Adolescent Transitional Family Therapy (TFT)

Transitional Family Therapy (TFT) is an Evidence-Based, Best Practice method that can be integrated into your in-patient program, or implemented on an out-patient basis.

• Transitional Family Therapy (TFT) trainings for adolescent facilities are tailored specifically to addiction, dual-diagnosis, mental illness, and/or process addictions, depending on your organization’s area of focus.
• TFT training program for adolescents is an Evidence-Based, Best Practice, manual-driven, 12-module protocol that can be implemented as an intensive or as modules, depending on the length of your organization’s program.
• In an NIAAA clinical trial comparing TFT with TAU (adolescent group therapy) TFT was found to be significantly more effective.

Transitional Family Therapy

• Recognizes individuals and families as inherently healthy and competent, although disrupted from normal functioning by trauma, loss, and stress
• Removes blame, shame and guilt, restoring a sense of competence and hope
• Helps families to identify and change their intergenerational patterns
• Guides the family in resolving their grief and re-establishing healthy, sustainable lifestyles
• Protects current and future generations
• Was found to be more effective than “treatment as usual” with adolescent substance use disorder

Adolescent Transitional Family Therapy (TFT) Training Program

Part I of Training is either a 5-day intensive, or 2 intensives (3-day, followed by 2-day)
Part II consists of supervision/consultation over a 6-12 month period

Curriculum includes:

• The role of families and how to work with them
• Assessment, enlisting the family, and building contracts
• Genograms and time-lines
• Support for behavior change
• Recognizing and learning to deal with triggers in individual, family and environment
• The relationship of trauma and loss to addiction and mental illness
• Identifying intergenerational scripts and themes, and establishing a pathway to recovery
• The role of trauma and loss and family loyalties
• Monitoring, maintaining, and handing over to family for long-term healing

Methods include: Experiential role plays, interactive discussion, didactics, videos, etc.