Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association
Date: 4/14/26
Location: The Recovery Village Cherry Hill @ Cooper Hospital
761 Cuthbert Blvd,
(Gymnasium)
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Title of presentation: Beyond the Addiction: Revolutionary Family-Centered Recovery Strategies
Goals/Objectives:
1. Explain why family counseling is essential in SUD Treatment
2. Identify family structures and roles related to SUDs
3. Discuss evidence-based family counseling models
4. Recognize family dynamics that impact recovery outcomes
Name (s), credentials, title, affiliation, and biographical information of presenters pertaining to their background to address the objectives:
Heather Brown, LCSW, LCADC, CCS
Site CEO
2.0 Credits: PDH, CEU’s
9:30 Networking
10:00 Introductions
10:00-12:00 Presentation
12:00 Announcements
Food: Continental Breakfast provided by The Recovery Village at Cooper Hospital
Overview of Training:
This training provides an in-depth examination of the role of family counseling in the assessment and treatment of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). Grounded in family systems theory and evidence-based practice, the course explores how substance misuse affects family structure, roles, communication patterns, and intergenerational functioning. Participants will examine common family dynamics associated with SUDs, including enabling behaviors, boundary disruptions, trauma responses, and patterns of denial, shame, and blame.
The training reviews current, evidence-supported family counseling models used in SUD treatment, including Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT), Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT), and Family Behavior Therapy (FBT). Emphasis is placed on clinical applicability, ethical considerations, and determining when family involvement is appropriate or contraindicated. Participants will also distinguish between family psychoeducation and family therapy and identify how each may be used strategically across levels of care.
Through lecture, guided discussion, and case application, participants will strengthen their ability to assess family systems, recognize risk and protective factors within family environments, and integrate family-based interventions into SUD treatment planning. This training supports clinicians in delivering ethically sound, trauma-informed, and systems-oriented care that enhances treatment engagement, reduces relapse risk, and promotes sustainable recovery outcomes.
CSWE Competency Alignment
Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups
Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups
Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups