ABFT LeveI I: Introductory Workshop Series

ABFT training begins with an Introductory Workshop that is divided into two parts; Fundamentals of ABFT and Core Methods of ABFT. We typically offer a public training live online for general enrollment twice a year in the spring and fall. We also work directly with organizations to offer private training for their staff throughout the year (online or in-person). As an alternative to live instruction, the Fundamentals of ABFT is also offered as an asynchronous online course. The Core Methods of ABFT can only be completed via live instruction from a Trainer.

Fundamentals of ABFT

Get Started with ABFT!
Register for our Fall 2026 live online Level I Introductory Workshop Series
Fundamentals of ABFT: October 1-2, 2026
Core Methods of ABFT: October 8-9, 14-16, 2026
Register here for our Level 1 Workshop Series for clinicians in Australia & New Zealand. (Dates in Aus/NZ)
Fundamentals of ABFT: November 4-5, 2026
Core Methods of ABFT: November 11-12, 18-19, 2026

Lecture and therapy tapes provide a brief overview of the entire model. This includes an overview of the theory, research and the clinical format/protocol of the therapy. Faculty review how attachment theory, emotional 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.

Training Format Options for Fundamentals of ABFT Workshop:
Benefits of the Fundamentals of ABFT Training:

By attending the Fundamentals of ABFT training, attendees will have a basic understanding of how to use attachment theory to guide family intervention. Attendees will also gain a general introduction to the task structure of the model.

Target Audience

The target audience for the Fundamentals of ABFT training is Case Workers, Counselors, Couple and Family Therapists, ER Physicians, Health Care Administrators, Frontline MH staff, Mental Health Professionals, Primary Care Physicians, Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurses, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, SAP Team members and Social Workers.

Core Methods of ABFT

The Core Methods of ABFT builds on the Fundamentals of ABFT workshop and provides a more in-depth look at the procedures and process involved in facilitating ABFT. Case discussion, tape review and role-play deepen the participants understanding of the approach. Throughout the Core Methods of ABFT Workshop, therapists are also taught how to use the ABFT adherence checklists.

Attendance is limited to 30 people (per Trainer) so that everyone can experience hands on attention from the Trainer.

Training Format Options for the Core Methods of ABFT Training:
  • Two full day workshop conducted in-person or live online
  • Four half-day workshop conducted in-person or live online
  • Core Methods of ABFT training is NOT offered in a self-paced format as this portion of the introductory workshop series requires hands on, live instruction from a Trainer
Benefits of Core Methods of ABFT Training:

Core Methods of ABFT training provides a more in depth exposure to the scaffold of each task. We review extended clips of therapy tapes, talk about challenges and then role play the core elements of each task. This gives therapists a more practical sense of how to apply the model with at least moderately cooperative families. The goal is to learn to apply the basic structure, not to modify the model to more difficult or different kinds of families. That comes in supervision and the advanced training (Level II).

Target Audience

The target audience for the Core Methods of ABFT training is Counselors, Couple and Family Therapists, Mental Health Professionals, Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurses, Psychologists, Psychotherapists and Social Workers.