that, when cultivated, allow better choices to become possible.

R — Regulate First

O — Own It  

O — Open Up

T — Teach the Skill

S — Stick With It

What's inside — 21 pages:

- Full clinical framework with 30 named skills across five sections

- Choice theory and ACT as the philosophical foundation

- Real-world scenarios — two per section, parent and teacher

- Dan Siegel hand model — two clickable YouTube video links 

 embedded (official and child-friendly animated version)

- Allostasis and the stress bucket explained practically

- The knowledge-integration gap — why knowing isn't enough

- 20-item consultation worksheet with 1–5 rating scales

- Personal ROOTS action plan for use in session

- Full reference list — 16 primary sources

- Appendix: PPLF + ROOTS Things to Say — two-page 

 quick-reference included

Suitable for use in clinical sessions, parent consultation, 

teacher training, staff CPD, and clinical supervision.

Created by Dr John Connolly, Senior Clinical Psychologist 

(HCPC PYL34767).

© 2026 ADHD Family Guide · theadhdfamilyguide.com