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Abuse-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Child Physical Abuse
Issue Brief

Author(s):  Child Welfare Information Gateway

Year Published:  2007

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You are in section: Table of Contents 1. What Makes AF-CBT Unique 2. Key Components 3. Target Population 4. Effectiveness of AF-CBT 5. What to Look for in a Therapist 6. Conclusion 7. Resources for More Information

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5. What to Look for in a Therapist

Caseworkers should become knowledgeable about commonly used treatments before recommending a treatment provider to families. Parents or caregivers should receive as much information as possible on the treatment options available to them. If AF-CBT appears to be an appropriate treatment model for a family, the caseworker should look for a provider who has received adequate training, supervision, and consultation in the AF-CBT model. If feasible, both the caseworker and the family should have an opportunity to interview potential AF-CBT therapists prior to beginning treatment.

AF-CBT Training

Mental health professionals with at least some advanced training in psychotherapy skills and methods and experience working with physically abusive caregivers and their children are eligible for training in AF-CBT. Training generally involves at least 2 days of initial instruction involving a review of background materials, discussion of key procedures (e.g., session guide), and presentation of case examples/tapes. Additional learning experiences are recommended, including ongoing follow-up consultation and supervision (by phone) on the implementation of AF-CBT with a small caseload (for 3 to 6 months) and booster training and advanced case review. The duration of this experience may vary by level of experience and case difficulty. See Training and Consultation Resources for contact information.

Questions to Ask Treatment Providers

In addition to appropriate training and thorough knowledge of the AF-CBT model, it is important to select a treatment provider who is sensitive to the particular needs of the child, caregiver, and family. Caseworkers recommending an AF-CBT therapist should ask the treatment provider to explain the course of treatment, the role of each family member in treatment, and how the family's specific cultural considerations will be addressed. The child, caregiver, and family should feel comfortable with and have confidence in the therapist.

Some specific questions to ask regarding AF-CBT include:

• Will the child and parent each receive individualized therapy using corresponding (coordinated) treatment protocols?
• Will social learning principles be used to address the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of the child and parent?
• Is there a focus on enhancing the parent-child relationship and improving parental discipline practices?
• Is the practitioner sensitive to the cultural background of the child and family?
• Is there a standard assessment process used to gather baseline information on the functioning of the child and family and to monitor their progress in treatment over time?
• Is this the most appropriate treatment for this child and family?

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You are in section: Table of Contents 1. What Makes AF-CBT Unique 2. Key Components 3. Target Population 4. Effectiveness of AF-CBT 5. What to Look for in a Therapist 6. Conclusion 7. Resources for More Information

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This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.

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Updated on October 9, 2009