title: Attachment-Based Family Therapy With a 13-Year-Old Girl Presenting With High Risk for Suicide.
abstract: This article describes the application of Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) to the treatment of a 13-year-old female adolescent presenting with high risk of suicide, complicated by a history of depression and sexual trauma. The article begins with an overview of ABFT, including (a) how attachment theory guides treatment; (b) the structure of the clinical model; and (c) the data that provide empirical support. A case example is then presented that exemplifies the primary clinical procedures used to reach therapeutic goals in ABFT, including attachment repair and autonomy/competence promotion. Weekly changes in suicide ideation and depression scores are presented. The article concludes with a discussion about implications for family-based treatment of suicidal youth.
authors.affiliation: Drexel University.
authors.forename: E Stephanie
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Krauthamer Ewing
authors.affiliation: Drexel University.
authors.forename: Suzanne A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.affiliation: Drexel University.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Boamah-Wiafe
authors.affiliation: University of Delaware.
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kobak
authors.affiliation: Drexel University.
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Diamond
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009769:Object Attachment; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D000092864:Suicide Prevention