workshops & Presentations

Responding to a Loved One Struggling With Addiction

30 - 75 minute presentation

Addiction is rampant in our culture. It changes the person we care about and we suffer watching this happen. We react in unhealthy ways that cause us, as well as the person affected by addiction, to feel worse. We can’t seem to figure out how to make them better. 

Illustrated with real life personal examples, Lisa’s talk focuses on learning to shift from reacting to responding to a loved one struggling with addiction. This subtle shift becomes a powerful and positive new way of being in relationship. 

Lisa’s book, Transforming to Joy; Responding to My Son’s Struggle With Addiction, provides the foundation for this presentation. 

Responding to a Loved One Struggling With Addiction

Half or Full Day

Addiction is rampant in our culture. It changes the person we care about and we suffer watching this happen. We react in unhealthy ways that cause us, as well as the person affected by addiction, to feel worse. We can’t seem to figure out how to make them better.

Participants in this experiential workshop will gain a deeper understanding of addiction and behaviors connected with it. We will explore what we can and cannot control in this most challenging situation. Developing practical strategies empowers participants to make the shift from reacting to responding to loved ones struggling with addiction.

Lisa’s book, Transforming to Joy; Responding to My Son’s Struggle With Addiction, provides the foundation for this workshop.

Lisa’s experiences with loss are profound. 

From the death of her infant son to the end of life caretaker for both of her parents and later witnessing her son’s struggle with addiction and subsequent death, she’s delved deep into personal grief. Paradoxically, these painful experiences have taught Lisa to live wholeheartedly and have opened pathways to greater joy.

Lisa's professional training and personal experiences have coalesced, allowing her to guide others in approaching loss - physically, mentally, and spiritually - in healthier ways.

She holds master’s degrees in counseling and education.

Moving With Grief 

30 - 75 minute presentation

Going directly to the heart of the suffering we experience witnessing the decline or physical death of someone we care about, Lisa’s talk touches on the types of losses we experience and how our minds and bodies react. 

Moving with grief means we acknowledge and honor the suffering resulting from loss. Ironically, moving with grief softens its painful impact. You will walk away from this presentation with a greater understanding of grief and practical ways to cultivate healing.

Moving With Grief

Half or Full Day

Going directly to the heart of the suffering we experience witnessing the decline or physical death of someone we care about, Lisa’s workshop delves into the types of losses we experience and how our minds and bodies react. Our culture suggests that we ‘get over grief’. Lisa’s approach is to understand, witness, and accept the most challenging experiences of the loss of a loved one.

Participants in this experiential workshop will gain a deeper understanding of their own unique grief process and an appreciation for other people’s process. Practical ways to move with grief - physically, mentally, and spiritually - are explored and provide gentle and authentic healing. Grief doesn’t end, but how we respond to this suffering can, ironically, lead us to deeper happiness.