Bringing AF-CBT to Tennessee Families

Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Helping families heal, grow, and thrive — together

Building stronger bonds through play — AF-CBT helps families connect, communicate, and grow together.

At Allied Behavioral Health Solutions (ABHS), we’re proud to be the first provider in Tennessee to offer Alternatives for Families: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) — a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help families strengthen relationships, manage conflict, and move forward after stress or trauma.

Our team is excited to bring this nationally recognized model to our community, offering families a safe, structured, and supportive space toward healing.

What is AF-CBT?

AF-CBT is a structured therapy for children ages 5–17 and their caregivers who are navigating challenges like:

• Frequent family conflict

• Aggressive behavior

• Harsh or stressful discipline

• Verbal or physical fights at home

  
  

This structured, relationship-focused model helps families improve communication, deepen emotional awareness, and build safer, more loving connections.. It’s especially helpful when there has been trauma, stress, or disruption at home — and when families are ready to work together toward healing and change.

Who Can Benefit from AF-CBT?

AF-CBT may be a great fit for your family if:

• Your child is showing signs of anger, stress, or acting out

• There’s been recent conflict or violence at home

• Your family is involved with the court or child welfare system

• Your child is living in foster care but may return home

• You’re seeking support with parenting and rebuilding trust

AF-CBT is also adaptable for families with mental health concerns or neurodevelopmental differences like autism or ADHD. Our therapists adjust the pace and approach to treatment to meet your family’s needs.

What Makes This Therapy Different?

AF-CBT is unique because it involves the whole family — not just the child or the parent. Sessions are structured to include:

• Individual sessions with the child

• Parent-only sessions to support skill-building

• Joint family sessions to strengthen connection and communication

Kids often learn through play-based activities like games, stories, and art to help express emotions and learn new coping strategies.

Together, families work on:

• Emotional regulation and awareness

• Positive parenting skills

• Conflict resolution

• Family safety and healthy communication

When Might AF-CBT Not Be the Best Fit?

AF-CBT may not be the best approach if:

• There is recent or ongoing violence by a caregiver

• Someone in the home is actively experiencing untreated substance use or psychosis

In these cases, our team will help guide you to the most appropriate care for your situation.

You're Not Alone — And We're Here to Help

We know it takes courage to ask for help, especially when home life feels overwhelming or uncertain. If your family is in crisis, going through a hard time — or if you're ready to build stronger, healthier relationships — AF-CBT may be the support you've been looking for.

As Tennessee’s first provider of this specialized therapy, ABHS is here to walk alongside you — every step of the way.

Call us today at 615.292.3661 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Learn more at www.alliedbehavior.com 

Written by: Alyssa Gabriel, LPC-MHSP | ABHS Clinical Therapist

Clinical Review by: Alison Peak, LCSW | ABHS Executive Director