Workshops That Engage, Educate & Inspire
My Interactive Workshops
I’ve developed over 28 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.
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
“I have never experienced a class remotely like Christopher’s. His style is so unique. His technique is unorthodox. He uses multimedia, videos, music, and props. He himself is thoroughly entertaining. He moves about the room until he finds the person who needs special attention. He sometimes kneels next to that person or calls them to the front, and with razor-sharp focus, helps them. I was witness to many people (including myself) recognizing, moving through, and healing from their trauma. Christopher has a gift. It is an art to have the sensitivity to help this community. He made a real and lasting impact on my recovery. I will be forever grateful to him and his enthusiastic dedication to helping others in this field.”
– Leta G.
21. The Power of Hope
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This workshop centers on the transformative power of hope as a vital force in creating a meaningful life. Unlike a passive wish, hope is active—it requires clarity of purpose, effort, and a determined commitment to change. Participants will explore the difference between hope and wishful thinking, learning how true hope involves setting realistic goals, identifying pathways forward, and sustaining the inner motivation to pursue those goals despite obstacles.
Through shared experiences, inspiring historical examples, guided reflection, and practical tools, the workshop aims to empower individuals to cultivate a hopeful mindset—one rooted in action and possibility—as a foundation for lasting recovery and personal growth.
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Video - NF - “Hope.”
Handout & Discussions - Dan J. Tomasulo, Ph.D. “The Power Of Hope.”
Video - Chan Hellman Ph.D. “The Science And Power Of Hope.”
Video - “The Theory Of Everything.” - Steven Hawkins.
Handout & Discussion - Peg O’Connor, Ph.D. “How To Cope With Dashed Hope.”
Video - Hidden Figures. Video-Kathrine G Johnson, Medal Of Honor Presentation.
Handout & Discussion - Elizabeth Hopper, Ph.D. - “How To Build Hope And A Better Future”
22. Laughter is Good Medicine
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This workshop invites participants to explore the healing power of laughter as a natural, accessible tool for physical, emotional, and social well-being. Through interactive exercises, shared stories, and moments of joyful connection, we’ll discover how laughter reduces stress, boosts immunity, and uplifts mood by releasing endorphins and shifting perspective. Participants will learn how to intentionally incorporate humor and playfulness into daily life, even in the face of challenges, using laughter as a way to build resilience, deepen relationships, and reconnect with the lightness of being.
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Video - Tony Rock - “Alcohol Man.”
Handout & Discussion - By Katie Hunt, Senior Editor, CNN, “ The Science Of Laughter And Why It’s Good For Us.”
Video - Paul Osincuo, “Leading With Laughter.“
Video - Norm Cousins.
Handout & Discussion - Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D. “The Health Benefits of Laughter.”
Video - Sophie Scott, “Why We Should Take Laughter Seriously.”
Video. - Liliana DeLeo, “Laughter Yoga.”
23. Resilience
Finding New Strength & Mental Resilience Skills.
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This workshop focuses on building resilience by freeing ourselves from limiting past narratives and breaking the cycle of learned helplessness and hopelessness. Through guided reflection, discussion, and empowering practices, participants will explore how to release old stories that no longer serve them and reconnect with their inner strength, grit, and determination. By shifting perspective and embracing personal agency, we open the door to renewed hope, greater emotional flexibility, and the ability to face life’s challenges with courage and confidence. This workshop offers a path toward transformation—where resilience becomes not just a response, but a way of being.
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Handout & Discussion - Hara Estroff Marano, Editor - Phycology Today, “Art Of Resilience.”
Video - “Group Resilience.”
Video - Bill Eckstrom - “Why Comfort Will Ruin Your Life.”
Handout & Discussion - Shahram Heshmat Ph.D. “The 8 Key Elements Of Resilience.” -
Video - Dr. Nerurkar - How To Be Resilient.
Handout & Discussion - Edith Grotberg - Cultivate Three Lines.
Video - Asha Philip - “I Run.”
24. How Beliefs Shape Our Actions.
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This workshop explores the profound power of belief and how it shapes the way we see ourselves, relate to others, and make choices—both empowering and limiting. Participants will examine the roots of their core beliefs, how those beliefs influence daily actions and patterns, and how unconscious narratives can either support or sabotage growth. Through reflective open dialogue, we’ll learn how to question and shift outdated or self-limiting beliefs, creating space for new perspectives and possibilities. By intentionally choosing beliefs aligned with our deepest values and aspirations, we begin to unlock the potential to truly live the life we imagine.
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Video - I Believe In You.
Handout & Discussion - Carlos Wallace, “The Science of Belief.”
Video - Tony Robbins, “Power Of Belief.”
Video. “Find Your Greatness.”
Handout & Discussion - Tchiki Davis, MA, Ph.D. - “Positive Mindset: Ways to Develop a Happier Mind.”
Video- Angela Duckworth - “Grit.”
Handout & Discussion - Mindset & Belief Quiz.
Video - Lose Yourself - Eminem
25. Authentic Engagement & Vulnerability.
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This workshop delves into the power of authentic engagement and the transformative strength found in vulnerability. Often misunderstood as weakness, vulnerability is actually a profound source of courage and connection, allowing us to show up fully and honestly in our relationships and in life. Through thoughtful conversation, participants will explore how dropping the masks of perfection and self-protection opens the door to deeper trust, empathy, and meaningful connection. By embracing vulnerability as a strength, we begin to foster genuine engagement—with ourselves and others—and create space for growth, healing, and true belonging.
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Video. - NF, “The Search.”
Handout & Discussion - Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T - “How To Engage Life's Deeper Questions - Uniting Existential And Humanistic Philosophies.”
Handouts & Discussion - Bob Edelstein L.M.F.T., M.F.T “4 Ways to Experience Authentic Engagement.”
Handout & Discussion - Julia Schwab LMFT, “The Power of Vulnerability.”
Video - Einzelganger, “ The Power Of Vulnerability.”
Video. - Gabor Mate’ “Growth & Vulnerability.”
Video. - Berne’ Brown - “Vulnerability.”
26. Intimacy & Attachment Theory
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This workshop explores the dynamics of intimacy through the lens of attachment theory, offering participants a deeper understanding of how early relational experiences shape adult connections. Through guided discussions, and practical tools, attendees explore attachment styles and how these patterns influence communication, emotional availability, and conflict in close relationships. The workshop creates a safe and supportive space for self-reflection and growth, empowering individuals to foster healthier connections and more secure bonds.
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Handout & Discussion - Judy Ho Ph.D - “5 Types of Intimacy You Need To Know.”
Video - School Of Life, ”How To Tell If You're Afraid Of Intimacy.”
Handout & Discussion - Gabrielle Kassel, “Attachment Theory Plays A Role In Relationships.”
Video - Katy Perry - Hot N Cold.
27. The Psychological Benefits of Spirituality
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This workshop explores the powerful connection between spirituality and the recovery journey from substance abuse and mental illness, highlighting how spiritual practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and connection to a higher purpose can foster healing, resilience, and hope. Participants will learn how spirituality provides meaning, inner strength, and community support, while modern science increasingly reaffirms these teachings through research in neuroscience, psychology, and holistic health. By bridging spiritual wisdom with scientific understanding, the workshop offers an integrated path to recovery that nurtures both mind and spirit.
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Handout & Discussion - Dan Bates, Ph.D. “The Psychological Benefits of Spirituality.”
Video - Spritual Mashup.
Handout & Discussion - Andy Tix Ph.D. “Ways People Experience Spirituality.”
Video - “Multiverses And Consciousness - The Hidden Secret That Unites Science And Spirituality.”
Handout & Discussion - Helen Marlo, Ph.D. “Synchronicity and Rethinking 'Evidence-Based' Therapy Healing Often Comes From What Science Can’t Quite Grasp.”
28. The Power Of Gratitude
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This workshop helps participants explore how intentionally noticing and appreciating the good in their lives can create meaningful, long-term change. Through guided reflection, practical exercises, and group discussion, participants learn how gratitude can shift mindset, reduce stress, and strengthen emotional resilience. The workshop highlights how simple daily practices—like journaling, mindful acknowledgement, or expressing thanks—can improve relationships, enhance overall well-being, and promote a more positive outlook. By the end, attendees leave with tools to cultivate gratitude as a powerful habit that supports a happier, healthier life.
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Handout & Discussion - Kendra Cherry MSEd. “Why Toxic Positivity Can Be Harmful”.
Video - Oprah “Practice Gratitude When Times Are Hard”.
Video - Blake Wittman - “Giving In Without Giving Up, A Story About Finding Gratitude Everywhere”.
Handout & Discussion - Kendra Cherry, MSEd. “How To Practice Gratitude”.
Video - Alan Watts “Gratitude Brings Abundance”.
Video - Haley “365 Gratitude Project”.
Video - AGT - Nolan Neal “Never Lost Again”.
29. Understanding Core Values
Discovering Belonging & The Value of Integrity.
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This workshop explores the role of core values in shaping identity, strengthening a sense of belonging, and guiding ethical decision-making. Participants are invited to reflect on what truly matters to them, how shared values create meaningful connections within families, workplaces, and communities, and why integrity is essential for trust and authenticity. The workshop highlights how living in alignment with one’s values fosters confidence, accountability, and purpose, empowering individuals to show up consistently with integrity.
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Handout & Discussion - Mikayla Balk, B.A. “Personal Values And & How To Live By Yours”.
Video - LOTR, “Sméagol Becomes Gollum”.
Video - Brene’ Brown - “Into The Wilderness”.
Handout & Discussion - Jessica Koehler, Ph.D. - “The Integral Role of Integrity”.
Video - “That Little Voice”.
Video - Bob Keiller “Doing Core Values”.
Video - “The Boy With Integrity”.
30. Flow - Workshop In Development
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This workshop explores the transformative power of humility as a grounding force that helps us remain right-sized—neither inflated nor diminished—in how we see ourselves and our place in the world. Participants will examine how humility opens space for deeper self-awareness, a greater respect of the power of addiction, fosters genuine curiosity, and expands the possibilities of learning both within and beyond ourselves. By embracing a posture of openness and interconnectedness, we uncover new ways of engaging with others, embracing uncertainty, and cultivating growth in personal, communal, and global contexts.
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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
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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.