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Attachment-Based Family Therapy

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Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) is heavily influenced by John Bowlby’s attachment theory. This posits that humans have an inherent, biological desire for meaningful relationships. Guy Diamond, Gary Diamond, and Suzanne Levy defined the parameters of attachment family therapy in their book Attachment-Based Family Therapy for Depressed Adolescents. Attachment therapy is a proven methodology for using family relationships to treat depression and prevent suicide in adolescents.

What is Attachment-Based Family Therapy?

Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) is a trust-based and emotion-focused psychotherapy model. Attachment-Based Family Therapy is inspired by attachment theory. This suggests that teen mental health is profoundly affected by interpersonal relationships within the family system. Specifically, it was developed to improve family and individual challenges associated with adolescent suicide and depression. Therefore, by repairing damage within the family, Attachment-Based Family Therapy rebuilds an emotionally protective parent-child relationship.

Attachment-Based Family Therapy delineates five treatment phases. In addition, each has distinct goals and strategies. Thus, while the model is trauma-focused, Attachment-Based Family Therapy includes a structural model. Furthermore, this provides a clear roadmap that can lead to healing and recovery. Additionally, therapists use ABFT to foster in-session attachment therapy experiences. Hence, these sessions are when adolescents seek—and parents provide—love and support.

According to attachment theory, a secure attachment develops when parents are sensitive to a child’s needs. As a result, secure attachment supports a child’s development. This leads to good emotional regulation skills and feelings of self-worth. Moreover, attachment therapy fosters a therapeutic alliance. Consequently, this reinforces the primal attachment. This reinforcement creates a solid foundation that protects against depression and suicide.

Sources: American Psychological Association, US National Library of Medicine (National Institutes of Health)

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