Full course description
Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) is a trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment (EBT) designed to enhance the relationships between children and their caregivers. Rooted in cognitive-behavioral and family-systems principles, AF-CBT targets families experiencing frequent conflict, the use of physical discipline or force, child physical abuse, and child behavior problems.
AF-CBT is appropriate for use in a variety of mental health, child welfare, and family service settings, particularly when addressing family violence, trauma exposure, or behavioral challenges.
Who Is Eligible to Take This Course?
You are eligible for this AF-CBT training if you are a clinician with a master’s degree or greater in a mental health field and you have or will soon have a role working with families.
About This Course
This course, "Part 2: Professional Skills Training," equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to apply AF-CBT in clinical practice. Through structured modules on key clinical content, participants will learn how to engage families, reduce high conflict and coercive interactions, and promote emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, and positive parenting strategies. Course content includes presentations by AF-CBT trainers, interactive activities, case examples, and skill demonstration videos.
Trainees who participate in this web-based training course also receive the other 2 parts of the AF-CBT Learning Community, which are required to complete a full training in AF-CBT (and are included in the cost):
- Part 1: Foundations of AF-CBT
First, complete the free, 2.5-hour asynchronous webinar through the NCTSN Learning Center.
- Part 2: Professional Skills Training
Complete the 15-hour asynchronous course focused on applying AF-CBT in clinical practice (that's this course).
- Part 3: AF-CBT Consultation Calls with Experts in the Field
After completing Part 2, participants receive instructions to enroll in monthly consultation calls with AF-CBT experts. Additional details are provided at the end of of this course and on the AF-CBT website.
Included: All training options include access to www.afcbt.org, a copy of the AF-CBT Session Guide, AF-CBT handouts, and access to AF-CBT trainers.
Live Training Option
If you prefer to complete "Part 2: Professional Skills Training" as a live training with a certified AF-CBT trainer, please register on the AF-CBT website.