Workshops That Engage, Educate & Inspire

My Interactive Workshops

I’ve developed over 30 workshops on recovery and personal change and delivered them at rehabilitation centers, including Serenity Knolls and RoseBay. Drawing on psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, mindfulness practices, and lived experience, I create safe, thoughtful, and thought‑provoking spaces to explore addiction, recovery, mental health, relationships, and recurring behavior patterns. These focused 2‑hour workshops blend psychology, neuroscience, and practical tools to strengthen self‑awareness, resilience, integrity, hope, and a renewed sense of worth and capacity for change. Workshops can be adapted and tailored to meet the needs of your specific group, team, or organization.

Book a Workshop

To discuss my Workshops further, please visit the Contact page of this site OR contact me directly by calling the number below.

530.446.1135

“Christopher has been an incredible and pivotal voice in our community. His work bridges lived experience with clinical insight, humility, and deep authenticity—creating space for real reflection, accountability, and growth. Through his presence and storytelling, Christopher invites individuals to engage honestly with their own journeys while offering hope and practical tools for change.

His curriculum is comprehensive and deeply human, addressing the core elements of healing and recovery, including honesty, addiction and recovery, relapse prevention, ego, radical acceptance, self-love, fear, resentment, anger, shame, trauma, and the inner critic. He explores how beliefs shape behavior, the impact of cognitive distortions, the difference between codependency and interdependency, and the importance of self-acceptance, humility, and hope. Christopher also brings attention to resilience, vulnerability, intimacy, attachment, family systems through genograms, and the powerful reminder that we are not our diagnoses. With warmth and humor, he integrates laughter as a tool for healing—making his work both impactful and accessible. We are deeply grateful for the influence he has had and honored to welcome him.”

– Konika R. McPherson, Director of Clinical Services, Serenity Knolls

Workshop Details

 Workshops 1–10

 Workshops 11–20

 Workshops 21–29

1. Honesty
The Value of Honesty

  • This interactive workshop explores the transformative power of honesty. Through engaging discussions, handouts, videos, and explorations of real-life scenarios, participants will uncover the vital need for honesty and transparency in relationship to their addiction as well as every other aspect of their lives. The group will explore the benefits of truthful communication, such as building trust, reducing stress, and strengthening relationships. The workshop encourages self-reflection and offers practical tools for navigating difficult conversations with integrity and empathy.

    • Discussion - Individuals share the moment they looked honestly at themselves and knew they needed help and decided they needed to go to treatment.

    • Video - Ted Talk - How to Spot Lying by Pamela Meyer

    • Handout & Discussion - Honesty from Buddhism & the 12 Steps by Kevin Griffin

    • Video - Life is a Game of Bullshit - This is How You Win By Telling The Truth by Genevieve Gregorich

    • Handout & Discussion - Honesty - What Would Count As A Right Reason For Honest Behavior by Christian B Miller

    • Experiential Exercise - 3 Chairs: Lying - How it Felt - What if I Hadn’t Told That Lie?

2. Addiction
What Does It Mean To Be Addicted?

  • This workshop on substance abuse is designed to educate participants about the many causes of drug and alcohol misuse. It provides a safe and supportive space to explore the psychological, social, and physical consequences of substance abuse, while also highlighting the signs of addiction. Through interactive discussions, real-life case studies attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how substance use impacts individuals, families, and communities.

    • Video - Rehab by Amy Winehouse

    • Photos & Discussion - Celebrity Deaths from Addiction - Money & Fame Will Not Save You

    • Handout & Discussion - Alcohol & Drug Deaths in US CDC, National Institute on Drug Abuse & Statista & American Addiction Centers; Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder by Elizabeth Fiser - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse; Warning Signs of Substance Use Disorder - National Institute on Drug Abuse

    • Video – Addiction - Road to Recovery

    • Handout & Discussion - Cause of Addiction by Kristen Fuller, MD; How Do Drugs Work in The Brian?-  National Institute on Drug Abuse

    • Video - Caitlin’s Intervention - A&E

3. Recovery
A Path to a New Life.

  • This workshop on substance abuse is designed to educate participants about available continued treatment options such as IOP, PHP, therapeutic options and support groups. Through interactive discussions, real-life case studies, and practical tools, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the many options after leaving residential treatment. The workshop also emphasizes healthy coping strategies, resilience-building and empower participants to make informed decisions and support others facing similar challenges.

    • Video - Sober by Kelly Clarkson

    • Discussion - Recovery Strategies Value of Extending Treatment, IOP, PHP, SLE’s; Various Therapy’s, CBT, DBT, Somatic; Building Community In 12 Step Program & Non 12 Step Programs; Reintegrating into The Stream of Life in Balanced Way

    • Video - How Recovery Changed My Life – Road to Recovery

    • Experiential Exercise - Why I Want Recovery

    • Video - I Got My Mom Back by Gremlin

    • Handout & Discussion - Recovery & Resilience Recovery & Relationships - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration

    • Video - A Lesson on Resilience - The Learning Lab

4. Relapse Prevention

  • This workshop is designed to equip participants with practical tools and strategies to maintain long-term recovery from addiction. Through interactive sessions, attendees explore common triggers, high-risk situations, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to manage cravings and negative emotions. The workshop emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, therapy, coping skills, and sober community support systems, fostering a proactive approach to preventing relapse.

    • Video - Hard Times Made Me by Amanda Mammana

    • Handout & Discussion - Addiction Triggers

    • Video - Triggered Again

    • Handout & Discussion - Stages of Relapse by Gorski

    • Video - Why We Relapse - What Is Anhedonia? by Robert Mo, Tree House Recovery

    • Graphic - Chemistry and Neurotransmitters

    • Handout & Discussion - Dopamine What Does to The Brian? by Timothy J. Legg, PhD

    • Video - Concerto No 4 featuring Chole Chua on violin

    • Handout & Discussion - How to Naturally Increase Dopamine by Dr Elvira Brattico

    • Video - Redemption of Ginny Brown

5. Ego
What is Ego?

  • This workshop delves into the nature of the ego—what it is, how it forms, and the subtle yet powerful ways it influences your thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. Through a mix of guided reflection and group dialogue, participants will uncover how the ego shapes their sense of identity, protects them from perceived threats, and often drives reactive patterns. Drawing from psychological insights and mindfulness practices, the workshop offers practical tools to recognize ego-driven habits and foster greater self-awareness, authenticity, and emotional freedom in daily life.

    • Video - Ego by Willy Williams

    • Handout & Discussion - What is Ego? – pathwaystohappiness.com

    • Graphic - Ego vs True Self

    • Video - The Grip of Ego & Living More Consciously by Ekhart Tolle

    • Handout & Discussion - Is there a Healthy Ego? by Michael Burkhardt

    • Video – Gollum & The Precious - Lord of the Rings

    • Video - The Eternal Now featuring voice of Alan Watts

6. Radical Acceptance
Learning The Power of Radical Acceptance.

  • Radical acceptance offers a transformative exploration into embracing ourselves, others, and reality exactly as they are—without judgment or resistance. Rooted in principles from mindfulness and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), the session empowers participants to break free from the suffering caused by denial, avoidance, and unrealistic expectations. Through guided reflection, experiential exercises, and group discussions, attendees will learn how radical acceptance can reduce emotional distress, foster resilience, and improve relationships by promoting compassion, presence, and inner peace in the face of life’s challenges.

    • Video - DBT & Radical Acceptance by Marsha Lineman PhD

    • Handout & Discussion - What is Radical Acceptance? by Arlin Cuncic, Medically reviewed by David Susman, PhD

    • Video - Acceptance & Mental Health by The School of Life

    • Handout & Discussion - Coping Statements for Radical Acceptance by Arlin Cuncic - Medically reviewed by David Susman, PhD

    • Video - The Darkest Part of You by Dr Gabor Matte

7. Self-Love
What’s Not to Love?

  • This workshop on self-love offers a safe and supportive space for participants to explore their inner strengths, cultivate self-compassion, and build a deeper connection with themselves. Attendees will explore the process of rediscovering self-worth, self-esteem, without external validation. The group will also discuss practical tips for building self-love. This workshop provides the encouragement and clarity needed to nurture a more confident, authentic, and fulfilled self.

    • Video - I Love Me by Megan Trianor

    • Handout & Discussion - Declarations of Self-love Quotes

    • Handout & Discussion - What is Self-Love? by Mind Help - Verified by World Mental Healthcare Association

    • Video - I Love Me by Medea

    • Handout & Discussion - What Dose Self Love Look Like? by Mind Help - Verified by World Mental Healthcare Association

    • Video - The Person I Need to Marry by Tracy McMillan

    • Handout & Discussion - Tips of How to Practice Self Love

    • Video - You Are Who You Have Been Looking For by Motivational Vibes

8. Fear
A Relationship with Fear.

  • This workshop explores our complex relationship with fear, inviting participants to examine how fear shows up in everyday life. Rather than framing fear as something to conquer or avoid, the session focuses on the idea that it is our resistance to fear—not fear itself—that creates the greatest discomfort. Through guided reflection, dialogue, participants will learn to soften their stance toward fear, allowing for a more open, embodied engagement with their inner experience and, ultimately, a greater sense of freedom and clarity.

    • Video - Richard Goodall - AGT

    • Handout & Discussion - 7 Things You Need to Know About Fear by Theo Tsaousides PhD

    • Video - What is Fear? by Beautiful Science

    • Handout & Discussion - What is Fear? by Lisa Fritscher

    • Video - What They Don’t Tell You About Fear by Kristen Ulmer

    • Handout & Discussion - Why Do Good People Do Bad Things? by Arthur Dobrin DSW

    • Video - Fear by Blue October

9.  Resentments
What are They & How to Let Them Go.

  • This workshop explores the nature of resentments—those lingering feelings of anger, hurt, or bitterness caused by perceived wrongs—and offers practical tools for letting them go. Participants will learn how resentments can subtly shape their emotional well-being, relationships, and decision-making, often without their awareness. Through guided self-reflection, discussion, and evidence-based techniques like journaling, mindfulness, and forgiveness practices, the workshop provides a supportive space to identify personal resentments and begin the process of release. Whether stemming from recent conflicts or long-held grievances, the goal is to cultivate emotional freedom and healthier connections with oneself and others.

    • Video – Resentment by A Day to Remember

    • Handout & Discussion - What is Resentment & How to Let Go Of It by Surabhi Kedia, Reviewed by Dr Nereida Gonzalez-Berrios, MD

    • Video - The Real Reason for Forgiveness by Sara Montana

    • Experiential Exercise - 3 Chairs: My resentment - How it feels - Who am I without that resentment?

    • Video – Resentment by Beyonce

10. Anger
Why Manage Anger and What Can I Learn From It?

  • This interactive workshop offers participants practical tools and insights to understand the roots of anger, recognize its early signs, and manage it in healthy, constructive ways. Through group discussions, and self-reflection, attendees will explore the emotional triggers behind their reactions, learn strategies for emotional regulation, and discover how to shift harmful behavior patterns into more mindful, effective responses. The goal is to foster greater self-awareness, improve relationships, and support lasting personal growth.

    • Video - I See Red written by Robbie Nevil, sung by Kristen Cruz

    • Handout & Discussion - Why Manage Anger? by Amy Morin, LCSW

    • Video - How to Get Angry a Lot by schooloflifecom

    • Video - Anger is The Sharp Edge of Pain - PBS interview with Robin Tyler

    • Handout & Discussion - The Value of Anger by Moshe Ratson, MBA, MS, LMFT

    • Video - The Unhealthy Effects of Suppressed Anger & Rage by Dr Gabor Mate’

    • Handout & Discussion - Bad Brains by James Kimmel Jr

    • Video – Volcano in Iceland

Take the First Step Toward Healing… Call today

Whether you're just beginning to ask questions or ready to take action, I am here to help you move from fear and uncertainty to clarity and connection.

530.446.1135