About the workshop:
In the US in 2021, 46 million individuals struggled with substance use disorder. Approximately 108,000 human beings died from drug overdose. Over 100,000 human beings died from alcohol-related causes. Yet, among the tens of millions people struggling with substance use disorder that year, only 6% received any kind of treatment. These numbers are not aberrant; they are the “new normal”.
How can this possibly be? The answer is multifaceted and complex. The tragic circumstances described above are the result of an interplay of oppressive social systems and unworkable patterns of behavior in individuals and groups.
How can I possibly help? The answer here is simpler: Learn to notice, name and undermine substance use stigma.
This workshop will help you understand and address substance use stigma, which is a critical barrier impeding meaningful change in individuals and communities. Using principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, you will learn: how to functionally assess substance use behavior in context; how to notice, name and undermine the impact of stigma on your clients and yourself; how to help clients get “unstuck” from stigmatizing beliefs and shame. You will leave this workshop with a new perspective on substance use and stigma and practical ways to move through and beyond stigma in your work with clients.
AUDIENCE
Mental health professionals (e.g. therapists, prescribers, counselors) and helping professionals (recovery coaches, substance use counselors, medical providers) beginner to intermediate. Attendees with some basic knowledge of ACT and/or other “Third Wave” behavioral treatments (e.g. DBT, Motivational Interviewing, MBCT) will benefit most from this workshop, although this is not necessary. Attendees do not need to have specialized training in treating substance use disorder in order to benefit from this workshop.
INSTRUCTIONAL LEVEL: Beginner-Intermediate
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After attending this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify societal, interpersonal and intrapersonal contextual factors that shape the assessment and treatment of substance use
- Define and conceptualize substance use through the lens of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
- Define and apply ACT-consistent techniques for undermining substance use stigma
REGISTRATION
Registration is online. Presentations will be recorded and sent to anyone who registers for the event.
SCHOLARSHIPS
We reserve a number of partial scholarships for potential attendees who could not otherwise afford to come. We give particular priority given to those who would add diverse and under represented voices to our field. To submit an application, please click here.
CE CREDITS
Portland Psychology Clinic, Research & Training Center is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Portland Psychotherapy, Clinic, Research & Training Center maintains responsibility for all programs and content.
This workshop grants 2 CE credits for therapists with the purchase of Professionals with CE Certificate ticket and live attendance of the entire workshop. Credit will not be given for only watching the recording.
REFUNDS/CANCELLATIONS: We charge a $15 administration fee for cancellations made by participants more than two weeks before the training event. For cancellations within two weeks of the training event, we will refund 50% of the tuition. Alternately, participants may elect to apply 100% of their tuition to a future training event. No refunds will be given after training events.
SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS: Please contact us if you need accommodations to enable you to fully participate in the workshop. We will work with you and do our best to find a way to ensure your participation.
About the Presenter:
Daniel (Dan) Johnson is a licensed clinical psychologist in Massachusetts. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, Boulder, completed his predoctoral internship at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, and completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the VA Boston Healthcare System/Harvard Medical School.
Dan has previously worked as a staff psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital’s outpatient substance use disorders (SUDs) clinic and as the Director of the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Program at Boston Child Study Center. He is now in private practice, providing evidence-based therapy to adults and offering training to mental health professionals and organizations. Dan has trained clinicians internationally on evidence-based treatments, with a focus on mindfulness and acceptance-based behavioral therapies (ACT, DBT, CBT) and he has been designated by the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science as a Peer Reviewed ACT Trainer.
As adjunct faculty at WIlliam James College, Dan teaches courses to psychology graduate students on ACT and evidence-based treatments for SUDs. He is also the Education and Facilitation Lead at Tend Health, Inc., an organization that provides behavioral health and training tailored to the needs of healthcare professionals.
Mindfulness and valued living are essential components of Dan’s life outside of work, including in his roles as a practitioner of Buddhism, a person in long-term recovery, a White-bodied person working toward racial justice for all, and as a loving husband and father.