Session Full
Presented by James McGregor
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is among the most widely researched and practised therapeutic approaches for people seeking treatment for alcohol and other drugs (AOD). CBT is highly effective in supporting people to identify and understand unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour, and then to make positive changes to these. The ways that CBT is utilised have changed over the decades, with current approaches expanding the focus to seamlessly blend traditional CBT principles with concepts of mindfulness, acceptance, compassion, metacognition and therapeutic relationship dynamics.
In this workshop, we will cover a range of techniques and interventions to support people to make sustained changes in their lives, whether directly for AOD use or other areas of life. This will include the knowledge and skills to raise awareness of unhelpful thinking patterns and to foster an environment that encourages positive changes in behaviour. This will be a practical and interactive workshop where you will be introduced to a range of tools and relapse prevention strategies which you can use collaboratively with people in recovery-oriented practice.
This will be a practical and interactive workshop where you will be introduced to a range of tools, worksheets and Relapse Prevention Strategies that you can use collaboratively with your client to promote a recovery-oriented practice.
About James
James McGregor has over 15 years experience working in clinical AOD programs, both individual and group-based programs, as well as leading education and training programs for staff and consumers. He holds a Masters of Social Work, a Graduate Diploma in Narrative Therapy, and a Diploma of Leadership & Management.
Who should attend?
State-funded AOD workers new to their role and/or those looking to refresh and update existing knowledge.
Eligibility Criteria
This workshop is only available to staff who are working in a Victorian State-funded AOD organisation.
Date: Tuesday 30th June 2026
Time: 9:30am – 4:00pm
Venue: Turning Point, Level 1, Training Rooms – 110 Church St, Richmond 3121
Cost: Free
Date: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Time: 9.30AM – 4:30PM
Location: In person at Orygen – Parkville VIC 3052
*catering will be provided
Description:
Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, with a typical onset before 12 years of age. It can significantly impact a young person’s participation in life, school and community. ADHD can increase the risk of harmful substance use, and AOD dependence, particularly if someone’s ADHD has been undiagnosed or not treated.
This training is designed for AOD workers who want to deepen their understanding of ADHD, and build confidence in responding to co-occurring substance use.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Describe the core symptoms, subtypes, and developmental course of ADHD in young people.
- Understand the prevalence and patterns of co-occurring ADHD and substance use problems among young people
- Describe the role of medication in treating ADHD and the evidence regarding their safety and effectiveness in individuals with co-occurring substance use.
- Apply evidence-based psychological and behavioral interventions for ADHD and co-occurring substance use
Eligibility Criteria
This training is open to people working in AOD-specific roles in publicly funded services (i.e. AOD, mental health locals).
Who is not eligible?
Students on placement or internships, workers outside of Victoria, workers not in an AOD-specific role.
Terms & Conditions
Please cancel your registration at least 24 hours before and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist.
Click to book a ticket
2-day workshop:
Day 1: Wednesday, 14 October 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Day 2: Thursday, 15 October 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Catholic Leadership Centre – 576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002 (read more about travel contribution)
Cost: $80 + booking fee
Description:
Co-occurring mental health issues are the norm rather than the exception among people seeking alcohol and other drug treatment. Across this 2-day workshop you will learn how to adapt and expand your existing alcohol and other drug treatment skills to assist your clients with managing mental health symptoms.
Deepen your understanding of co-occurring mental health and alcohol and other drug issues and build your knowledge, confidence and skills to better understand clients’ needs, respond effectively, and adapt treatment. Find out what you need to know about the different co-occurring conditions you may encounter and how to effectively incorporate best practice responses into your treatment.
Learning outcomes
- Recognise and understand the common mental health conditions in alcohol and other drug treatment
- Undertake a thorough assessment and develop an integrated case formulation to guide your practice
- Apply a range of alcohol and other drug treatment skills to working with clients with co-occurring mental health conditions
- Learn how to respond therapeutically and effectively within the bounds of the alcohol and other drug treatment setting
Eligibility Criteria
This training is open to people working in AOD-specific roles in publicly funded services (i.e. AOD, mental health locals).
Who is not eligible?
Students on placement or internships, workers outside of Victoria, workers not in an AOD-specific role.
Terms & Conditions
If you cannot attend, cancel your registration and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist. Refunds available only up to 1 day before event.
This is a paid event. Click here to register
2-day workshop:
Day 1: Wednesday, 11 March 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Day 2: Thursday, 12 March 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Monash College City Campus – 750 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008(read more about travel contribution)
Cost: $80 + booking fee
Description:
Co-occurring mental health issues are the norm rather than the exception among people seeking alcohol and other drug treatment. Across this 2-day workshop you will learn how to adapt and expand your existing alcohol and other drug treatment skills to assist your clients with managing mental health symptoms.
Deepen your understanding of co-occurring mental health and alcohol and other drug issues and build your knowledge, confidence and skills to better understand clients’ needs, respond effectively, and adapt treatment. Find out what you need to know about the different co-occurring conditions you may encounter and how to effectively incorporate best practice responses into your treatment.
Learning outcomes
- Recognise and understand the common mental health conditions in alcohol and other drug treatment
- Undertake a thorough assessment and develop an integrated case formulation to guide your practice
- Apply a range of alcohol and other drug treatment skills to working with clients with co-occurring mental health conditions
- Learn how to respond therapeutically and effectively within the bounds of the alcohol and other drug treatment setting
Eligibility Criteria
This training is open to workers employed in a Victorian State-funded Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service only.
Who is not eligible?
Students on placement or internships, workers from other community sectors such as family violence, homelessness, mental health, and AOD workers outside of Victoria.
Terms & Conditions
Refunds are available up to 7 days prior to the event. Please email elevate@vaada.org.au if you can no longer attend.
Date: Thursday, 12 February 2026
Time: 9.30AM – 4:30PM
Location: Online
Description:
Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, with a typical onset before 12 years of age. It can significantly impact a young person’s participation in life, school and community. ADHD can increase the risk of harmful substance use, and AOD dependence, particularly if someone’s ADHD has been undiagnosed or not treated.
This training is designed for AOD workers who want to deepen their understanding of ADHD, and build confidence in responding to co-occurring substance use.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Describe the core symptoms, subtypes, and developmental course of ADHD in young people.
- Understand the prevalence and patterns of co-occurring ADHD and substance use problems among young people
- Describe the role of medication in treating ADHD and the evidence regarding their safety and effectiveness in individuals with co-occurring substance use.
- Apply evidence-based psychological and behavioral interventions for ADHD and co-occurring substance use
Eligibility Criteria
This training has been funded for workers employed in a Victorian State-funded Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service.
Who is not eligible?
Students on placement or internships, workers from other community sectors such as Family Violence, Homelessness and Mental Health and AOD workers outside of Victoria.
Terms & Conditions
Please cancel your registration at least 24 hours before and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist.
Sold out. Registrations have closed.
*This is a paid event*
2-day workshop:
Day 1: Wednesday, 27th August 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Day 2: Thursday, 28th August 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Catholic Leadership Centre – 576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002 (read more about travel contribution)
Cost: $80 + booking fee
CLICK HERE TO BOOK
Description:
Co-occurring mental health issues are the norm rather than the exception among people seeking alcohol and other drug treatment. Across this 2-day workshop you will learn how to adapt and expand your existing alcohol and other drug treatment skills to assist your clients with managing mental health symptoms.
Deepen your understanding of co-occurring mental health and alcohol and other drug issues and build your knowledge, confidence and skills to better understand clients’ needs, respond effectively, and adapt treatment. Find out what you need to know about the different co-occurring conditions you may encounter and how to effectively incorporate best practice responses into your treatment.
Learning outcomes
- Recognise and understand the common mental health conditions in alcohol and other drug treatment
- Undertake a thorough assessment and develop an integrated case formulation to guide your practice
- Apply a range of alcohol and other drug treatment skills to working with clients with co-occurring mental health conditions
- Learn how to respond therapeutically and effectively within the bounds of the alcohol and other drug treatment setting
Eligibility Criteria
This training has been funded for workers employed in a Victorian State-funded Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service, including Peer and LLE workers.
Who is not eligible?
Students on placement or internships, workers from other community sectors such as family violence, homelessness, mental health, and AOD workers outside of Victoria.
Terms & Conditions
Please ensure you have clearance from your line manager to attend. If you cannot attend, cancel your registration and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist. Refunds available only up to 1 day before event.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK
Sold out. Registrations have closed.
*This is a paid event*
2-day workshop:
Day 1: Wednesday, 27th August 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Day 2: Thursday, 28th August 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Catholic Leadership Centre – 576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002 (read more about travel contribution)
Cost: $80 + booking fee
CLICK HERE TO BOOK
Description:
Co-occurring mental health issues are the norm rather than the exception among people seeking alcohol and other drug treatment. Across this 2-day workshop you will learn how to adapt and expand your existing alcohol and other drug treatment skills to assist your clients with managing mental health symptoms.
Deepen your understanding of co-occurring mental health and alcohol and other drug issues and build your knowledge, confidence and skills to better understand clients’ needs, respond effectively, and adapt treatment. Find out what you need to know about the different co-occurring conditions you may encounter and how to effectively incorporate best practice responses into your treatment.
Learning outcomes
- Recognise and understand the common mental health conditions in alcohol and other drug treatment
- Undertake a thorough assessment and develop an integrated case formulation to guide your practice
- Apply a range of alcohol and other drug treatment skills to working with clients with co-occurring mental health conditions
- Learn how to respond therapeutically and effectively within the bounds of the alcohol and other drug treatment setting
Eligibility Criteria
This training has been funded for workers employed in a Victorian State-funded Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service, including Peer and LLE workers.
Who is not eligible?
Students on placement or internships, workers from other community sectors such as family violence, homelessness, mental health, and AOD workers outside of Victoria.
Terms & Conditions
Please ensure you have clearance from your line manager to attend. If you cannot attend, cancel your registration and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist. Refunds available only up to 1 day before event.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK
Dates:
Day 1: Monday 19th May 2025 @ 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Day 2: Monday 26th May 2025 @ 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Online
Description:
Co-occurring mental health issues are the norm rather than the exception among people seeking alcohol and other drug treatment. Across this 2-day workshop you will learn how to adapt and expand your existing alcohol and other drug treatment skills to assist your clients with managing mental health symptoms.
Deepen your understanding of co-occurring mental health and alcohol and other drug issues and build your knowledge, confidence and skills to better understand clients’ needs, respond effectively, and adapt treatment. Find out what you need to know about the different co-occurring conditions you may encounter and how to effectively incorporate best practice responses into your treatment.
Key learning outcomes:
- Recognise and understand the common mental health conditions in alcohol and other drug treatment
- Undertake a thorough assessment and develop an integrated case formulation to guide your practice
- Apply a range of alcohol and other drug treatment skills to working with clients with co-occurring mental health conditions
- Learn how to respond therapeutically and effectively within the bounds of the alcohol and other drug treatment setting
Eligibility Criteria
This training has been funded for workers employed in a Victorian State-funded Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service.
Who is not eligible?
Students on placement or internships, workers from other community sectors such as Family Violence, Homelessness and Mental Health and AOD workers outside of Victoria.
Terms & Conditions
Please ensure you have clearance from your line manager to attend. If you cannot attend, cancel your registration and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist.
Dates:
Day 1: Monday 19th May 2025 @ 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Day 2: Monday 26th May 2025 @ 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Online
Description:
Co-occurring mental health issues are the norm rather than the exception among people seeking alcohol and other drug treatment. Across this 2-day workshop you will learn how to adapt and expand your existing alcohol and other drug treatment skills to assist your clients with managing mental health symptoms.
Deepen your understanding of co-occurring mental health and alcohol and other drug issues and build your knowledge, confidence and skills to better understand clients’ needs, respond effectively, and adapt treatment. Find out what you need to know about the different co-occurring conditions you may encounter and how to effectively incorporate best practice responses into your treatment.
Key learning outcomes:
- Recognise and understand the common mental health conditions in alcohol and other drug treatment
- Undertake a thorough assessment and develop an integrated case formulation to guide your practice
- Apply a range of alcohol and other drug treatment skills to working with clients with co-occurring mental health conditions
- Learn how to respond therapeutically and effectively within the bounds of the alcohol and other drug treatment setting
Eligibility Criteria
This training has been funded for workers employed in a Victorian State-funded Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service.
Who is not eligible?
Students on placement or internships, workers from other community sectors such as Family Violence, Homelessness and Mental Health and AOD workers outside of Victoria.
Terms & Conditions
Please ensure you have clearance from your line manager to attend. If you cannot attend, cancel your registration and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist.
