Chapter 2 discusses the wider relevance of the three practice-based principles underpinning the work of the Mulberry Bush. The first principle, a psychodynamic approach, is explained as looking ‘under the surface’ of behaviour to better understand it. The second principle introduced is a systemic, collaborative approach which assumes the ‘whole’ is greater than the sum of its parts when professionals work together. The third principle, reflective practice, is described as needing to take seriously support for processing the emotional load of working alongside children with complex needs. The latter half of the chapter revisits two enduring concepts from the work of the founder of the Mulberry Bush, Barbara Dockar-Drysdale. These are ‘the provision of primary experience’ and ‘the management of violence’.