Attachment-Based Family Therapy: Theory, Clinical Model, and Training

This chapter explores attachment-based family therapy (ABFT), focusing on its theoretical foundations, clinical model, and training process. Rooted in Bowlby’s attachment theory, ABFT emphasizes the importance of secure attachments in child development and mental health. The therapy is organized into five main tasks: reframing, alliance building with the adolescent, alliance building with the parents, attachment repair, and promoting autonomy. Each task aims to address relational ruptures and enhance emotional regulation through structured, experiential interventions. This chapter also outlines the comprehensive training required for therapists, including workshops, supervision, and certification, to ensure fidelity and effectiveness in delivering ABFT.