0371 - A Compassionate Approach to Working with Addictions

Course Description

Hours: 12

In the words of Gabor Maté, “addiction begins with solving a problem, and the problem is that of emotional pain. The first question is not why the addiction; it's why the pain?”.

In this IFS-Informed course, we will move away from the pathologizing model of addiction to explore the adaptive function of a seemingly negative behaviour (whether that is drinking, drug use, overeating, porn addiction or even doomscrolling social media). Together we will get to the heart of why so many of our clients say they want to make a change but find themselves unable to take the leap to make it happen.   

Through discussion and experiential exercises, you will learn: 

• How compassion-oriented therapies work, the research behind what makes them effective and how to integrate them into your work.
• How to get out of the power struggles with clients and work more collaboratively.
• How to help people get unstuck and move forward by disrupting the cycle of addiction.
• How to work with and befriend the inner critic.

CACCF: 12 continuing education hours

Notes

For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:

Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967

Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.

Website: wlu.ca/fswpd

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Addictions Certificate : Addictions Certificate