Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT)
ABFT is the only manualized, empirically informed family therapy model specifically designed to target
family and individual processes associated with adolescent suicide and depression. ABFT emerges from
interpersonal theories that suggest adolescent depression and suicide can be precipitated, exacerbated, or
buffered against by the quality of interpersonal relationships in families. It is a trust-based, emotion-focused
psychotherapy model that aims to repair interpersonal ruptures and rebuild an emotionally protective,
secure-based parent-child relationship.
Treatment is characterized by five treatment
tasks:
• Reframing the therapy to focus on
interpersonal development;
• Building alliance with the adolescent;
• Building alliance with the parents;
• Facilitating conversations to resolve
attachment ruptures; and
• Promoting autonomy and competency in the
adolescent
ABFT Workshop
This is an ABFT workshop presented by the
Drexel ABFT Training Program. On day one, we
will offer an overview of the model including theoretical principles and clinical strategies. Faculty will review
how attachment theory, emotion regulation, and trauma resolution inform the delivery of this experiential
treatment approach. We also review the goals and structure of the five treatment tasks that provide a road
map for delivering this interpersonally focused psychotherapy effectively and rapidly. Enrollment for day one
is unlimited (as permitted by space).
Teaching format on day one includes lecture and video examples. For those interested in more intensive
training, days two and three provide a more in-depth look at the procedures and process involved in
facilitating the therapy. The teaching format includes lecture, video tape review, case discussion, and role
play. There is limited enrollment for these two days.
The full three-day workshop is the beginning of a two-year credentialing program for those interested in
ongoing supervision. Commitment to continue is not required for participation.