What is AF-CBT

Alternatives for Families- A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) is an intervention for families who are struggling with anger, conflict, and aggression.  It can also help families who are at risk or are worried about aggression and violence.  AF-CBT promotes use of positive coping and self-control skills, effective discipline strategies, and constructive family problem solving and communication. 

AF-CBT Goals:

• Enhance child and family safety
• Strengthen family relationships, skills and routines
• Reduce the risk for high conflict interactions
• Reduce caregiver level of anger and use of force
• Promote effective, non-physical discipline strategies

Possible Consequences of family conflict and aggression

• Strained parent child relationship
• Legal problems
• Placement disruption
• Emotional and/or physical injuries

How will families benefit?

Families benefit by:

• Being more satisfied with family relations
• Feeling more safe and secure

AF-CBT Services

• Families are typically seen on an outpatient basis, usually about once each week.
• Services involve individual child, individual caregiver, and parent-child or family sessions.
• Average length of treatment may vary.

What Will Families Learn?

• Personal and family safety
• New ways to react to stressful situations
• Parenting strategies related to child’s age and developmental level
• Relaxation skills
• Coping strategies
• Anger management techniques
• Improved social skills
• Effective discipline strategies
• Praise and positive attention
• Positive family communication

For more information, please visit:

AF-CBT