Presentation Downloads


***Apologies for any delays***
***Handouts are posted as they become available***

Will be posted here for each
Workshop/Plenary
as
provided by the Presenter
When available Workshop or Handout will be underlined

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Below Names for Handouts

Plenary
Dr. Frances Patterson, PhD, LADAC II, MAC, DAC, QCS
 Uncoscious bias JTC Plenary 2026 handout

2026
Journey Together Presentations
Handouts

M01
M01 - 4:00pm-5:35pm
M01 Susan Cunningham, LCSW, LADAC II
Jane Taylor, BSW, LADAC II
“Journey Together Conference - Mapping out a Successful Experience” You've read the brochure but still have questions. Possibly, you attended last year and hope this year you get more out of the three and half days. Regardless of how often you've attended, this workshop will help you get the most from your experience. Our goal is to map out the journey from start to finish and make this an awesome experience where you learn and earn credits, make new professional relationships and the seed is planted for you to return every year. 
Mapping Success 2026  Presenter Class Handout

M02
M02 - 4:00pm-5:25pm
M02 Kathy Ward, LADAC
“Recovery Protection: Rewiring the Brain for Sustainable Recovery” What if relapse prevention alone isn’t enough? Early recovery is not just about avoiding substances - it’s about rewiring the brain. This training introduces the Recovery Protection model, a neuroscience-informed approach that helps professionals shift from fear-based “don’t use” language to identity driven, strengths-based change. Participants will learn how the brain heals, how thought patterns shape neural pathways, and how to intentionally build protective circuits that support lasting recovery.
*** Not Provided yet ***

M03
M03 - 5:35pm-6:55pm
M03 Jerry Jenkins, M.Ed., LADAC, MAC
“How does an organization get the right person in the driver’s seat? ” Ever wonder how an organization selects a Chief Executive/Executive Director? This workshop will delve into practices being utilized today to make such critical decisions. Perspectives will include Board members, key informants including organizational staff as well as potential applicants. 
2026 09 07 M3 MTAADAC 2026 - How does an organization get the right person in the driver's seat
2026 09 09 W4 MTAADAC Ethics - Handling Country Counseling Conundrums

M04
M04 - 5:35pm-6:55pm
M04 Mike Coyne, CIP, FAS Janice Johnson Dowd, MSSW, LMSW
“Gas Station Drugs: Emerging Threats in Addiction and Public Health” Unregulated psychoactive substances such as kratom, tianeptine, and phenibut are increasingly sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and online, often marketed as “natural” or “legal” alternatives. This session helps clinicians recognize warning signs, assess risk beyond standard substance-use screening, and respond using trauma-informed, harm-reduction approaches. The workshop also explores ethical concerns and unintended consequences of emergency bans, equipping professionals to navigate evolving public-health and policy challenges.
*** Not Provided yet ***

M05
M05 - 7:00pm-8:30pm
M05 Caroline Cirone, BFA, LADAC, CYT
“Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Body: Using NSDR (No Sleep Deep Rest) to Treat Trauma & Addiction” This is an experiential workshop exploring how Yoga Nidra directly regulates the nervous system to reduce cravings, anxiety, and AMA discharges in addiction treatment. Participants will experience a live NSDR practice and learn practical, trauma-informed strategies to improve engagement, retention, and emotional regulation using a low-cost, evidence-informed intervention. 
Shut_Up_and_Dance_Attendee_Handout
Yoga Nidra NSDR Short Script

M06
M06 - 7:05pm-8:30pm
M06 Robert Chapman, MSSW, LMSW, LADAC
“Encountering the Caverns via The Trauma Color Wheel” This presentation introduces the Trauma Color Wheel, a clear and practical framework for understanding diverse forms of trauma within and beyond the family of origin. Participants will explore trauma wound bases, scene-driven dynamics, and the relationship between trauma and addiction. Each color and its corresponding wound base will be reviewed, with selected film clips to illustrate concepts and enhance clinical application through a trauma sensitive lens.
*** Not Provided yet ***

M07
M07 - 7:05pm-8:30pm
M07 Kathy Ward, LADAC Cassidy Berry, MS, OTR/L
“Rewiring Recovery: The Neuroscience of Structure, Skill-Building, and Occupational Therapy in Addiction Treatment” Addiction disrupts brain regulation, executive functioning, and daily structure — not just behavior. While counseling addresses trauma and emotional healing, many individuals relapse due to impaired routines and occupational void. This session explores the neuroscience of addiction, reframes recovery as functional reconstruction, and highlights the complementary role of Occupational Therapy in rebuilding structure, identity, and sustainable sobriety within recovery communities
*** Not Provided yet ***

M08
M08 - 7:05pm-8:30pm
M08 Cinde Stewart Freeman, RN, MA, MAC, LADAC II, QCS
“Ethics in the Information Age” With technology integrated into our daily lives, both promises and pitfalls are present in its expansion. How will this impact the person to person connection at the heart of counseling? An overview of technology progression with research findings set the stage for a deeper dive into the inevitable ethical situations that will arise. We will delve into what the NAADAC Code of Ethics has to say, exploring scenarios challenging us to put these into use.
2026 Journey Togehter Steps 2 and 3 and PTSI CS Freeman
2026 Journey Together Ethics CS Freeman Scenarios
2026 Journey Together Ethics CS Freeman Slides
2026 Journey Together Step 2 and 3 Slides CS Freeman
2026 Journey Together Steps 2 and 3 ACT Exercises CS Freeman

M09
M09 - 7:05pm-8:30pm
M09 Robert Chapman, MSSW, LMSW, LADAC “Encountering the Caverns via the Family Roles and Trauma Reenactment” This presentation examines family roles and trauma reenactment as adaptive responses to unresolved trauma. Participants will review the historical framework of family roles, explore how these roles emerge from trauma-related scenes, and examine trauma reenactment through the 3 motifs of Return, Attract, and Repel. A scene-driven trauma framework is utilized throughout. This presentation serves to illustrate the relationship between trauma reenactment and addictive behaviors, supporting clinical understanding and intervention.
TRAINING HANDOUTS - TRAUMA REENACTMENT FAMILY ROLES FROM POWERPOINT
TRAINING HANDOUTS - Trauma Color Wheel - power point

T01
T01 - 2:00pm-3:30pm
T01 Kristen Robinson, LADAC II, QCS
“Fast & Fake vs. Slow & Strong The Speed of Healing: What Addiction Professionals Need to Know ” In addiction treatment, coping skills are often confused with quick relief. This session challenges that myth by contrasting fast, unhealthy coping strategies with slow, sustainable approaches to healing. Participants will explore how urgency, avoidance, and dopamine-driven behaviors impact recovery and professional burnout. Through discussion and art-based activities, attendees will learn how to help clients—and themselves—shift from short-term relief toward long-term capacity, regulation, and ethical therapeutic wellness.
*** Not Provided yet ***

T02
T02 - 2:00pm-3:30pm
T02 Kathryn Benson, LADAC II, NCAC II, QCS
Dr. Frances Patterson, PhD, LADAC II, MAC, DAC, QCS
“Ethical Challenges in Clinical Supervision” Part 1 During this workshop, Frances and Kathy will lead discussion about effective supervision methods. As supervisors, supervisees will “listen” to our behaviors and professional interactions much more than our words. When we agree to be a supervisor, we are agreeing to be held to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. Included will be activities, role plays and multimedia to enhance learning of supervision skills in creating a safe and ethical supervision environment.
*** No handouts needed ***

T03
T03 - 2:00pm-3:30pm
T03 James Clemmons, LADAC II
“Burnout to Balance: Contrast Therapy for Counselors” Addiction professionals work in high-stress environments that increase risk for burnout and secondary trauma. This workshop explores sauna and contrast therapy as evidence informed resilience tools to support nervous system regulation, recovery, and sustainable practice. Participants will review relevant research, including findings from a residential SUD program, and learn practical, safety-focused strategies for integrating structured heat and cold exposure into counselor self-care routines.
*** Not Provided yet ***

T04
T04 - 2:00pm-3:30pm
T04 Jon Buffington, LCSW, LADAC II
“Understanding Family Systems” During this session, we will explore the different roles our clients and their family members play within the family unit from a Family Systems perspective. Additionally, Jon will explore how this information can both inform and direct our way of working with clients in both an individual, group and family therapy setting specifically dealing with substance abuse clients.
*** Not Provided yet ***

T05
T05 - 2:00pm-3:30pm
T05 Simone Henderson, BS, LADAC II, NCAC II Genesis Meijas-Cruz, BS
“Are you a safe person?” During this session, participants will learn how intersectionality impacts clients and counselors alike. We will discuss examples of harm from prejudice, how institutions perpetuate these ideas, and how it impacts our engagement with clients.
*** Not Provided yet ***

T06
T06 - 4:00pm-5:30pm
T06 Susan Cunningham, LSCW, LADAC II
“Aging, Connections and Addiction” Whether it is 60, 70 or beyond, these are the years that many people look forward to having a grand time with family and friends, new hobbies, volunteering to give back, and travel along with other possibilities. Somehow the story of possibilities change and don't work out. This process group will look at the impact of this disruption in life as older adults begin or increase their substance use for coping. This process group will look at the unique needs of serving and treating older adults in recovery. We will discuss how we can ensure that older adults feel heard and valued. We will explore the impact of co-occurring conditions, social connections, cross cultural implications of aging, and grief and bereavement to facilitate building resilience and flourishing.
*** Not Provided yet ***

T07
T07 - 4:00pm-5:30pm
T07 Kathryn Benson, LADAC II, NCAC II, QCS
Dr. Frances Patterson, PhD, LADAC II, MAC, DAC, QCS
“Ethical Challenges in Clinical Supervision” Part 2 This session is continued from T2 session.
You do not have to attend T02 to participate in T07.
*** No  handouts needed ***

T08
T08 - 4:00pm-5:30pm
T08 Karen Morgan, P-LPC, LADAC II, MAC, QCS, SAP
“Healing Attachment Wounds in Addiction Treatment: An Introduction to Emotional Attachment Behavioral Therapy (EABT)” This engaging session introduces Emotional Attachment Behavioral Therapy (EABT), a trauma-informed, attachment-based approach to addiction treatment. Participants will learn how early attachment experiences shape emotional regulation, coping behaviors, and substance use patterns. The presentation reviews the four attachment styles, highlights research linking insecure attachment to relapse risk, and provides practical tools clinicians can immediately use to identify attachment triggers, unmet needs, and pathways toward secure attachment and sustained recovery.
*** Not Provided yet ***

T09
T09 - 4:00pm-5:30pm
T09 Raymond Blackwell, LADAC II
“Building & Maintaining Motivation” This workshop aims to demonstrate how the core components of Motivational Interviewing—Desire, Ability, Reason, and Need (DARN)—can be used to help clients discover and enhance their motivation by focusing on and re-evaluating these internal factors. This approach is based on the principle that change stems from internal needs, which in turn drive desire, providing the conviction necessary for greater change.
*** Not Provided yet ***

T10
T10 - 4:00pm-5:30pm
T10 Christine Ragsdale, LADAC II, NCAC II
“Experiential Group Therapy Made Simple: A Live Demo of “Who Am I?” Experience a simple, replicable structure for experiential group therapy through a live demo of “Who Am I?” Participants will take part in grounding exercises, a concise identity centered instructional segment, an Old Self/Emerging Self activity, and guided integration. Subsequently, facilitation techniques will be reviewed, focusing on safety, the use of choice-based language, time boundaries, intensity management, and modifications for clinical settings. Participants leave with facilitator prompts and a step-by-step group flow for immediate use.
Who am I Group
Experiential Group Therapy Made Simple

T11
T11 - 6:00pm-8:00pm
T11 Peter Hodes, MBA
“Introduction to Tai Chi” Stand up and follow us for this Introduction to Tai Chi. These simple movements are safe for all and bring enormous health benefits - both physically and mentally. We will learn a variety of movements that can be done by anyone no matter the current conditions. Learn Tai Chi and Feel BETTER! Beginners always welcome!
Tai Chi River Information
Tai Chi River Waiver
Tai Chi River Starter List
Tai Chi River - 8 Pieces of Brocade

T12
T12 - 6:00pm-8:00pm
T12 Kathryn Benson, LADAC II, NCAC II, QCS
Dr. Frances Patterson, PhD, LADAC II, MAC, DAC, QCS
“Ethical Challenges in Clinical Supervision” Part 3 This session is continued from T7 session.
You do not have to attend T02 and T07 to participate in T12.
*** No handouts needed ***

T13
T13 - 6:00pm-8:00pm
T13 Caroline Corine, LADAC
“Shut Up and Dance: Music and Somatic Interventions in Addiction Counseling
” This is an experiential workshop exploring how music and movement regulate the nervous system, reduce PAWS symptoms, and build distress tolerance in early recovery. Through interactive demonstrations and practical tools, participants will learn how rhythm, singing, and somatic exercises strengthen coping skills, support trauma healing, and foster connection. Attendees will leave with accessible, ready-to-implement interventions to make recovery engaging, embodied, and fun.
Shut_Up_and_Dance_Attendee_Handout

W01
W01 - 2:00pm-3:30pm
W01 Karen Moran, LADAC II, NCAC II, QCS 
“Vagal Toning 101 (Otherwise Known as an Opportunity to Practice What We Preach)” Participants will engage in experiential exercises referenced in the plenary in order to assist in personal self regulation. This will enhance the clinical experience for counselor and client when the clinician is able to rebound from an activated body state to a state of calm in order to assist activated clients in co-regulation. Participants will be strongly encouraged to identify, examine, and create a plan for areas of clinical performance that have been affected by dysregulation and counter transference.
*** Not Provided yet ***

W02
W02 - 2:00pm-3:30pm
W02 Charlz Harper, LADAC II
“Difficulties of Change” Have you ever asked yourself “Why don’t clients get it?” This presentation will explore some of the reasons why clients just don’t understand and ways to help reach them through MET - Motivational Enhancement Therapy - with techniques to help you understand where they are and why their emotional maturity level is not where it needs to be for sustainable recovery. We will explore how society and social engineering create more problems than solutions for everyone.
*** Not Provided yet ***

W03
W03 - 2:00pm-3:30pm
W03 Cinde Stewart Freeman, RN, MA, MAC, LADAC II, QCS
“The Bridge to Action: Integrating Steps 2 and 3 into Clinical Practice” This workshop examines the development and practicality of the 12-Step Program's Step 2 and 3, looking at how issues of complex grief, trauma and common co-occurring disorders may pose barriers to be navigated. Participation in selected Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Narrative Therapy tools will spark ideas of how these tools and the larger theory/skills of these counseling approaches can be used to assist the client's progress.
*** See M08 for Handouts ***

W04
W04 - 2:00pm-3:30pm
W04 Jerry Jenkins, M.Ed., LADAC, MAC  
“Handling Country Counseling Conundrums” Some say that Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counseling is the same regardless of setting or location. This may not be accurate for a counselor or peer support specialist working in a rural setting. Rural settings can and do bring clinical, logistical as well as ethical challenges. This workshop will use scenarios to highlight some of the possible ethical issues working in rural settings can bring.
*** See M03 for Handouts ***

W05
W05- 2:00-3:30pm
W05 Thad Oliver, PhD, LADAC II
“Neuroscience, art, or faith? Yes please! Integrating brain science, imagination, and devotion in long-term recovery” Recovery is often framed through competing lenses: neuroscience explains behavior mechanically, art transforms suffering into expression, and faith grounds change in meaning. This session integrates these through the shared human process of differentiation. Participants will explore how people move from chaos to articulated meaning and will learn an integrated model supporting sustainable recovery from addiction, trauma, and despair.
*** Not Provided yet ***

W06
W06 - 4:00pm-5:30pm
W06  Karen Moran, LADAC II, NCAC II, QCS  
“A Closer Look at the Trauma Egg: A Tool for Shame Reduction and Self-Compassion” Participants will gain a deeper understanding and enhance competency around utilizing the Trauma Egg as a tool that effectively enhances client insight and self-compassion, while reducing shame. Participants will have an opportunity to engage in a hands-on experience with this tool and the therapeutic possibilities it offers. 

W07
W07 - 4:00pm-5:30pm
W07 Samson Teklemariam, LPC, CPTM
“Understanding employee burnout and the Ethics of self-care” This session addresses preventing and recovering from burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma for healthcare professionals. Participants in this training will learn to assess burnout and vicarious trauma using evidence-based tools, while setting professional development goals across eight self-care domains. Interactive exercises will result in an updated self-care maintenance plan, tailored for the behavioral healthcare professional.
*** RESOURCE-1_ACTIVITY_Wheel-of-Fortune-instructions ***
*** RESOURCE-2_Addressing-Burnout_Behavioral-Health_SAMHSA ***
*** RESOURCE-CODs-Understanding-the-Connection-FLYER ***
*** SLIDES-Self-Care_Teklemariam-2026***

W08
W08 - 4:00pm-5:30pm
W08 Jodi Oliver, PhD, LPC-mhsp, NCC TH1
“Relational Harm and Recidivism: Preventing Relationally-Driven Relapse” Addiction relapse is often relationally driven. This workshop explores how coercive control and harmful attachment dynamics dysregulate the nervous system and increase recidivism risk. Participants will learn to identify relational harm patterns, integrate somatic warning signals into relapse prevention, and apply radical acceptance and attuned presence as protective clinical strategies in long-term recovery work.
*** Not Provided yet ***

W09
W09 - 4:00pm-5:30pm
W09 Jon Buffington, LCSW, LADAC II
“Addressing Communication/Conflict Management Needs in SUD counseling from an individual, family and group counseling perspective” This topic will address the differences between effective and ineffective communication as well as conflict management and how to approach this topic effectively whether in a group, family or private setting. Components of this presentation will include a conflict resolution frame work that will be incorporated in experiential ways that will use willing audience participants.

W10
W10 - 4:00pm-5:30pm
W10 Curtis Long, LADAC I
“Examining 12-Step Recovery and Language Through a Trauma-Informed Lens” This presentation examines 12-Step recovery and its language through a trauma-informed lens. Using clinical experience, trauma-informed principles, and lived recovery, the presenter will explore how traditional recovery language and practices may unintentionally impact trauma survivors. Participants will be invited to reflect on recovery concepts such as powerlessness, accountability, and sponsorship, and consider trauma-informed alternatives that support safety, empowerment, and choice within recovery spaces.
*** Not Provided yet ***

W11
W11 Ross Lester,
Founder of Everybody Drum Some “Drumming for Life ”
Ross and Everybody Drum Some will conduct a low-stress, enjoyable drum circle for all interested conference attendees. Participants will experience collaborative music making in a relaxed environment and will leave feeling refreshed, energized, and encouraged.
No experience or skills required.
*** No Handouts Needed ***

W12
W12 - 6:00pm-8:00pm
W12 Orisha Bowers, MEd, PhD
“Restorative Healing Pathways: Integrating Mindfulness, Sound, and Wellness Practices in Addiction Care ” This experiential session introduces participants to restorative practices, mindfulness based strategies, and sound healing techniques that support individuals and families impacted by addiction. Participants will explore how these modalities can reduce stress, regulate the nervous system, deepen connection, and strengthen recovery oriented relationships. The workshop blends theory, demonstration, and guided practice, offering clinicians and service providers tools they can immediately integrate into treatment, prevention, and relapse prevention work.
Restorative Healing Pathways_ Integrating Mindfulness, Sound, and Wellness Practices in Addiction Care

W13
W13 - 6:00pm-8:00pm
W13 James Nihan, LADAC
“Totems and Metaphors: A Medicine Wheel Experience” Many of our clients have an aversion to the religious beliefs they were taught, and are  rigidly opposed to the idea of surrender or of asking for help. The use of metaphor can open a door to introspection, and that can lead to improved trust and connection. The  medicine wheel and its totems provide an opportunity for us to awaken and increase our awareness, using the symbolic traits of our animal friends, as well as the four directions that represent the cycle of life. The group will include educational information, music and meditation. Participants may process personal insights and engage in Q&A. Handouts will be provided. Chairs will be available, as well as a dozen pillows. Bring a personal blanket or pillow, if desired, to ensure comfort.
*** Not Provided yet ***

TH01
TH01 - 2:00pm-3:30pm
TH01 Samuel MacMaster, PhD George Massengill, BSSW, LADAC II “Keeping Clients in the Continuum of Care” This presentation provides participants with strategies to improve engagement, retention, and continuity of care across the treatment continuum, from outreach and treatment initiation to long-term recovery support and community reintegration. Emphasis will be placed on person-centered and trauma-informed approaches, including motivational interviewing, peer recovery support services, case management, harm reduction, culturally responsive care, and effective transition planning between levels of care. Through practical examples and implementation-focused discussion, participants will gain actionable tools to strengthen therapeutic engagement, reduce treatment dropout, enhance care coordination, and improve long-term recovery outcomes for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.

TH02
TH02 - 2:00pm-3:30pm
TH02 Ryan Bundren, M. DIV., PhD(c), LADAC II, CAADC
“Addiction as an Attachment Disorder: What Couples Therapy Taught Me about Treating Addiction” This presentation will explore the concept of addiction as an attachment disorder. Ryan will examine how addiction is formed through interaction with an object of addiction and how this object initially functions as a secure base by providing relief before inevitably evolving into an addiction. Participants will learn how understanding addiction as an attachment disorder informs treatment and how basic concepts from marriage and family theories may be used with individuals experiencing addiction.
*** Not Provided yet ***

TH03
TH03 - 3:30pm
TH03 Alex Tucker, LADAC-II, CADAC-II, CCHP
“The Ethics of Boundaries and Healthy Connection With Clients” This presentation will focus on the ethical responsibility of practitioners to develop a healthy connection and rapport with clients while maintaining healthy boundaries. We will cover topics including: ethical responsibility of modeling healthy boundaries in our personal relationships, understanding what rapport is and what it is not, discussing our potential desire to "control" the outcomes of our clients and our ethical responsibility to address our own personal feelings related to their outcomes, discussion surrounding our ethical responsibility to set healthy boundaries inside and outside of the client relationship, and tools to set healthy boundaries while maintaining rapport with clients.

TH04
TH04 - 3:30pm
TH04 Ross Sparboe, LADAC II, LMSW
“Collegiate Recovery—A Perspective on a Special Population” This presentation will explore the 4 major domains of collegiate recovery, health, home, purpose, and community. Special emphasis will be placed on available community resources for this domain. Ross will discuss the past, present and future of the community aspect of recovery during this presentation. Participants will be able to identify community resources within the state of Tennessee and a list of recovery resources will be provided.
Collegerecoverypresentation

TH05
TH05 - 3:30pm
TH05 Ken Garber, LADAC II
“Beyond Subtraction: Building a Life That Adds Up“ Participants will explore the linguistic and visual clues within the word “Addiction” itself: focusing on the C (the Core) to transform Addiction to Addition. Using object lessons – including the “Coffee and Water” demonstration and the “Tale of Two Wolves” through a numerical lens – this session provides a sticky, memory-focused framework for helping clients “Crowd Everything Out (CEO) of their toxic mindsets by feeding their solutions rather reacting to their problems.
*** Not Provided yet ***

TH06
TH06 - 5:30pm
TH06 Samuel MacMaster, PhD
“Presentation Title: Treating Older Adults with Cannabis Disorder: Emerging Trends, Clinical Challenges, and Evidence-based Approaches” F4 This presentation provides clinicians with an evidence-based overview of emerging trends in cannabis use among older adults, associated health and psychiatric risks, screening and assessment considerations, and effective treatment approaches, including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral interventions, harm reduction strategies, and integrated care models. Participants will gain practical strategies to identify problematic cannabis use, improve patient engagement, reduce adverse outcomes, and support healthy aging and recovery in older adult populations.
*** Not Provided yet ***

TH07
TH07 - 5:30pm
TH07 Irene Bernard, DMin, LADAC II, CAADC, CPRS II, QCS
“GAL: Beyond the Heartbreak; Blueprint for Resilience”
This experiential training session introduces clinicians to GAL: Beyond theHeartbreak – Blueprint for Resilience, a transformative approach to grief, attachment concerns, and substance use recovery. Participants will actively engage with evidence-based strategies blended with innovative techniques and spiritual principles, gaining practical tools to guide clients toward resilience and renewal. Irene shares insights from her extensive clinical experience, empowering professionals to help individuals move from heartbreak to healing at the intersection of science and hope.
*** Not Provided yet ***

TH08
TH08 - 4:00pm-5:30pm
TH08 Simone Henderson, LADAC
Tammy Rohane Henderson, LADAC
“Arc of Choice” During this session, participants will engage with the how the brain-body connection works when making decisions. We will discover the step-by-step process that happens when at risk of a relapse, learn why it happens in the brain first, and how to disrupt the thought processes to make low-risk decisions instead.
*** Not Provided yet ***

TH09
TH09 - 4:00pm-5:30pm
TH09 Julie Bradley, LADAC II
Deborah Malaga, LADAC II
“Nourishing the Brain, Regulating the Body” This workshop explores how nutrition and drumming/ bilateral rhythmic movement work to restore brain function and regulate the nervous system in recovery. Participants will examine the role of key vitamins and whole foods in neurotransmitter production, the impact of rhythm and bilateral stimulation on trauma and emotional regulation, and the synergistic relationship between nutrition and movement in restoring the brain’s reward system.
*** Drum-Therapy-Workshop ***
*** Nourishing-the-Brain-Handout ***

TH10
TH10 - 4:00pm-5:30pm
TH10 Janice Johnson Dowd, MSSW, LMSW
“The Developing Adolescent Brain: Neurobiology, Risk-Taking, and Substance Use Vulnerability ” Adolescents are often seen as impulsive, emotional, and unpredictable, but neuroscience reveals a more compassionate story. This presentation examines the dynamic changes happening in the teenage brain and how these shifts affect behavior, decision-making, risk-taking, emotional regulation, and relationships. Participants will leave with a neuroscience-informed perspective for working more effectively with teens. We'll simplify complex concepts using accessible, real-world language, connecting the latest research to the everyday challenges faced by educators, caregivers, and youth-serving professionals.
*** Not Provided yet ***