A Harm-Reduction Approach to Addictions

CPD

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Faculty

Andrew Tatarsky Related seminars and products

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Andrew Tatarsky, PhD, is developer of IHRP and author of Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: A New Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Problems. He’s founder and director of the Center for Optimal Living, a treatment and professional training center based on IHRP.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial: Dr. Andrew Tatarsky maintains a private practice. He is the founder and director of Optimal Living Psychological Services, and he is a consulting clinical officer for Integrated Services for Behavioral Health. Dr. Tatarsky is co-facilitator of the IHRP 15-week Certificate Program. He receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.

Non-financial: Dr. Andrew Tatarsky is a member of the Association for Harm Reduction Therapy, the American Psychological Association, and New York State Psychological Association. He serves on the advisory board for the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Support and Compassion for Addiction.

 

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Program Information

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Objectives

1. Assess how addictive behaviour reflects the interplay of biology, meaning, habit, and social context 

2. Determine why the harm-reduction stance is essential to effective treatment across the spectrum of addictive severity 

3. Evaluate seven therapeutic tasks that combine relational psychodynamic, CBT, and mindfulness interventions to address addictive behaviours and the whole person. 

4. Use strategies to address risky behaviours including Urge Surfing, Unwrapping the Urge, Microanalysis, Embracing Ambivalence, Decisional Balance, and the Ideal Use Plan. 

Outline

Introduction

• Addiction as a Dilemma
• Valerie Case Study

Compassionate Pragmatism

• Compassion
• Pragmatism

Harm Reduction Principles

• Curiosity, Respect, Acceptance
• Small Incremental Change
• Collaboration
• Public Health/Medical Harm Reduction

Challenges & Diversity of People with Risky & Addictive Behaviour

• Clinical Challenges
• Limitations in the U.S.
• The Tyranny of “Abstinence-Only”
• Motivational Stages of Change
• Scientific Revolution/Paradigm Shift

Theoretical Models

• Multiple Meanings Model
• Relational Psychoanalysis & Meaning
• Cyclical Psychodynamics
• Psychobiosocial Model

Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy

• Seven Therapeutic Tasks of IHRP

Target Audience

• Psychologists
• Physicians
• Addiction Counselors
• Counselors
• Social Workers
• Marriage & Family Therapists
• Nurses
• Behavioral Health Professionals

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