Training for Providers

TRAUMA INFORMING THE 12 STEPS: Empowerment in Substance Use & Addiction Recovery

This program is Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval #: 886865165-6237) for [3] continuing education contact hours.
​
Trainer: Eryca Kasse, LICSW
Founder & Executive Director
CHOICES in Healing & Recovery, Inc.

Clients living with substance use & addiction often have histories of emotional, physical and/or sexual trauma. The 12 Step groups AA and NA are the most widespread and available peer support groups for addiction recovery, though some language of the 12 Steps may be contraindicated for survivors of trauma. This training provides an introduction to broadened definitions of trauma with examples throughout the lifespan and the key principles of Trauma Informed Care by SAMHSA; explores the relationship between unhealed trauma and the development of substance use disorders through an overview of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACES); analyzes language of the 12 steps through a trauma informed lens, offering alternative language options to promote healing empowerment & prevent re-traumatization; and provides resources to refer clients seeking peer support alternatives to 12 step.**

Virtual or In-Person Training Available for Your Organization!
​To learn more or sign up, contact Eryca Kasse, LICSW at  ekasse@choicesihar.org or (202) 540-0713.
**This Training is Not Affiliated with AA, NA or any 12 Step program or entity*

COMMUNITY CEU TRAINING DATES:

Past Trainings:

Wednesday, 9/11/24 @10:00am - 1:00pm
Hosted by: CEYOU Plus
Registration


Tuesday, 4/2/24 @ 10:00am - 1:00pm
Hosted by: CEYOU Plus
Registration

Training Partners:
CE YOU
CEYOU Plus
Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work
NASW DC Chapter

​​

Trainings & Workshops for Peers
(Peers: Individuals with substance use disorder lived experience)

Peer Facilitator Training for CHOICES Trauma Informed 12 Steps Peer Support Group 
Eligibility:
- Personal lived experience with substance use disorder recovery
- Participation in a minimum of (1-2) sessions of CHOICES Trauma Informed 12 Steps Peer Support Group, before the Training.
- Support a continuum of recovery approaches: harm reduction, moderation, abstinence, MAT (Suboxone, Naltrexone, etc.)
Peer Facilitator Training Graduates are empowered to facilitate existing and create new CHOICES Trauma Informed 12 Steps Peer Support Groups !!
Next Training: Sunday, 2/15/26 @ 1:00pm - 3:00pm  
​Flyer and Register Here

Steps or Stepping Stones: CHOICES in Substance Use & Addiction Recovery - Workshop 
Offers the opportunity to share your experiences of the traditional AA & NA 12 steps openly without judgement; explore how some 12 step language may be triggering; learn alternative language options to promote empowerment through the CHOICES Trauma Informed 12 Steps; and explores peer support group alternatives to the traditional 12 steps including trauma informed, feminist, secular/non-spiritual, harm reduction, moderation, yoga, meditation & women's/identity based.
Past Workshop: Saturday, 7/15/23 @ 12:00pm - 1:30pm 
Flyer and Register Here

For more information, contact Eryca Kasse, LICSW at ekasse@choicesihar.org or (202) 540-0713​