Training on Invitation to Change (ITC)

When: Wednesday, June 21 - 11:00 AM

Duration: 4 hours

Location: Zoom

Event Details:

We're inviting you to participate in a 4-hour virtual training of a compassionate and science-backed model for substance use recovery support work.

The Invitation to Change (ITC) is a holistic helping framework based in science and kindness, designed for the families and loved ones of people struggling with substance use. In this training, you’ll be invited to reflect on what it means to help, reimagine the role that supportive people can play in the change process, and learn new evidence-informed strategies that can offer both hope and tools to those struggling.

Built on the three pillars of Understanding, Awareness, and Action, the ITC first illuminates new perspectives on substance use and the process of change; next, it creates a foundation of self-awareness to allow willingness to engage with emotional pain. Finally, it emphasizes action, teaching communication and behavior skills to promote and support new behaviors. Bring powerful evidence-based insights and support tools to your recovery work.

Participants will leave the training with a complete set of ideas and tools to be brought into their recovery support work, as well as a connection to our growing community of clinicians, social workers, researchers, and families who draw from the ITC Approach.

Learning Objectives:

  • To gain a better understanding of the four components of The Invitation to Change Approach: Helping with Understanding; Helping with Awareness; Helping with Action; Practice Practice Practice
  • Understand on a theoretical and practical basis ideas concerning reinforcement, communication, awareness and self-compassion as part of a helping model
  • Have a better understanding of the evidence-based protocols supporting the Invitation to Change Approach
  • Learn the strategies and skills that family members can implement when assisting a loved one with a substance use problem
  • Gain a better understanding of the application of these skills and strategies in clinical and peer-to-peer support settings

4 hours of Continuing Education available to peer advocates who hold a Professional Credential.


Our Trainer

Kenneth Carpenter, PhD is the Director of Training for the Center for Motivation and Change. He is a licensed clinical psychologist and research scientist with over 20 years of experience developing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based motivational and cognitive-behavioral strategies for helping individuals make important lifestyle changes. Dr. Carpenter earned his degree from Hofstra University and completed a three-year postdoctoral research fellowship in the Psychiatric Epidemiology Research Training Program at The Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. He has received federal and private foundation grant money for investigating the psychological, behavioral, and neurobiological factors associated with substance misuse and its treatment. Dr. Carpenter also holds an academic appointment at a NYC based University and is a Research Scientist in the Division on Substance Use Disorders at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. He is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (M.I.N.T).