What Is Adolescent-Focused Therapy (AFT)?
Adolescent-Focused Therapy (AFT) is an individual therapy for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. It focuses on self-esteem, a sense of agency, and motivation, and it helps a teen reduce the behaviors and thoughts that keep the eating disorder going while building skills for independence.
AFT is part of the Eating Disorders Program at PPG, directed by Dr. Heather Rosen. Sessions are available in person at our Chappaqua and Hartsdale offices and online.
Who AFT Is For
AFT is designed for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Family-Based Treatment is generally the first choice for this age group. AFT may be considered when FBT is not a good fit or has not helped. A clinical assessment helps decide which approach is right.
Parents stay involved in a supporting role. AFT can be combined with Emotion-Focused Family Therapy to support caregivers, and it continues alongside medical monitoring.
What AFT Helps With
Self-Esteem
Therapy works on how a teen sees themselves apart from the eating disorder.
A Sense of Agency
Teens build confidence in their ability to make choices and carry them out.
Motivation for Change
Sessions explore what a teen wants for their future and what supports recovery.
Identifying and Expressing Emotions
Teens practice noticing, naming, and talking about feelings the eating disorder may have helped them manage.
The Role of the Eating Disorder
Therapy looks at what the eating disorder does in a teen's life and builds other ways to meet those needs.
Independence
Teens work on autonomy and on the tasks of growing up, including relationships with parents and peers.
Four parts of AFT
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1
Building the Relationship
The therapist and teen build trust and a working relationship, and begin to understand the role the eating disorder plays in the teen’s life.
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2
Understanding Emotions
Teens learn to notice, name, and express feelings that the eating disorder may have been helping them manage.
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3
Building Self-Esteem and Agency
Therapy works on self-esteem, motivation, and the ability to make choices, so that the teen can rely less on the eating disorder.
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4
Planning for Independence
The final stage prepares the teen for life beyond treatment, including independence, relationships, and handling setbacks.
The AFT Approach to Care
AFT is collaborative and centered on the teen. The therapist meets with the teen individually, builds a relationship over time, and works at a pace that fits the teen. Parents stay informed and involved through regular check-ins.
Eating disorders can affect physical health, so ongoing medical monitoring by a physician is part of care. With your consent, your therapist coordinates with your pediatrician, a dietitian, and any other providers involved.
What to Expect
A Free Consultation
We talk briefly about what you are looking for and match you with a clinician whose training and style fit your needs.
An Assessment
Your clinician gathers history about eating, health, and daily functioning, and discusses whether AFT, FBT, or another approach is the right fit, and whether medical monitoring or a higher level of care is needed.
A Treatment Plan
Treatment is tailored to your teen. We coordinate with your existing providers and help you add others, such as a dietitian or physician, if needed.
Care That Connects Across Specialties
AFT is often one part of a broader plan. Our clinicians work across specialties, and with your consent your therapist can coordinate with colleagues across the practice.
- Eating Disorders Program: Evaluation, care coordination, and step-down support.
- Family-Based Treatment: A treatment in which parents take an active role in restoring eating and health at home.
- Emotion-Focused Family Therapy: Skills for caregivers supporting a loved one with an eating disorder.
- Anorexia: Therapy for anorexia nervosa in children, teens, and adults.
- Child & Adolescent Therapy: Individual therapy for children and teens.
- Parent-Focused Therapy: Support for parents in their own right.
