Learning objectives:

1. Explain the theoretical foundation of ABFT that guides therapists in therapy implementation.

2. Discuss the purpose of the five treatment tasks.

3. Design therapy to focus on interpersonal growth rather than behavioral control.

Suicides jumped 29% among adolescents aged 15 to 19 over the previous decade. In addition to those who die by suicide, there are many more adolescents who have suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide and survive. Youth suicidal ideation, attempt and completion are on the rise. One survey showed that 18.8% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide and 8.9$ actually attempted suicide. Dr. Guy Diamond, a psychologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and and Associate Professor at Drexel University in the college of Nursing and Health Profession, has devote his life to developing and researching effective attachment-based family-focused solution to this serious problem. Most of his research career has involved working with low income disadvantaged youth and families.