Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy
Essentials Training

 
 

For details and upcoming dates, sign up for our waitlist which can be found HERE

This online course offers a comprehensive overview of integrative harm reduction psychotherapy (IHRP) and practical strategies/skills about applying this model in clinical settings with various populations. This course will consist of a combination of lectures, role-plays, case examples, and discussions.

Students will learn about the origins and history of harm reduction psychotherapy and the paradigm shift from an abstinence-only approach to a more collaborative and engaging model to address the spectrum of problematic substance use and other behaviors. There will be in-depth skill practice and opportunities for consultation and feedback. Classes are co-taught by Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, the developer of Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP), and Dr. Jenifer Levy, a close collaborator in its continuing evolution.

Course Objectives

  • Discussion of the limitations of the disease model and abstinence-only framework

  • Describe the origins of harm reduction and its core principle

  • Explain the psychobiosocial, multiple meanings framework and how it informs our understanding of addictive behaviors

  • Learn specific skills associated with the 7 Therapeutic Tasks of Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP)

  • Understand the fundamentals for conceptualizing, assessing, and treating substance misuse and other risky behaviors utilizing the IHRP model

  • Identify effective strategies to develop the therapeutic alliance and track interpersonal process issues (e.g., transference, countertransference)

  • Understand the impact of trauma on the development of addictive behaviors and how to integrate trauma-informed practices into treatment

  • Learn mindfulness-based approaches to help manage emotions and foster self-regulation

  • Practice urge surfing and unwrapping the urge techniques for working with cravings

  • Develop personalized treatment plans for positive change

  • Learn harm reduction practices for specific substances

Who Should Apply

  • Psychologists

  • Social Workers

  • Substance abuse counselors

  • Mental health counselors

  • Addiction treatment providers and administrators

  • Graduate students

Recommended Reading Tatarsky, A. (2007). Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: A New Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Problems. New York: Aronson. You can purchase it HERE.

Eligibility: This program is designed for mental health and substance abuse treatment professionals, psychiatrists, graduate students, and those working in harm reduction settings who wish to deepen their knowledge and skills about harm reduction principles and practices.

Tuition and Fees: The online training costs $850, and full payment is due by the first class. Refunds or credits will not be issued once classes have started. We have a limited number of scholarships available. Click HERE for more information.

Discounts: 20% off tuition if four or more students from the same agency or organization register for the program. All New School alums and students receive a 20% tuition discount.

Continuing Education: This program provides 15 hours of continuing education.

Optimal Living Psychological Services, PC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board of Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0534 and and recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0075.

Please note that we are not credentialed to provide CE credits for LMHCs, or medical providers at this time. OASAS will cross-honor CE credits for social workers for CASACs in NY State. If you are out of state, please check with your licensure board to see if they will honor CE credits issued for social workers in NY State.