Wednesday, July 22
Thursday, July 23
Friday, July 24
* * * THERE IS NO PARTIAL CREDIT * * *
You MUST attend sessions in their entirety.
Certificates will be emailed approx. 4-6 weeks after the School.
Presenter: Jeff Georgi, M.Div, MAH, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS, CGP
Description: Modified Interpersonal Group Psychotherapy (MIGP) is a workshop that combines group processes and lectures to modify group therapy for addiction patients. Based on Heinz Kohut, Irwin Yalom and Phil Flores theories, this workshop examines unconscious interactions within the group and enhances member to member connection. It emphasizes therapeutic factors and effective treatment interventions for addiction patients. Participants will engage in group experiences and supervisory activities to reinforce MIGP skills.
Presenter: Ellen Elliott, PhD, LCAS, LCMHC, CCS, CSAT
Description: Advances in technology and the rise of Gen Z clients are reshaping addiction care, creating new challenges and opportunities for professionals in the field. This engaging training session examines how artificial intelligence and digital platforms influence human behavior, with a focus on how algorithms, personalized content, and interactive features shape attention, habits, and decision-making. The course also explores the psychological mechanisms behind digital engagement and dependency, comparing technology-driven addictive behaviors with traditional addictive processes to highlight both shared patterns and distinct features of digital addiction. In addition, the session addresses key ethical concerns and confidentiality risks, including how AI systems are designed to influence behavior and how digital environments can compromise privacy. Through interactive discussions, activities, and case studies, participants will learn to recognize signs of technology addiction and develop strategies to reduce risk, support ethical practice, and promote healthier digital habits.
As digital dependency becomes a global concern and more Gen Z clients enter treatment, addiction professionals need to understand how technology and artificial intelligence are shaping new addictive behaviors. This understanding helps clinicians recognize emerging patterns of technology dependency while also using AI-driven tools thoughtfully to enhance practice and treatment. At the same time, authentic human connection can serve as a powerful antidote to technology addiction. Although digital tools often simulate belonging through constant interaction, notifications, and algorithm-driven engagement, they cannot replace the emotional regulation, accountability, and sense of meaning that develop through real relationships. For addiction professionals, emphasizing connection means helping clients strengthen supportive relationships, engage in community, and cultivate presence in face-to-face or emotionally attuned interactions. Re-centering recovery around connection not only reduces compulsive reliance on screens and platforms, but also addresses the loneliness, stress, and disconnection that often drive problematic technology use.
Objectives:
Presenter: Dr. Merrill Norton Pharm.D.Ph., CMAC, CCS
Description: This presentation is for healthcare and counseling professionals who work with individuals challenged with a substance use disorder. The workshop will teach the body of knowledge from recent research relevant to the neurobiology of substance use disorders and a review of the latest neurotransmitter and neurohormonal research on the impact of psychoactive chemicals on the brain will be the primary focus of this presentation. An overview of the “anti-reward brain system” and the reason that a substance use disorder causes a detaching effect on human bonding will be included in this seminar. The workshop will cover the basics of pharmacology for counselors in training studying for the certification exam to the latest neuroscience of SUDS and mental health for certified and licensed counselors.
Objectives:
Presenter: Jeff Hunsucker, LCSW; LCAS; CCS; NCCPSS
Description: This training for behavioral health clinical supervisors uses three Expanding the Self of the Helper modules as an integrated framework to strengthen supervisory effectiveness. Participants will work together through the modules to examine how the supervisor’s internal experience, presence, and countertransference awareness shape clinical decision-making, ethical practice, and supervisee development. Emphasis is placed on operationalizing the use of self in supervision, enhancing role clarity, and implementing sustainable care-of-the-self practices that support resilience and reduce burnout specifically in high-demand SUD settings.
Learning Objectives
Presenter: Amber Jones
Description: This prevention track is designed for anti-drug coalition leaders, community leaders, drug prevention personnel, treatment and recovery professionals, education professionals, or those who want to launch a community anti-drug coalition in their environment. This training will feature both didactic instruction and small group exercises. Topics will focus on two of the priority areas of the Southeast Prevention Technology Transfer Center (Southeast PTTC) by crystalizing foundational prevention concepts infusing equity for the prevention workforce and building capacity of prevention efforts in diverse underserved communities, including learning effective engagement strategies for African American communities. Discussions will also cover important concepts like
self-care for prevention professionals.
Presenter: Laurie Conaty, MSW, LCSW, LCAS – Certified MINT Trainer
Description: This training takes learners beyond asking open questions, using decisional balance techniques, being ‘just’ nice and respectful and accepting of ambivalence! While these skills and embracing the Spirit of MI are requisite for practicing MI with fidelity, this training focuses on the ability to identify and very strategically and intentionally use other MI skills that produce change talk or consideration of change from clients. Attendees will come away with an overview of key MI components and skills and be introduced to (or fine tune) the skills and tools needed to be purposeful in their conversational interventions with clients. The most updated information contained in the 2023, Miller and Rollnick book, Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Grow and Change will be the basis of the training. This training is ideal for the learner who has completed an Introduction to MI of 12-16 hours; yet key foundational concepts will be reviewed for the learner who is new to MI!
Objectives:
Presenter: Becky Vaughan
Description:
Alcohol is the leading driver of substance use-related fatalities in America: Each year, frequent or excessive drinking causes approximately 178,000 deaths and is associated with health problems such as injuries, alcohol poisoning, cardiovascular conditions, mental health problems, and certain cancers. In 2023, 29 million people in the U.S. met the criteria for AUD, but less than 1 in 10 received any form of treatment. This presentation will explain and promote more effective care by providing information on behavioral therapies, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved Medications for AUD, other promising practices, and support strategies.
Participants will: