Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) in Mooresville, NC

A young boy is sitting on a couch with his parents and a counselor, likely during a therapy session. The boy looks downcast while his parents comfort him, and the counselor holds a clipboard or papers.

Family relationships are at the heart of our emotional well-being. When those bonds feel strained—whether through conflict, distance, or unresolved hurt—it can deeply affect everyone involved. Teens may withdraw, parents may feel helpless, and communication can feel nearly impossible.

At Clarity Cove Counseling in Mooresville, NC, we offer Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), a proven, research-based approach that focuses on rebuilding trust, repairing strained relationships, and strengthening family connections. By addressing the core attachment needs between parents and children, ABFT helps families move from disconnection to understanding, from conflict to collaboration, and from pain to healing.

No matter what challenges your family is facing, change is possible.

Schedule your Attachment-Based Family Therapy session in Mooresville, NC today and begin the journey toward stronger, healthier relationships.

Call Our Office

Treatment Overview

What is Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT)?

Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) is an evidence-based approach designed to repair ruptures in family relationships, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional bonds. Rooted in attachment theory, ABFT focuses on the idea that secure relationships between parents and children are the foundation for emotional health and resilience.

ABFT is structured, goal-oriented, and often used with adolescents and young adults, particularly when struggles include:

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Suicidal thoughts or self-harm

  • Family conflict and communication breakdowns

  • Trauma or unresolved grief

  • Strained parent–child relationships

Rather than only addressing symptoms, ABFT works to heal the core attachment wounds that may be fueling conflict or emotional distress. Through guided conversations and structured sessions, families learn how to:

  • Rebuild trust and understanding

  • Improve communication and emotional expression

  • Create a stronger foundation of support and connection

  • Develop healthier ways to navigate conflict and life’s challenges

Research has shown ABFT to be particularly effective in reducing depression and suicidal ideation in adolescents, making it a powerful tool for families navigating serious concerns.

Our Approach at Clarity Cove Counseling

At Clarity Cove Counseling, we recognize that repairing family relationships requires patience, compassion, and skilled guidance. With Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), we create a safe, supportive space where each family member can feel heard and understood.

Compassionate & Nonjudgmental

We provide a neutral, supportive environment where parents and children can begin to rebuild trust.

Family-Centered

Sessions focus on strengthening the parent–child bond, while also helping the whole family learn healthier ways of relating.

Structured and Goal-Oriented

ABFT follows a research-based framework that moves families through steps of repair and reconnection.

Collaborative

Everyone has a role in the process. We guide families to work together, not against each other, as they move toward healing.

Locally Connected

Serving Mooresville, NC and the surrounding community, we are committed to supporting families where they live, grow, and thrive.

Treatment Options

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy

    Parent–Child Sessions

    Focused conversations that strengthen trust, improve communication, and address attachment ruptures.

  • A woman sitting on a yellow couch during a counseling session with a therapist, who is sitting on a yellow chair, both in a bright room.

    Adolescent & Young Adult ABFT

    Specialized support for teens and young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or conflict at home.

  • Family ABFT

    Family ABFT

     Sessions involving multiple family members to work through patterns of disconnection and build healthier dynamics.

  • DBT for Specific Concerns

    Individual Support within ABFT

    Time for parents and children to meet individually with a therapist as part of the structured process.

  • Person receiving a scalp massage from a therapist in a therapeutic setting.

    In-Person and Telehealth Options

    Flexible session formats, whether in our Mooresville office or through secure online counseling.

What to Expect

Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) is a structured, research-based process designed to guide families through healing attachment wounds and strengthening connections. Here’s what you can expect:

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    Initial Assessment

    We begin by meeting with the family to understand your history, current challenges, and goals for therapy.

  • Number 2

    Individual Sessions

    Your therapist may meet separately with parents and children to explore concerns, prepare for family work, and build trust.

  • Number 3

    Repairing Attachment Ruptures

    Structured conversations help parents and children address hurts, rebuild trust, and open the door to stronger emotional bonds.

  • Number 4

    Improving Communication

    Families learn how to express feelings honestly, listen with empathy, and respond to each other in healthier ways.

  • Number 5

    Strengthening Support

    Parents are guided to provide consistent, nurturing support while teens and young adults learn to turn toward their family as a resource.

  • Number 6

    Ongoing Progress

    Over time, sessions focus on maintaining healthier patterns, building resilience, and preparing the family to continue progress outside of therapy.

Who Can Benefit from Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) in Mooresville, NC?

Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) is designed for families who want to repair strained relationships and strengthen emotional bonds. It is especially helpful for:

  • Adolescents and young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts

  • Families experiencing conflict or distance between parents and children

  • Teens who feel disconnected, withdrawn, or misunderstood at home

  • Parents who feel unsure how to support their child through emotional challenges

  • Families coping with grief, trauma, or major life transitions

  • Young adults preparing for independence but wanting to improve their family relationships before stepping into the next stage of life

ABFT is particularly well-suited for families who want to heal emotional wounds, improve trust, and create a stronger foundation for long-term connection.

Three young people sitting in a living room, engaged in a discussion with notebooks and pens, with a large green plant behind them and a framed picture on the wall.

Benefits of Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT)

Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) provides families with a structured, supportive way to heal strained relationships and build stronger connections. Some of the key benefits include:

A therapist conducts a session with a family of four in a cozy, well-lit office with white walls and potted plants. The therapist, a woman in a beige suit, listens attentively to the young boy, who sits on a padded mat with his back to the camera. The boy's parents, a man and a woman, are seated across from the therapist, engaged in the conversation.

  • Improved parent–child communication – learning to listen with empathy and respond with understanding

  • Rebuilt trust and emotional safety – repairing attachment ruptures that fuel conflict or distance

  • Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety – especially in adolescents and young adults

  • Stronger family bonds – fostering closeness, resilience, and a sense of belonging

  • Better coping with life’s challenges – facing stress, trauma, or transitions as a united family

  • Support for at-risk teens – research shows ABFT can reduce suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviors

  • Lasting relationship improvements – creating healthier patterns that extend far beyond therapy

At Clarity Cove Counseling in Mooresville, NC, ABFT helps families move from conflict and disconnection toward understanding, trust, and long-term stability.

The Science Behind Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT)

Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) is grounded in attachment theory and backed by decades of research. It was specifically developed to treat adolescents struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts, and has since been proven effective for a variety of family and relational challenges.

Key elements of ABFT include:

  • Attachment Repair – Healing ruptures in the parent–child relationship to restore trust and emotional security.

  • Structured Framework – Sessions follow a step-by-step process that balances individual reflection with family dialogue.

  • Emotion-Focused Work – Encourages open expression of feelings and teaches families to respond with empathy and care.

  • Resilience Building – Strengthens the family’s ability to face challenges together rather than apart.

Research highlights:

  • ABFT has been shown to significantly reduce adolescent depression and suicidal ideation.

  • Families report lasting improvements in trust, communication, and overall functioning.

  • It is recognized as an evidence-based treatment by organizations such as the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP).

At Clarity Cove Counseling in Mooresville, NC, we use ABFT to help families move beyond conflict and create a secure, supportive foundation that fosters growth and healing.

A therapy or counseling session taking place in a bright living room with a white brick wall, a large window, a houseplant, and colorful wall art. A woman with glasses and dark hair, holding a pen and clipboard, is sitting in an armchair facing three people on a sofa: a man, a woman, and a young girl. The man is gesturing with his hands, the girl is drawing on a paper, and the woman is listening attentively.

Other Therapies We May Recommend

While Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) is highly effective for repairing relationships and strengthening family bonds, some clients benefit from combining it with other approaches. At Clarity Cove Counseling, we may recommend blending ABFT with:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    Focuses on identifying and reframing unhelpful thought patterns.

    Read More
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy

    Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    Provides skills for mindfulness, emotional regulation, and healthier communication.

    Read More
  • mid-shot-woman-therapist-shaking-hands-with-man

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

    Helps reprocess traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress.

    Read More
  • female-psychologist-taking

    Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

    Emphasizes short-term, goal-oriented progress through strengths and solutions.

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  • Motivational Interviewing

    Motivational Interviewing (MI)

    Supports clients in resolving ambivalence and building motivation for change.

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  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    Encourages clients to live in alignment with their values while practicing mindfulness and acceptance.

    Read More

Pricing & Insurance for Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) in Mooresville, NC

At Clarity Cove Counseling, we believe therapy should be both accessible and effective. That’s why we accept several major insurance plans and also offer private pay options. Payment is due at the time of your session and can be made by credit or debit card.

In-Network Insurance

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Aetna

  • Cigna

  • Medcost

  • United healthcare

Important to know: Most insurance plans require that you meet your deductible before coverage begins. Copays or coinsurance are typically due at the time of each session. While we verify your benefits before your first appointment, this does not guarantee payment. If your plan denies a claim, you are responsible for the session fee.

Therapy Session Rates

$125–$165 per session (53 minutes)

Logos of various healthcare organizations: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medcost, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, and United Healthcare, set against a light blue background.

Out-of-Network Clients
If your insurance is out-of-network, you will be considered a self-pay client. However, if you have out-of-network benefits, we can provide a detailed receipt (superbill) for you to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Please note that insurance reimbursement typically requires a mental health diagnosis, which becomes part of your permanent health record.

Our team is here to help you understand your options so you can begin Attachment-Based Family Therapy with clarity and confidence.

Therapist talking with a couple in a counseling session in a bright, modern therapy office.

FAQs about Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT)

  • ABFT specifically focuses on repairing attachment bonds between parents and children. It is structured to rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen emotional safety.

  • ABFT is especially effective for adolescents and young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or strained family relationships.

  • While every family is unique, many see meaningful improvements within 12–16 sessions.

  • No. ABFT is not about placing blame—it’s about creating a safe space to repair ruptures, strengthen trust, and move forward as a family.

  • Your therapist will ask open-ended questions, listen reflectively, and help you explore ambivalence. Together, you’ll identify your values, goals, and next steps.

  • Yes. At Clarity Cove Counseling, we offer ABFT both in-person at our Mooresville office and through secure telehealth sessions.

  • Yes. Even in families without high conflict, ABFT can strengthen communication, build trust, and improve emotional closeness.

  • Resistance is common at first. Our therapists are skilled in creating a safe environment where teens feel heard and understood, which often helps them become more open to the process.

  • Yes. ABFT provides a supportive framework for families coping with trauma, loss, or major life changes, helping them process together and rebuild connection.

Start Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) in Mooresville, NC

If your family feels weighed down by conflict, distance, or unresolved hurt, there is hope for healing. Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) offers a proven path to rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen the bonds that matter most.

At Clarity Cove Counseling in Mooresville, NC, our therapists provide compassionate, research-based support to help families move from disconnection to understanding. Whether you’re navigating depression, anxiety, or strained parent–child relationships, ABFT can guide your family toward greater stability and closeness.

Schedule your Attachment-Based Family Therapy session in Mooresville, NC today and take the first step toward stronger, healthier connections.

Call Our Office