Is there an evaluation at the end of the course?

To validate the achievement of the learning objectives, a final evaluation in the form of true/false questions is required. It must be completed in order to obtain the certificate of completion. In addition, an optional self-assessment is offered at the beginning and end of the course, allowing you to measure your progress on the targeted skills.

I have a disability. Can I receive specific support?

Yes! This training is offered as a pre-recorded video format, without subtitles. If you have a disability, we can provide an adapted alternative (technical assistance for viewing or individual supervision). For any request, please contact our disability coordinator at the following address: contact@asadis.net

How long do I have access to the course?

After your registration, the course is accessible anytime and from anywhere with unlimited access.

When does the course start?

That is entirely up to you! When you buy a course, you'll receive an access link that you can activate when you want.

Is there a student rate?

Yes there is! Learn more and request your student discount at https://asadis.net/en/student-discount/

Course: Harm Reduction Approach to Substance Abuse

Overview

Accumulating evidence is moving us away from moral, criminal, and reductive disease models and instead toward understanding substance use as a psychobiosocial process with multiple dimensions and individual variations. This shift calls for a personalized, Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP) for problematic substance users.

In this comprehensive workshop, Dr. Tatarsky will discuss the limitations of the dominant disease model and abstinence-only recovery narrative and introduce the psychobiosocial model of addiction and IHRP based on it. IHRP integrates harm reduction principles into psychotherapy and substance use treatment.

This new model of treatment combines relational psychoanalytic, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness techniques in a harm reduction frame to support positive change in substance use and related issues.

IHRP’s seven therapeutic tasks will be described:

Managing the therapeutic alliance with harm reduction listening;
The therapeutic relationship heals;
Enhancing self-regulation and self-management skills;
Assessment as treatment;
Embracing ambivalence;
Harm reduction goal setting;
Strategizing for change: ideal use plan.

Specific skills and strategies that participants can begin using immediately will be demonstrated. The workshop will also give special attention to understanding the potential benefits and risks associated with Marijuana and the application of IHRP to develop ideal relationships with this substance.

Download the program

6h of continuing education
35 lessons that last from 5 to 15 minutes each
1 certificate of achievement
1 power-point
1 bibliography
1 course evaluation
7-day money back guarantee
Unlimited access
96% of participants who completed the satisfaction survey declare they would recommend this course to a colleague

Accreditation

Ordre des Psychologues du Québec

Canadian Psychological Association

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association

Collège des médecins du Québec

For physicians who practice psychotherapy, training recognized by the Ordre des psychologues du Québec is automatically considered as activities adopted by the Collège des médecins, in accordance with Article 3 of the Regulation.

For physicians who do not practice psychotherapy, the College evaluates each recognition request based on the following criteria:

the relevance of the activity to the practice of the profession
the skills and experience of the trainer
the quality of the content and its adequacy with the physician's practice
the pedagogical framework of the activity
the quality of the documentation provided
compliance with the training objectives set out in the regulation
the presence of a certificate of participation or an evaluation

About the expert

Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, psychologist, has developed integrative harm reduction psychotherapy (IHRP) for treating the spectrum of risky and addictive behavior. IHRP brings psychoanalysis, CBT, and mindfulness together in a harm reduction frame.

The therapy has been described in his book, Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: A New Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Problems, and in a series of papers.

Dr. Tatarsky holds a PhD in clinical psychology from the City University of New York and is a graduate of New York University’s Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy.

He is founder and director of the Center for Optimal Living in NYC, a treatment and training center; founding member and past-president of the Division on Addiction of New York State Psychological Association, and a member of the Medical and Clinical Advisory Boards of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. Dr. Tatarsky, psychologist, has trained professionals in harm reduction both nationally and internationally.

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Learning objectives

Identify four of the seven therapeutic tasks of Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy
Define the psychobiosocial process model of addiction
Learn the four core harm reduction engagement skills: empathic listening, collaborative inquiry with an alliance around compassionate curiosity, empathic reflection and checking in with therapeutic humility
Learn “urge-surfing”, a technique for interrupting addictive urges and action to facilitate healing, growth and positive behavior change. This brings mindfulness and breath to the urge enabling pause

Learning material

This workshop includes theory as well as clinical examples. It includes videos ranging from 5-15 minutes in length. The PowerPoint of the workshop can be downloaded.

Syllabus

PowerPoint
Handouts
About Marijuana
1. Introduction
2. Scientific Revolution
3. Marijuana Accounts, Addiction and Medical
4. Define Marijuana
5. Medical Marijuana
6. Ten Perspectives on Marijuana
7. Questions from the public
The need for a new paradigm
8. Our Challenge- How can we make treatment more appealing for people
9. Harm Reduction Embodies Compassionate Pragmatism
10. Harm Reduction as Engagement Strategy
11. Questions from the public 2
12. Stages of Change
13. We need a new model for understanding substance misuse to inform more effective treatment
About addiction
14. Define Addiction
15. Moral modal, criminal modal, Many meanings
16. Trauma
17. Learning and Spirituality
18. Social context and Psychobiosocial Model
19. Valerie's case
20. Questions from the public 3
How harm reduction pscychotherapy works and how to use it?
21. Harm Reduction Psychotherapy
22. Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy Domains
23. Seven Therapeutic Tasks of IHRP
24. Managing the Therapeutic Alliance
25. Enhancing Self-regulation Skills
26. Question from the public 4
27. The Urge is the Axis of Change
28. Questions from the public 5
29. Urge Surfing Exercise
30. Assessment as Treatment
31. Exercice about Urge surfing
32. Embracing Ambivalence
33. Goal Setting
34. Ideal Use Plan
35. Questions from the public 6
Bibliography

CE Credits

Download a certificate of successful completion.

Audience

This training is intended for mental health professionals.

Your comments

"Very informative course based on extensive knowledge and experience in the field. Dr. Tatarsky is a wonderful presenter! Thank you for such a valuable course"
A psychologist (Canada)

"Thank you so much for this course; it is a practical course with updated approaches and sources.
As a suggestion, it is more helpful if some role playing is added to this course."
A psychotherapist (Canada)

"The ideas were very clearly presented and the material very useful.I enjoyed listening throughout."
A psychologist (Canada)

"One of the best online trainings I have attended so far.. It has been incredibly well presented, helpful and inspiring. Thank you!"
A psychotherapist (Slovakia)

"Very interesting and easy to follow."
A social worker (Canada)

"Very helpful and enlightening, and progressively thought provoking in terms of looking at new ways of effective change in therapeutic ways including systemically."
A psychologist (Canada)

Registration

$120.00 - Individual price Group price

Download the program

6h of continuing education
35 lessons that last from 5 to 15 minutes each
1 certificate of achievement
1 power-point
1 bibliography
1 course evaluation
7-day money back guarantee
Unlimited access

Ask a question

Do you have a question? Then email us at contact@asadis.net

Frequently asked questions

Is there an evaluation at the end of the course?

To validate the achievement of the learning objectives, a final evaluation in the form of true/false questions is required. It must be completed in order to obtain the certificate of completion.

In addition, an optional self-assessment is offered at the beginning and end of the course, allowing you to measure your progress on the targeted skills.

These evaluations are not graded and are intended primarily to support your professional reflection.
How long do I have access to the course?

After your registration, the course is accessible anytime and from anywhere with unlimited access.
When does the course start?

That is entirely up to you! When you buy a course, you'll receive an access link that you can activate when you want.
Is there a student rate?

Yes there is! Learn more and request your student discount.

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Legal notice

The courses offered by ASADIS are accredited by different professional organisations. In addition, ASADIS is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. ASADIS maintains responsibility for the program.

The CPA’s approval of an individual, group, or organization as a CE Sponsor or Provider is restricted to the activities described in the approved application or annual report form. The CPA’s approval does not extend to any other CE activity the Sponsor or Provider might offer. In granting its approval, the CPA assumes no legal or financial obligations to Sponsors, Providers, or to those individuals who might participate in a Sponsor or Provider’s CE activities or programs. Further, responsibility for the content, provision, and delivery of any CE activity approved by the CPA remains that of the CE Sponsor or Provider. The CPA disclaims all legal liability associated with the content, provision, and delivery of the approved CE activity.

Integrative Harm Reduction Approach in Treating Substance Misuse

Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, Psychologist