Using Alternatives for Families – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT): Addressing Physical Abuse and Harsh Discipline in Clinical Practice

Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) is a trauma-informed, evidence based practice designed to improve relationships between children and caregivers in families with a history or risk for child physical abuse. The skills target anger control, cognitive flexibility, parenting, social skills, communication, and problem solving . Caregivers and therapists work together to build on caregiver strengths and goals, including monitoring conflict, managing stress, and being intentional about positive, safe parenting practices.

This workshop will provide an overview of the core components of Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) and relevant populations and settings. AF-CBT seeks to improve relationships between children and their caregivers using a comprehensive approach that targets the risks for conflict and coercion and the clinical consequences of its exposure. As such, AF–CBT is designed to work with a broad range of families engaged in verbal and/or physical aggression, whether the referral focuses upon the caregiver who has used harsh physical discipline, the child who has behavior problems, or the highly conflictual or “at-risk” family. Examples of appropriate families will be provided and discussed to highlight key family processes that underlie the use of coercion and hostility (e.g., relationships, reframing, rules and roles, family routines). 

Objectives:

1. Describe the AF-CBT model, including targeted skills and treatment phases.
2. Communicate to one’s agency the clinical considerations for agency-wide implementation of AF-CBT.
3. Identify families who are appropriate for AF-CBT.