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And it Starts with Us: The Power of Connection in Substance Use Treatment

Enroll in the Online Self-Study course and complete it at your own pace.
5 CE hours available for behavioral health clinicians upon completion.

Disconnection kills—and connection can heal. In 2020 alone, over 40 million Americans aged 12 or older were living with a substance use disorder. With overdose deaths at record highs and stigma still a leading barrier to treatment, clinicians must rise to meet the moment by learning how to connect more deeply, empathetically, and effectively with those most impacted.

When clinicians approach addiction counseling with cultural humility, compassion, and a strengths-based lens, the therapeutic alliance becomes a powerful force for recovery. This course equips behavioral health professionals with tools to break through barriers and meet clients where they are, with empathy and effectiveness.

Enroll in the 5 CE Online Self-Study for $75

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Lisa Connors, LCPC, NCC, MAC, M.Div., MA, ABD, brings over 30 years of experience in addiction counseling, trauma-informed care, and social justice advocacy. A Master Addiction Counselor and seasoned clinician with deep roots in both clinical and pastoral work, Ms. Connors empowers professionals to understand and respond to the intersection of addiction, culture, oppression, and healing. Her work has been devoted to helping marginalized individuals reclaim dignity and purpose.

Ms. Connors’ teaching approach is both evidence-based and deeply human. Through a blend of reflection, lived experience, clinical best practices, and practical strategies, she guides participants toward becoming more present, culturally aware, and responsive clinicians. Her focus is on relational, trauma-informed, and client-centered care.

Topics covered include the nature of addiction as a chronic medical condition, stigma and bias, engagement through motivational interviewing, person-centered therapy, the strengths-based model, cultural humility, social determinants of health, and systemic oppression. The course also explores how clinicians can build trust with diverse populations, address microaggressions, and implement social justice-oriented practices into care. Participants will walk away with a clear understanding of how identity, culture, and connection shape treatment outcomes.

Lisa Connors Headshot

Instructor

Lisa Connors, LCPC, NCC, MAC, M.Div., MA, ABD, is the Associate Pastor of In His Image International Ministry. She is a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Board-Certified Coach, Master Addiction Counselor, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Ms. Connors is a Certified Grief Informed Professional. She is also Certified in Thanatology [the study of death, dying, and bereavement]. She has been in ministry for over 25 years and in the human services/social work/counseling/addiction fields for over 30 years. She has worked in various settings providing services to the despondent and downtrodden. Ms. Connors works tirelessly to help others reach their fullest potential in life, helping and supporting others who have been oppressed, stigmatized, marginalized, and victimized. Her greatest passion is working with individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use and mental health disorders, violence/abuse/trauma, grief and loss, racial and social injustices.
In addition to her pastoral and clinical work, Ms. Connors is a college professor, a member of many local, state, and national organizations, and a trainer/consultant.
Ms. Connors earned her Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Divinity, and Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, respectively, and is finishing her Ph.D. in Psychology.

Key Takeaways:

  • Humanize the struggle of addiction: Learn how substance use disorders affect individuals, families, and communities—and how clinicians can make a difference.

  • Integrate cultural humility into care: Recognize how implicit bias and social injustices impact treatment and how to respond with empathy and equity.

  • Build strong therapeutic alliances: Utilize effective, client-centered strategies to foster engagement, motivation, and lasting change.

Why this course?

  • Led by a trusted expert: Lisa Connors brings decades of experience in counseling, training, and ministry, with a rare ability to blend clinical wisdom with social justice insight.

  • Backed by a mission-driven organization: Telehealth Certification Institute is committed to excellence, integrity, and empowering clinicians with practical, high-quality education.

  • Designed for real-world impact: This course doesn’t just deliver theory—it provides tools clinicians can immediately use to strengthen their practice and improve client outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify the extent of substance use problems and addiction in the United States.

  • Describe two social injustices, the consequences associated with those injustices, and their impact on substance use.

  • Define cultural competency versus cultural humility and its importance in reducing stigma and optimizing counseling and treatment outcomes.

  • Utilize approaches, strategies, and skills, and engage and partner with clients in substance use.

This online self-study course offers five CE hours designed to challenge, equip, and inspire. If you’re ready to strengthen your impact and deepen your connection with clients facing addiction, this timely and essential training is a welcome next step.

Add this course to your cart to begin learning instantly.

This is a non-interactive, self-study course that consists of 300 minutes of video instruction, a post-test and a course evaluation.

Enroll in the 5 CE Online Self-Study for $75

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Availability: From the time of registration, you have six months to access the coursework.

Who Should Attend: This course is intended for clinicians who provide behavioral health services.

Teaching Methods: This is a non-interactive, self-study course. Teaching methods for this course include recorded lectures, videos, a post-test, and a course evaluation.

How to attend: Directions for completing a course can be found by clicking here.

This program was recorded on September 22, 2023.

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