AF-CBT News & Updates

Article in Child Maltreatment on Parent-child Aggression and Abuse

In a recent article, Slep et al. (2002) conducted an anonymous, computer-based assessment that was administered to nearly 40,000 parents of more than 60,000 children in the United States Air Force, which included a detailed assessment on up to four minor children of aggression and its impact. The survey was the largest of its type ever conducted in the United States, allowing for stable, crossvalidated estimation of rates of both corporal punishment and physical abuse. Findings indicated that about 39% of children experienced corporal punishment, peaking at three years of age, and 7% experienced physical abuse, peaking at age six. About 45% of parents reported perpetrating corporal punishment and 8% abuse; these rates were higher in multi-child families and most often involved more than one child. Parent gender was not associated with physical aggression or abuse. This paper further extends our understanding of the broad use of corporal punishment and its potential association with physical abuse.
Source: Child Maltreatment 2022, Online, 1-14 DOI: 10.1177/10775595221112921

Dr. Barbara Baumann Presents Singapore AF-CBT Master Class Nov. 1, 2022

This master class will review the first phase in the three-phase model of AF-CBT, which covers engaging caregivers and children and assessing the family’s strengths, their views on physical discipline, their emotion vocabulary and how the caregivers manage stress. We’ll also focus on how to empower caregivers to make decisions in a methodical manner that helps them understand the different options. Illustrations of the methods that derive from the model will be provided to highlight key family processes that underlie the use of coercion and hostility.

Reseachers at Denver Health and Hospital Authority Designing new module to use in AF-CBT Cases

Researchers at Denver Health and Hospital Authority are designing a new module to use in AF-CBT cases including caregivers with Substance Use Disorders. A to-be published qualitative study with caregivers and clinicians identified the need for:

• Developmentally appropriate and parent-informed substance use education
• Additions to psychoeducation modules to cover in utero substance use and intimate partner violence
• Contingency management Addiction informed clarification letters
• Safety Planning to include parental overdose or return of abusive partners

 

The PI, Dr. Lucia Walsh Pedersen, expects the module design to be completed and treatment research to begin in Fall 2023. Treatment effectiveness of standard AF-CBT in this population will begin in August 2022.

AF-CBT Trainees Report High Satisfaction after One-Year Learning Community

A diverse international sample (n = 337) of AF-CBT trainees reported high satisfaction at the conclusion of the one year learning community. The group included providers from outpatient, school, residential, and group home settings. All of the basic training workshops were conducted synchronously, either in person or remotely.

20,000 Views

There have been over 20,000 views of the AF-CBT orientation course on the NCTSN Learning Center website. The course consists of four parts: What is AF-CBT?, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Primer, Screening, Assessment, and Case Appropriateness, and AF-CBT Fundamentals. The videos provide an introduction to AF-CBT and you can also receive CEUs for completing each part.

Providers Deliver Virtual AF-CBT During COVID-19 Pandemic

Emily Norris from Bear Paw Counseling (Casper, WY) and Nicola Herting from Red River Children's Advocacy Center (Fargo, ND) are just two of the providers working in rural areas who are maintaining the continuity of their AF-CBT services via telehealth. Participants in the University of Utah 2019 training, they and several others are completing their year-long learning community in AF-CBT during the pandemic.

Click here for adaptations of AF-CBT to facilitate sessions conducted using a virtual platform.

Click here for an article in the University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychiatry News about a presentation given by Dr. Kolko on Monitoring & Managing Risk for Family Conflict and Coercion during COVID. There is a link to watch the entire presentation.

 

AF-CBT Virtual Training

Drs. Baumann and Kolko recently completed the first AF-CBT virtual training with 19 military and civilian participants from multiple states and countries. Utilizing real-time online sessions and break-out rooms, this is a new model for AF-CBT training. We’re hoping to be able to offer more virtual trainings in the future, so agencies can save on time and travel.

Click here to complete a training request form if you or your agency are interested.

 

Dr. Barbara Baumann Presented Overview of AF-CBT at Hadassah Medical Organization, Ein Kerem Campus, Israel

At the invitation of Dr. Amit Shalev Binnun and AF-CBT clinician Michal Shalev Binnun, Dr. Barbara Baumann provided the division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem an overview of AF-CBT, discussed how to engaged challenging caregivers, and answered questions about addressing cultural differences. About 30 clinicians were in attendance, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers.

 

University of Louisville AF-CBT Training, Louisville, KY.

Clinicians from University of Louisville, Spalding University, and Centerstone Louisville recently participated in a 2.5 day AF-CBT training conducted by Dr. Barbara Baumann.

 

AF-CBT Effectiveness Trial Voted Best Article of 2018 in Child Maltreatment

David Kolko accepted the award for the “Best Article of 2018” voted by the Editorial Board of Child Maltreatment at the 26th APSAC Colloquium in Salt Lake City, UT. The title of the article was “AF-CBT for Families Experiencing Physical Aggression or Abuse Served by the Mental Health or Child Welfare System: An Effectiveness Trial,” and it was co-authored by Amy Herschell, Barbara Baumann, Jonathan Hart, and Stephen Wisniewski.

 

Iceland AF-CBT Training 2019

Monica Fitzgerald trained the first group of practitioners (psychologists, family therapists) in Iceland working in different youth service settings (University hospital, child and teen clinic, private practice, outpatient, school, and child protection) in the north, south, and east Iceland. Welcome to the AF-CBT family! They have embarked on their journey and will go through the full training and consultation experience.

 

Pittsburgh Fall Training 2018

Dr. Barbara Baumann recently conducted a three-day initial AF-CBT training in Pittsburgh. Providers representing five agencies from three states attended.

 

 

 

New Publication: AF-CBT Effectiveness Trial Clinical Outcomes

The results of a community treatment effectiveness trial of AF-CBT are now available in Child Maltreatment (SAGE) - see "First Online"

AF-CBT Training, CAC of SW Florida, Ft. Myers, FL.

Clinicians from the CAC for Southwest Florida in Ft. Myers and the Child Protection Center in Sarasota have expanded their EBT services to include AF-CBT. These sites offer comprehensive services to child victims and their families and conduct trainings in the region.

AF-CBT Training, Dawson Place CAC, Everett, WA.

The training included clinicians, supervisors, and administrators from the Child Advocacy Program, a highly experienced team of professionals who provide a range of trauma services. The program collaborates with numerous community and support organizations, and other service systems (e.g., court, child welfare).

Dr. Baumann Presents on AF-CBT at the Singapore Ministry of Social and Family Development

Dr. Baumann spoke at the Singapore Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) on Monday, June 18, 2018. She was invited by Dr. Cheryl Huang Shuhui, Senior Clinical Psychologist with the Clinical and Forensic Psychology Service to provide an overview of AF-CBT to service providers from within and outside the ministry. It was an engaging discussion, focused on how AF-CBT could be applied in Singapore, specifics about the model, and challenges therapists face when working with clients who are mandated to services. Dr. Huang has implemented AF-CBT with several clients and provided a case presentation to demonstrate effective use of the model.

First Ever Virtual Training Program in AF-CBT for Military Family Advocacy Program Providers

In collaboration with the planning team from the Duke-UCLA National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, AF-CBT training faculty have developed and implemented a fully virtual training in AF-CBT through the NCTSN Academy on Child Traumatic Stress. Family Advocacy Program Providers serving 9 military bases/installations from around the U.S. and in Japan have begun their year-long learning community and will soon complete the basic training phase. Lessons learned from this experience will be used to refine training/consultation materials to support virtual trainings for other providers serving military and non-military settings. Please contact Rio May del Rosario, rrdelrosario@mednet.ucla.edu, for more information.

Combined Training Brings National and Local Clinicians Together

Barbara Baumann and David Kolko recently conducted a combined training in AF-CBT for 42 providers from 13 agencies from around the U.S. and the local Pittsburgh community. Providers worked in a variety of novel settings that included Child Advocacy Centers and homes as well as outpatient clinics. The services will be delivered using both English and Spanish materials.

All Virtual Advanced Training in AF-CBT

AF-CBT faculty and UCLA/Duke University producers conducted a fully virtual advanced training for trainees from three agencies in Colorado who are participating in a year-long learning community. This screen shot shows the faculty and trainees who can join together as a group or break out into separate subgroups. For more info, contact George ("Tripp") Ake, PhD at George.ake@duke.edu.

Senior Leader Learning Session for Lower State of Carolina

Ben Saunders and David Kolko recently spoke with a group of Senior Administrative Leaders participating in the AF-CBT Lower State (South Carolina) Community-Based Learning Collaborative which was held on October 4th, 2017, in Summerville, SC. The second Learning Session of this regional training collaborative was devoted to enhancing AF-CBT implementation and included several community brokers, child welfare system staff, and treatment providers. The collaborative is supported by the Duke Foundation.

Comprehensive Health Care AF-CBT training in central Washington State

Professionals from five clinics affiliated with Comprehensive Health Care in Central Washington state attended an AF-CBT training with David Kolko. They offer services in various settings (e.g., outpatient clinic, home, school). The Comprehensive system has several clinical supervisors who have been delivering AF-CBT for several years after participating in a prior state-wide training with Dr. Kolko.

Dr. Kolko continues 15-year partnership with Allegheny General Hospital on new NCTSN Category II Grant

This new grant – their 4th collaborative project funded by the NCTSN -- allows the AF-CBT team to extend its efforts in several areas, including the development of AF-CBT engagement methods for families who struggle with substance abuse problems and concerns about physical abuse, aggression, and/or family conflict. Some of these methods may be piloted in an upcoming training and consultation program to Category III centers that treat this population. Plans are also being made to develop an AF-CBT Military Implementation Manual and provide military-adapted AF-CBT training and consultation calls to therapists treating military families.

Related work by national AF-CBT trainer/consultant Dr. Barbara Baumann include working with community agencies to develop an AF-CBT parenting group and consulting with clinicians to include foster care parents along with caregivers experiencing issues with substance abuse in AF-CBT therapy sessions. Our team is excited about the opportunity to offer AF-CBT in a format that incorporates individual, group, and family sessions.

 

Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children AF-CBT Training

Dr. Kolko conducted a training July 19-21 for several clinics affiliated with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Monica Roizner coordinated the training and will serve as an invaluable resource in promoting AF-CBT across the state.

Orientation Course Available

Thanks to a collaboration with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, we are happy to announce the debut of a series of orientation/training videos for AF-CBT. These videos, presented by three trainers and developers of the AF-CBT model, act as an overview of AF-CBT. It is an excellent complement to the 2.5 days of onsite training AF-CBT agencies receive and a great introduction to AF-CBT as a whole.

You can head here to view these videos, and even receive Continuing Education Units free of charge from the NCTSN with the completion of four quizzes interspersed throughout the training videos. Completion of this video training will be required of future AF-CBT trainees, but it is also an excellent tool for supervisors and colleagues who wish to know more about it. If you are curious about AF-CBT or know someone who is, this is a great opportunity!

New Online Payment System Now Available

If you have ordered an AF-CBT learning collaborative in the past, you are probably familiar with that anxious feeling of waiting for your check to get to us by mail. Now, your days of waiting are over, thanks to our new online payment system! This site allows you to instantly make a payment for AF-CBT training, certification fees, and even training materials via credit card, debit card, or account transfer through our secure, confidential system.

Knowledge Questionnaire: Second Chance Available

If you have taken our AF-CBT Knowledge Questionnaire and did not clear the 80% requirement for passing it, don't worry - you may get a second chance to fulfill this requirement for certification. Contact your trainer to see if you are eligible for this opportunity to take a second Knowledge Questionnaire.

What is Alternatives for Professionals?

Alternatives for Professionals introduces and reinforces skills for engaging with families involved with the mental health, juvenile justice, or child welfare system. The content of AFP is based on an existing evidence-based treatment (Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). AFP was designed to cover key skill components that can be taught by a range of professionals who do not provide direct counseling services to families (e.g., caseworkers, case managers, foster care workers, wrap-around providers, home visitors, and other professionals.) Click here for more information.....

Dr. David Kolko presented on AF-CBT at Greater Pittsburgh Psychological Association 2015 Networking and Educational Fair

Dr. David Kolko conducted a workshop on AF-CBT at the Greater Pittsburgh Psychological Association 2015 Networking and Educational Fair on Friday, September 25, 2015 at PNC Park. Click here for more information....

AF-CBT Training, Savio House, Denver, CO.

Savio House (Denver, CO) completed a training with 16 clinical and administrative staff. AF-CBT will be their tenth evidence-base practice to further serve families with high conflict and aggression, a major issue for many of their families. As noted by Julia Roguski (Director, child protection team), "AF CBT will improve our service continuum and help us improve outcomes for families."

Spanish Language AF-CBT Manual In Development

Translation of the AF-CBT manual into Spanish is now in progress. Thanks to Eunice Torres, Samantha Walker, Rosa Izquierdo, Liliana Baylon, and Claudia Valadez for their contributions to this project. Check back for updates.

Dr. Kolko Presents Overview of AF-CBT

Dr. David Kolko recently presented an overview of AF-CBT to managers, supervisors, care coordinators, and providers attending the quarterly Behavioral Health and Rehabilitation Services Summit sponsored by Value Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania in Mercer and Greensburg, PA. The session was moderated by Dr. Lisa Kugler, Vice President of Clinical Services.

Dr. Olga Berkout Presents Poster at Research Day

Dr. Olga Berkout presented a poster showing the impact of caregiver dysfunction on parent-to-child aggression at the 15th annual Research Day sponsored by the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. This research study examined clinical variables characterizing physically aggressive or abusive caregivers and tested a model of negative affect dysfunction in child directed aggression. We found that aggressive parents reported more drug use and poorer parenting. Support for our model was obtained and parenting stress was found to have indirect effects on child directed aggression through negative affect and positive parenting behavior.

AF-CBT Now On CEBC Website

Alternatives for Families-A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is now live on the CEBC programs registry website under the new topic area, Interventions for Abusive Behavior. Click here for more information....

Spring 2014 Training Group Update

Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Spring 2014 AF-CBT Training Group! These 10 amazing clinicians and supervisors recently completed their year-long AF-CBT training with a high level of enthusiasm and expertise. This consultation group was marked by a high level of attendance, no turnover, and submission of audio recordings by 100% of participants. We look forward to hearing about the successes they have with their clients and the many ways in which they will add to the best practices in AF-CBT.

NCTSN May 2015 eBulletin

The May issue of the NCTSN eBulletin is now available. Click here for more information....

What is Alternatives for Professionals?

Alternatives for Professionals (AFP) is designed to enhance the client relationship by focusing on skills to increase engagement and motivation among families and confidence and empathy among professionals. While working with AF-CBT trained therapists, a need was identified to train the professionals who support the work that therapists do with families. Click here for more information....

California Multi-Agency Training

Dr. Barbara Baumann recently completed an initial 3-day AF-CBT training in Compton, CA. Clinicians attended from around Los Angeles and Fresno, representing 4 agencies committed to using AF-CBT with their clients. We are excited to have so many agencies who enroll new staff in AF-CBT trainings each year.

Kempe Center/Denver AF-CBT Learning Community

Monica Fitzgerald and David Kolko recently completed the basic training for a second cohort of clinicians in the Denver, Colorado region, and coordinated by Christina Little and Evelin Gomez of the Kempe Center with supporting funds from an ACYF grant.

Project Harmony/Nebraska AF-CBT Learning Community

Project Harmony, a CAC in Omaha, Nebraska, recently hosted a learning community in AF-CBT for clinicians from several agencies around the state. This picture includes many of the clinicians and supervisors who participated in the training. Their stunning building complements their highly effective efforts to promote access to high quality services for children and youth.

Allegheny County, PA AF-CBT Training

Dr. Kolko recently completed a training in AF-CBT for practitioners from several community agencies that was sponsored by the Department of Human Services of Allegheny County (Pittsburgh, PA).

Japanese Language Manual Now Available

We would like to thank Mineko Inuduka and her staff at the Institute of Counseling at Taisho University for translating our handouts and session guide into Japanese. Both the Japanese handouts and session guide can be found in the Downloads section available to AF-CBT trainees.

Foster Care Materials Available

New foster care materials are now available for download for current AF-CBT clinicians. Contact us for access to the Downloads section of the site.

Advanced AF-CBT Training, Project Harmony, Omaha, NE

Dr. David Kolko conducted an advanced AF-CBT (booster) training for Project Harmony in Omaha, NE on April 29.

Spring Psych TLC Conference for MH Professionals, Little Rock, AR

Dr. David Kolko presented an overview of AF-CBT at the Spring Psych TLC Conference for MH Professionals in Little Rock, AR on April 24, 2015

BAPSCAN Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland

Dr. David Kolko presented a paper: Treating Emotional and Physical Abuse Using Alternatives for Families: AF-CBT. In Sympo Title: Continuing to implement evidence-based trauma treatments: Lessons learned over the long term. Chair: Lucy Berliner, MSW. British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (BAPSCAN) Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland.

AFP Training Indianapolis, IN

Dr. Barbara Baumann conducted an Alternatives for Professionals training for Family Works and New Hope in Indianapolis, IN on April 9-10.

AFP Training Mt. Vernon, IL

Dr. Barbara Baumann conducted an Alternatives for Professionals training for the Illinois 2nd Circuit Court in Mt. Vernon, IL. on March 5-6.

What is Alternatives For Professionals?

Alternatives for Professionals (AFP) is designed to enhance the client relationship by focusing on skills to increase engagement and motivation among families and confidence and empathy among professionals. While working with AF-CBT trained therapists, a need was identified to train the professionals who support the work that therapists do with families.

AFP can be implemented by a range of professionals who do not hold an advanced degree in a mental health field, but do provide services through the mental health, child welfare, or juvenile justice system to children and families (e.g., caseworkers, case managers, foster care workers, wrap-around providers, home visitors, bachelor-level counselors)

The primary components of Alternatives for Professionals are: Decision Making, Emotion Regulation, Positive Parenting, and De-escalation. Each of these components offers professionals several alternatives to enhance the client-worker alliance.

AFP is a great way to involve case managers and case workers in the care of families. By training therapists in AF-CBT and case managers in AFP, the family can receive a continuum of care based on one model of service.

While AF-CBT is a manual-based mental health treatment, AFP provides professionals with information on key components they can use to facilitate services. AFP is trauma-informed and appropriate for many different providers working with children and families.

Contact us for more information.

Dr. David Kolko Workshop Presentations

Dr. David Kolko recently conducted 2 presentations in a two-part workshop at the 29th Annual San Diego International Conference on Child and Family Maltreatment
Click for more info

ISTSS Master Workshop

Dr. David Kolko lectured on AF-CBT at the 30th annual meeting of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies in Miami, Florida on November 17, 2014.

ISTSS Presentation of AF-CBT

Kolko, D. J. (November, 2014). An effectiveness trial of AF-CBT: Initial clinical outcomes. In C. de Schipper (Chair), Addressing violence in community-based and clinical interventions for children and families: To what degree does a trauma-focus add to understanding and changing child outcomes? Paper presented at the 30th annual meeting of the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies, Miami, FL (11/7/2014).

Dr. David Kolko Keynote Speaker at Conference

Dr. Kolko gave the keynote address Children Exposed to Physical Violence: Understanding and Addressing Vulnerabilities at the In Violence and Behavioral Health: Developing an Evidence-Informed Community Agenda conference on October 27, 2014. The conference was part of the Recovery and Wellness Series: The Journal Starts Here. A Joint Effort Sponsored by the Community Care Behavioral Health Organization and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Loren Roth, MD., Course Director.

David Kolko Presents International Lecture on AF-CBT

David Kolko presented a lecture on AF-CBT to the faculty and staff of the Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies in Oslo, Norway, at the invitation of colleague Dr. Tine Jensen. Discussions are underway with Dr. Jensen and a colleague, Dr. Lutz Goldbeck, to propose research to pilot AF-CBT in two European cities. Pictured at left with Dr. Kolko are Drs. Tine Jensen, Tonje Holt, and Lutz Goldbeck. Click on the image at right to watch Dr. Kolko's presentation.

 

Practical Approaches to Sustaining Evidence Based Practices

David Kolko recently conducted a workshop with colleague Lucy Berliner, MSW, entitled "Practical Approaches to Evidence Based Practices" at the 22nd Annual Colloquium of American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, New Orleans, LA. Click here to download handout

 

Dr. Barbara Baumann Conducts AF-CBT Training in Pittsburgh, PA

Dr. Barbara Baumann recently completed an initial 3-day AF-CBT training in Pittsburgh, PA. Clinicians attended from around the country, many working to initiate AF-CBT services in a community mental health center. This training was co-led by Ms. Patrice Rotolo from Smith Community Mental Health Center in Plantation, FL. Training will continue with 12 monthly case-consultation calls via web-conferencing.

 

AF-CBT Informational Video

Check out the new AF-CBT video. It includes three video clips with background information on AF-CBT eligibility, theories and research.

 

Chapter on Evidence-Based Practices for Working With Physically Abusive Families: AF-CBT

 

 

AF-CBT was featured in a chapter in the recently published 2nd edition of Treatment of Child Abuse: Common Ground for Mental Health, Medical, and Legal Practitioners, edited by Robert M. Reece, M.D., Rochelle F. Hanson, Ph.D., and John Sargent, M.D.

 

AF-CBT Included in Collaborative Behavioral Health Care Study

A study published this week in Pediatrics (2014, Vol. 133, pp. 981-992) documented several benefits to the integration of trained care managers in a pediatric practice on child, caregiver, and physician outcomes. Much of the content included materials that were adapted from AF-CBT.

 

AF-CBT and Smith CMH in Plantation, FL

The Family Strengthening Program at Smith Community Mental Health, funded by Children’s Services Council of Broward County, exclusively implements AF-CBT. Providing in-home therapeutic services designed to reduce child abuse and neglect, the program focuses on family conflict and child behavior problems with families that are at moderate to high risk of abuse and neglect. Maltreatment may have already occurred with many of the families participating in the program.

The most recent annual performance measures for the Family Strengthening Program demonstrate that 77% of parents with clinically significant parenting stress decreased their level of parenting stress, 92% of successfully completing families did not receive a verified abuse report within 6 months of program completion, and 84% of families improved family functioning.

In addition to the Program Manager working towards being an AF-CBT trainer, we are excited to have multiple clinicians applying for certification. Due to the success of implementing this model with our families, we are investing in becoming a primary source for AF-CBT in the Broward County Behavioral Health Community.

Contact Patrice S. Rotolo, LCSW, Program Manager, Family Strengthening, Smith Community Mental Health, 954-321-2296 ext229.

 

 

New Chapter on AF-CBT with a Case Example

An updated overview of the model with a case example was recently published in a book edited by Susan Timmer and Anthony Urquiza. The book includes overviews of several treatment approaches.

 

 

AF-CBT Learning Community in Denver, CO

David Kolko recently conducted an Advanced Training workshop for clinicians and caseworkers that was co-led with colleagues from the Kempe Center (Monica Fitzgerald Evelin Gomez, Laura Eccles) and Denver Department of Human Services (Francis Agyakwa, Lynn Ford). Supported in part by an ACYF-funded Trauma Informed Practices Initiative (Christina Little, PI), this 2-day follow-up event promoted discussions of the level of provider expertise and family progress achieved across the past year, novel procedures for promoting ongoing multidisciplinary team collaboration, and sustainability planning in the Denver community.

 

 

NCTSN All Network Meeting

David Kolko recently attended the NCTSN’s All Network Meeting in Falls Church, VA. He participated in the networking fair with colleagues Judy Cohen and Tony Mannarino from Allegheny General Hospital. He also chaired a workshop session on “Engaging caregivers at risk for physical abuse: Strategies for overcoming challenging behavior” that included colleagues Esther Deblinger and Beverly Funderburk.

 

Advanced AF-CBT Training in Los Angeles

March 3 - 5, 2014

Barbara Baumann, Ph.D., conducted an AF-CBT training in Los Angeles. Participants in this comprehensive AF-CBT training learned about the 3 Phases of AF-CBT (Engagement and Psychoeducation, Individual Skill-Building, and Family Applications). We had interesting discussions about discipline and aggression, and each person came away with his or her own example of a mildly distressing time they can share with clients to demonstrate the Reaction Triangle. Much time was spent watching live behavioral demonstrations and role playing skills, such as imaginal exposure, clarification, and emotion regulation. The group is excited to begin monthly consultations in April.

 

 

Barbara Baumann, Ph.D., recently conducted the annual Fall AF-CBT Training in Pittsburgh

 

NCTSN Bulletin August 2013

July 31, 2013

The August NCTSN Bulletin is now available.

 

APSAC 2013 Annual Colloquium

June 25 - 28, 2013

 

APSAC hosted its 2013 Annual Colloquium in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 25-28. David Kolko, PhD., and Elissa Brown, PhD. presented on State of the Art in Treatments for Child Physical Abuse: Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT), Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT), Multisystemic Threapy for Child Abuse and Neglect (MST-CAN).

 

David Kolko Presented on AF-CBT at 13th ESTSS Conference

June 7, 2013

David Kolko, Ph.D., ABPP: A National Learning Collaborative in AF-CBT: Lessons Learned and Recommendations. In B. Saunders (chair), Continuing to implement evidence-based trauma treatments: Lessons learned over the long-term. Paper presentation at the 13th ESTSS Conference "Trauma and its clinical pathways: PTSD and beyond" Bologna, Italy.

June 4, 2013

David Kolko, Ph.D., ABPP: An Overview of AF-CBT. In E. Caffo (chair), Treating trauma and PTSD in children and adolescents: an expert meeting. Modena, Italy: University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.

 

 

Naomi Perry Presented PCIT and AF-CBT in Child Welfare forum

May 29, 2013

Naomi Perry presented PCIT and AF-CBT before Washington Congressman Jim McDermott and California Congresswoman Karen Bass in a forum on Child Welfare to about 120 participants inclusive to Washington house representative Mary Lou Dickerson, Judges, Children's administration (CA) and many other community leaders in a Panel discussion. She was on panel one which looked at "Strategies to Implementing Culturally Competent Evidence Based Practices for Children and Families in Foster Care" while the second panel continued the EBP discussion and focused on "Psychiatric Medications - Appropriate and Inappropriate usage with Children and Youth in Foster Care". The second panel cited that children in foster care are medicated far more than children not in foster care and as young as 1 year when compared to same age children not in foster care.

Naomi Perry, MSW is Lead PCIT Coordinator for Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress, Seattle, WA

 

Ashley Judd featured luncheon speaker at Speaking of Children presented by Project Harmony

March 6, 2013

Actress, author, humanitarian and child abuse survivor Ashley Judd was the featured speaker at the Speaking of Children conference in Omaha, Nebraska on March 6, 2013 presented by Project Harmony.

Dr. Barbara Baumann to attend 8th Annual Pittsburgh Conference on Child Maltreatment At Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC

April 25 - 26, 2013

Dr. Barbara Baumann will be at the WPIC info table at the 8th annual Pittsburgh Conference on Child Maltreatment with information on AF-CBT and AF-CBT training.

 

Looking for an AF-CBT Therapist?

February, 2013

AF-CBT trainings were recently completed in Cleveland, OH, Los Angeles, CA, and Denver, CO. The comprehensive AF-CBT training collaboratives take place over 3-days and are designed for clinicians, supervisors, and administrators interested in implementing AF-CBT with their clients. The workshops combine didactic, interactive, and experiential learning to help professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to implement AF-CBT successfully. Each set of workshops is followed by one-year of case consultations, giving clinicians and supervisors the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback while providing AF-CBT to families.

 

AF-CBT Training in Pittsburgh, Oct. 15-17, 2012

December, 2012

We recently concluded our 2^nd annual Pittsburgh, PA 3-day workshop training utilizing Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT). This training was specifically designed for mental health practitioners providing treatment with families (caregivers and children) who are at risk for high conflict, coercion and/or physical discipline. 20 professionals from agencies around the United States participated in lively discussions, role plays, and skill building activities as part of the 3-day comprehensive training that starts of the AF-CBT learning collaborative. Training will continue with monthly consultation calls and reviews of audio files from clinicians’ therapy sessions. The AF-CBT trainer and trainees will collaborate to provide participants with the feedback necessary to implement this evidence-based practice with fidelity.

 

 

 

New AF-CBT Session Guide, 3rd edition

September, 2012

We are excited to announce the new AF-CBT Session guide, 3rd edition is now available for AF-CBT training.

 

 

 

AF-CBT Training in Pittsburgh, Oct. 15-17, 2012

June, 2012

We are announcing the opportunity for an intensive training, including 3-days of in-person training and a year-long clinical collaboration utilizing Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT). This training is specifically designed for mental health practitioners currently providing treatment with families (caregivers and children) who are at risk for high conflict, coercion and/or physical discipline. In order to best implement AF-CBT, we also recommend supervisors and agency administrators consider attending in order to support the use of AF-CBT in their organization.

For more details on the training, or to register today, review our training page.

Annual meeting of the National Children's Traumatic Stress Network

March 5 - 6, 2012

Evidence-Based Interventions for Child Physical Abuse and Family Conflict

Dr. David Kolko, Ph.D., ABPP

March 16, 2012

Florida International University's Center for Children and Families announced its Spring 2012 Speaker Series on Evidence-Based Interventions for Child Physical Abuse and Family Conflict.

http://casgroup.fiu.edu/pages/docs/3747/1331216812_March_16,_2012.pdf

AF-CBT site in NYC receives $1 Million Grant

March 16, 2011 (Update)

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention has funded an adaptation of AF-CBT as part of a multi-site, multi-million dollar grant at ten sites throughout the United States over the course of the next four years. As part of the national Safe Start Promising Approaches Initiative, these funds will be used for Project CONNECT, a community-based AF-CBT treatment program that will increase access to services for those in the Queens, NY area who have been exposed to violence. The project seeks to increase access to Latino, African American, and Caribbean victims of domestic and dating violence as well as those who have encountered physical abuse and assault. Project CONNECT is being conducted by the PARTNERS Program at St. John's University, under the leadership of Dr. Elissa Brown, Founder and Executive Director. Dr. Brown is a co-developer of the third edition (2011) of AF-CBT. She also is an AF-CBT faculty for the NCTSN Learning Collaborative.

 

 

AF-CBT Fall Training a Success

October, 2011

The AF-CBT training session held in Pittsburgh, PA in September was a success. Twenty-three people from all over the country traveled to Pittsburgh for the 3-day intensive in-person training. These participants will also be participating in a year-long clinical collaboration utilizing AF-CBT.

 

 

Participants for the 2011 NCTSN Learning Collaborative Selected

September, 2011

Participants have been selected and notified for the 2011 NCTSN Learning Collaborative. A full list of participants will be announced shortly. The first training will take place in Pittsburgh, PA on November 16, 2011.

AF-CBT was the only group to be selected by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) from a final group of eight other child trauma interventions to participate in hosting this Learning Collaborative. The Learning Collaborative will be starting in November and training will conclude in July 2012.

The NCTSN was formed with a mission to raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities throughout the United States.

 

 

AF-CBT site in NY receives $1 Million Grant

March 16, 2011 (Update)

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention will fund an adaptation of AF-CBT as part of a multi-site, multi-million dollar grant at eight sites throughout the United States over the course of the next four years. As part of the national Safe Start Promising Approaches Initiative, these funds will be used to create Project CONNECT, a community-based AF-CBT treatment program that will increase access to services for those in the Queens, NY area who have been exposed to violence. The project seeks to increase access to victims of domestic and dating violence as well as those who have encountered physical and sexual assault.

Project CONNECT is led by Elissa Brown, Ph.D., executive director of the PARTNERS Program at St. John's University. In addition to Project CONNECT and PARTNERS, she is currently a collaborator in the continued development of AF-CBT as part of the upcoming NCTSN Learning Collaborative. Project CONNECT will continue to adapt AF-CBT to more specifically address the needs of Latino and African/Caribbean communities in Queens, NY.

 

 

New AF-CBT article in Child Abuse & Neglect

February 26, 2011

A new article, "Evaluation of the sustainability and clinical outcome of Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) in a child protection center," is now available online from the Journal of Child Abuse & Neglect. This article will be published in a future issue of the Journal.