Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT)

CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) is an evidence-based intervention that equips concerned parents, caregivers, loved ones with practical skills to increase the probability that their struggling young adult will:β€― 

  • Engage in treatment or skill-building when appropriateβ€― 

  • Reduce problematic or avoidant behaviors that interfere with functioningβ€― 

  • Improve overall quality of lifeβ€―for both the parent and the young adult!

At redpoint Seattle, our CRAFT group emphasizesβ€―positive influence over control, making it especially effective for families navigating chronic mental health conditions, fluctuating capacity, and non-linear progress.β€― 

Originally developed for families navigating substance use, CRAFT has proven highly adaptable. In this group, we apply CRAFT to ambivalence, avoidance, and low motivation commonly seen in transition age young adults.  If substance use is present, families are still welcome as long as safety is not compromised. 

Through connection, skill-building, and support, this group helps families feel more empowered, effective, and less alone.

Who This Group Is For

This group is designed specifically for parents and caregivers of emerging adults (ages 17+) who are feeling stuck, worried, or unsure how to help their young adult move forward.

The Parent or Caregiver Is:

  • A parent or primary caregiver of an emerging adult

  • In ongoing contact with their young adult

  • Experiencing prolonged stress, worry, grief, or burnout

  • Feeling stuck in patterns of over‑involvement, conflict, or β€œwalking on eggshells”

  • Wanting to improve their influence without resorting to control, threats, or ultimatums

  • Willing to practice new skills between sessions

  • Open to a behavioral, reinforcement‑based approach

  • Motivated to improve both their relationship with their young adult and their own wellbeing

While caregivers are the participants in this group, their emerging adults may be experiencing many challenges.

The Emerging Adult May Be:

  • Struggling to launch into adult life, including school, work, or independent living

  • Experiencing substance use concerns and/or co‑occurring mental health challenges

  • Showing patterns of prolonged dependency or stalled development

  • Struggling with executive functioning, such as initiation, organization, follow‑through, or time management

  • Feeling overwhelmed, dysregulated, or disengaged from daily responsibilities

  • Avoiding or resisting help, including therapy, coaching, or other supports

  • Caught in cycles of low motivation or activation

  • Not currently facing acute safety concerns (families needing a higher level of care will be referred appropriately)

This group supports caregivers in learning practical, effective ways to reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and create conditions that encourage growth and motivationβ€”without blame or power struggles.



Group Facilitator: Annie Gillis, LMFT

Annie Gillis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been a valued member of the redpoint Seattle team for over seven years. She brings extensive experience supporting individuals and families navigating complex relational and behavioral challenges.

Annie has engaged in CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) trainings and has been actively involved in implementing redpoint’s CRAFT-based curriculum. She is deeply passionate about working with families who feel stuck, helping them build practical skills to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change.

With a collaborative and compassionate approach, Annie supports caregivers in developing greater confidence, enhancing self-care, and improving overall quality of life. Her work is grounded in the belief that families play a powerful role in fostering positive outcomes, and she is committed to helping them feel empowered and supported throughout the process.


Desired Outcomes for Parents & Caregivers

  • Reduce chronic parental anxiety, depression, guilt, and burnoutβ€― 

  • Help parents distinguish support from over-functioning or accommodationβ€― 

  • Improve communication and reduce power struggles and escalationβ€― 

  • Teach how to reinforce independence, effort, and responsibility (not perfection)β€― 

  • Support treatment engagement or functional progress when appropriateβ€― 

  • Help parents reclaim their own wellbeing, identity, and long-term sustainability