Attachment Based Family Therapy

Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT) is one of my primary frameworks for working with teens. One of the keys to ABFT is to reframe the presenting problem as a relational one. Too often the ‘troubled teen’ is the sole focus of therapy. But ‘troubled teens’ don’t manifest in a vacuum. The choices, circumstances, and relationships the teen has had plays a major factor in how they are doing on a day to day basis. ABFT creates a framework where I can develop a strong alliance with both teen and parents, and leverage the relationship as a force for growth and regeneration. Relational approaches to family therapy require a strong emotional investment and high level of self-responsibility from all participants. The work can be challenging, but the rewards can be a transformed relationship, which is what mental health is ultimately all about. To find out more about ABFT listen to this podcast by the creators of the model.