Full Course Description

Harm Reduction Therapy Training

Not every client is ready or even wants to stop.

When you’re sitting with clients who struggle with drinking, procrastination, drug use, gaming, shopping, self-injury, or other self-defeating patterns, it’s not always about abstinence.

Sometimes it’s about reducing harm, building motivation, and helping them choose healthier behaviors step by step.

This is where many therapists feel stuck. Traditional abstinence-only approaches don’t fit every client. But simply “meeting them where they’re at” without exploring how they might want to change a grow isn’t enough either.

That’s why this harm reduction therapy training—grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Motivational Interviewing—offers such a powerful framework. You’ll join two renowned trainers, Kristin Dempsey and Ali Hall, who’ve trained thousands of therapists in MI, substance use and other process disorders, and harm reduction for this practice-enhancing training. Walk away with the skills to:

Address the shame, ambivalence, and self-criticism that fuel destructive cycles
Guide clients toward change without ultimatums or power struggles with MI
Create momentum, even when complete abstinence isn’t the immediate goal
Help clients live in-line with their values and aspirations as they work toward change with ACT techniques

Whether your clients are struggling with process addictions, SUDs, porn use, or just simply behaviors they want to change but haven’t figured out how yet—this training will equip you with the skills, approach, and confidence to help you help them break free from self-defeating cycles.

Give your clients something beyond “quit or fail.”

Learn the skills of harm reduction therapy, enroll now!

Program Information

Objectives

Define the terms harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and acceptance and commitment therapy.
Identify three characteristics of harm reduction that create a more open and flexible environment for individuals to explore their relationship with substances or compulsive behaviors.
List the four components of the spirit of MI that help create psychological safety for individuals exploring their relationship with substances or compulsive behaviors.
Apply the four motivational interviewing micro skills in conversations with people questioning their relationships to substances or processes.
Analyze each of the six sections of the ACT hexaflex.
State how choosing at least one important value can foster motivation and growth among individuals with substance use disorders or compulsive behaviors.

Outline

The Promise of Harm Reduction Therapy

Harm reduction therapy and as a social movement
What is harm reduction therapy and how to use it
Key benefits of using harm reduction
Overview of the types of interventions that help reduce harm
Components of harm reduction therapy based on initial grounded research

Integrating Motivational Interviewing Strategies into Harm Reduction Therapy

Definition of motivational interviewing and history of the approach in SUD treatment
The “spirit” of MI and the importance of a trauma-informed approach to build trust
The skills of MI – OARS and how the OARS build trust, choice, and empowerment
The process of MI – The roadmap that can assist clinicians in when and how to move forward with harm reduction
Case study demonstration: Client ambivalence about substance use in a harm reduction conversation.

Key Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Strategies for Harm Reduction Therapy

Understand ACT and how ACT can assist in reducing distress and building hope
The ACT “hexaflex” and its role in promoting psychological flexibility
The importance of identify and building values in recovery
Case study demonstration: Clinicians will use ACT defusion technique to help client manage their distress over recurrent thoughts about using.
Case study demonstration: How to help client move toward taking steps (building basic goals) that move them toward their values.

Harm Reduction Approach for Self-Destructive Patterns & Maladaptive Habits

Conceptualization and sample intervention for:
Non-suicidal self-injury
Aggressive interpersonal interactions
Avoidance
Procrastination

Harm Reduction Approach for Substance Use, Abuse & Process Addictions Treatment

Harm Reduction for SUDs
Conceptualization
MI Interventions for SUD
ACT interventions for SUD

Harm Reduction with ACT & MI for Repetitive Compulsive Behaviors (Process-Based)

Gaming
Online Shopping
Pornography Use

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Psychiatrists
Psychologists
Case Managers
Addiction Counselors
Therapists
Marriage & Family Therapists
Psych Nurses
Other Mental Health Professionals

Copyright : 11/13/2025

ACT for Behavioral Addictions: A Shame-Free Approach for Helping Clients Understand Their Triggers, Break Compulsive Patterns, and Embrace Pain with Purpose

Gain the tools you need to effectively treat clients struggling with behavioral addictions such as gambling, pornography, shopping, and even seemingly benign behaviors like excessive work or exercise, eating, social media doom-scrolling, and general “busyness.”

These behavioral addictions—also called process addictions—are increasingly on the radar as they distract, numb, or protect individuals from pain, keeping them disconnected from meaningful engagement in life.

In this recording, Dr. Jennifer Patterson will explore the hot topic of whether certain behaviors can truly be “addictive” and teach you how to identify when a coping skill has become maladaptive, even when it’s not the presenting issue in treatment.

Through real-world case studies, you’ll learn how to integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to break shame cycles, foster psychological flexibility, and guide clients toward actions aligned with their values.

With a focus on practical tools and strategies, this training will empower therapists and clinicians to address compulsive patterns, prevent relapse, and help clients embrace recovery and purpose-driven living.

Transform lives and help clients break free from addictive behaviors, one mindful step at a time.

Program Information

Objectives

Identify the impact of behavioral addictions on individuals and society, including health, social, and economic consequences.
Determine the relevance of the biopsychosocial model to behavioral addictions.
Utilize screening tools and questionnaires for identifying behavioral addictions.
Identify the six core processes of the Hexaflex Model (Cognitive Defusion, Acceptance, Contact with the Present Moment, Self-as-Context, Values, Committed Action).
Choose mindfulness and acceptance strategies to increase awareness and acceptance.
Determine ACT strategies for prevention and relapse management to maintain recovery.

Outline

Introduction to Behavioral Addictions

Overview of Behavioral Addictions: Definition, types, and examples (e.g., gambling, internet addiction, shopping addiction).
Epidemiology and Prevalence: Statistics and demographics.
Impact on Individuals and Society: Health, social, and economic consequences.

Theories and Models of Behavioral Addictions

Biopsychosocial Model: Understanding the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Disease Model vs. Behavioral Model: Comparing different perspectives.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Screening Tools and Questionnaires: Commonly used tools for identifying behavioral addictions.
Diagnostic Criteria: DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria for behavioral addictions.
Case Studies: Practical examples and discussion.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Principles

Introduction to ACT: Origins, core principles, and goals.
Psychological Flexibility: Understanding and fostering psychological flexibility.
Hexaflex Model: Exploration of the six core processes of ACT (Cognitive Defusion, Acceptance, Contact with the Present Moment, Self-as-Context, Values, Committed Action).

Applying ACT to Behavioral Addictions

Assessment and Case Conceptualization: Tailoring ACT interventions to individual clients.
Mindfulness and Acceptance Strategies: Techniques for increasing awareness and acceptance.
Values and Committed Action: Identifying values and promoting actions that align with those values.

Case Studies and Practical Applications

Case Studies: Applying ACT principles to real-life scenarios of behavioral addictions.
Prevention and Relapse Management: Using ACT to prevent relapse and maintain recovery.
Resources and Referrals: Providing support and guidance for ongoing care.

Target Audience

Social Workers
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Counselors
Case Managers
Marriage and Family Therapists
Therapists
Other Mental Health Professionals

Copyright : 05/13/2025

Disordered Drinking

Motivational strategies for clients who don’t identify as “alcoholics”
Tools that work whether your client chooses abstinence, moderation, or is still contemplating change
Trauma-informed interventions that address the root of the problem
Manage clinical liability while offering harm reduction

The line between helping and enabling can feel razor thin.

But how much “less” is enough? And is “less” okay … or do they really need to stop?

Alcohol use is everywhere, yet substance use disorders remain stigmatized and treatment fragmented. Most therapists aren’t equipped to gauge when drinking crosses the line - or to stop disordered drinking from turning into alcohol use disorder.

And unfortunately, most therapists don’t feel confident in how to maintain an effective relationship with clients who aren’t ready for change.

Now you can get the skills you need to assess and treat the full spectrum of problematic alcohol use and keep clients engaged when you train with renowned therapist Amanda White, author of the acclaimed Not Drinking Tonight and creator of the popular Instagram account @therapyforwomen.

She’ll give you a toolkit of integrative strategies from MI, ACT, DBT and more to help everyone on your caseload – from the “wine mom” who drinks to cope, to the high-functioning professional whose moderation attempts repeatedly fail. Through detailed case examples and practical scripts, you’ll:

Master advanced assessment techniques to catch concerning patterns early
Use MI techniques and ACT strategies to work skillfully with resistance
Transform clients’ relationship with alcohol with evidence-based strategies for regulation emotions, managing cravings, and more
Gain confidence in making difficult clinical decisions about level of care
Manage liability while practicing harm reduction

You’ll leave with ready-to-use tools that work in today’s drinking culture – whether your client chooses abstinence, moderation, or is still contemplating change.

Get the sophisticated strategies you need to go beyond the outdated binary of “alcoholic or not” – PURCHASE TODAY!

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate clients’ use of alcohol and its impact for case conceptualization.
Utilize trauma-informed interventions with clients who engage in disordered drinking.
Choose 3 motivational interviewing techniques to build motivation in clients who are resistant to abstinence-based treatment.
Determine 4 evidence-based interventions focused on improving emotion regulation and enhancing self-compassion of clients who engage in disordered drinking.
Differentiate successful from unsuccessful moderation to inform treatment planning.
Integrate harm reduction principles with appropriate level of care determinations while maintaining defensible documentation.

Outline

The Spectrum of Disordered Drinking

Beyond Traditional Diagnostics

The 26% gap – heavy drinkers fall through clinical cracks
Why DSM™ changes matter
“Alcoholic/nonalcoholic” binary
Drivers of problematic drinking
The role of trauma in development and maintenance
The impact of social anxiety
Cultural myths that perpetuate clinical blind spots
When harm reduction helps vs. enables
The problem of internalized bias in the client and clinician

Assessment of Disordered Drinking

Catching Problems Before Crisis

Multi-dimensional assessment tools to reveal hidden severity
What you need to know about detox and withdrawal
The “Can You Moderate” quiz Alcohol timelines to detect patterns
Track cumulative risk factors
Physical dependency markers commonly missed in “high-functioning” clients
Alcohol’s impacts on physical health
Common co-occurring mental health disorders
Effects of alcohol on important relationships and areas of functioning
Warning signs of failed moderation attempts

Working with Resistance

When Clients Won’t Accept That They Need Help

ACT strategies to identify choices
Differentiate alcohol-filtered vs. traditional denial
Cognitive defusion and the ego-syntonic nature of drinking identity
Stages of change adapted for alcohol use
Core MI techniques that bypass resistance
Values work to build willingness
The “failed moderation experiment”
Scripts for difficult conversations that maintain rapport

Evidence-Based Interventions for Disordered Drinking

Comprehensive Tools for Lasting Change

Teach emotion regulation without substances
Trauma-informed approaches to window of tolerance
Break the shame-relapse cycle with self-compassion strategies
Help clients set and maintain boundaries
Establish a sober support system
Authentic self-care strategies
Manage cravings with DBT distress tolerance skills
Relapse prevention for the modern drinker
When moderation isn’t working – transitioning the conversation

Additional Clinical Considerations

Move Clients from Shame to Empowerment

Create defensible treatment plans when clients refuse appropriate care
Level of care determinations
Documentation strategies that protect you and your client
“Conditional treatment” agreements that work
When to refer out vs. maintain therapeutic relationship
Manage liability while practicing harm reduction
12-step groups and alternatives
When and how to involve family and friends
Countertransference management
Limitations of the research and potential risks

Target Audience

Counselors
Addiction Counselors
Social Workers
Marriage and Family Therapists
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Psychotherapists
Nurse Practitioners
Nurses
Other Mental Health Professionals