Aliya Academy

Educator: Casondra Burkley, LCSW-S, M.Div, LSSGB, ADS

Casondra Burkley is a licensed clinical social worker, ordained minister, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and acudetox specialist with over 18 years of experience in behavioral health and trauma recovery. As the CEO and Founder of C.O.P.E. – Conquering the Obstacles of Painful Experiences, Casondra leads a statewide mental health program in Texas that provides therapy, skills training, and targeted case management services for individuals overcoming trauma, addiction, and systemic barriers.

Her expertise lies in integrating evidence-based trauma therapies like EMDR, clinical process improvement, and emotional intelligence training to create sustainable change for individuals and organizations. Casondra’s programs serve youth in foster care, survivors of abuse, justice-involved individuals, and corporate leaders navigating mental health challenges. She is a published author, speaker, and therapist dedicated to helping people heal what they don’t talk about.

Description: Join us for an engaging and practical webinar exploring how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be integrated into trauma-informed addiction treatment, guided by COPE’s compassionate and evidence-based approach. We’ll begin with a brief grounding exercise and an overview of the session’s goals to set the stage for meaningful learning.

The webinar will introduce the foundations of EMDR, including a brief history, its theoretical basis, and an overview of the therapy’s structured 8-phase model. From there, we’ll examine the powerful connection between trauma and substance use, and how EMDR can be used to reduce cravings, address shame, and prevent relapse, particularly in clients with co-occurring disorders.

Participants will also get an inside look at the therapy in action through a case study and demonstration, featuring sample bilateral stimulation techniques. 

Duration: One Hour

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Educator: Lolita Guarin

The session will include:

• Overview of stress symptoms (physical, mental, emotional)
• Common causes vs. hidden triggers of stress
• Exploration of childhood trauma’s impact on adult behavior
• Practical tools for helping professionals identify triggers and emotional patterns
• Introduction to the CALM Process as a client-friendly stress management tool
• Reflection prompts and grounding strategies therapists can use immediately

Duration: One hour

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Educator: Amy Sohler, LMHC, SUDP, CSAT

Amy Sohler holds active master’s-level independent licenses as a mental health counselor (LMHC), substance use disorder professional (SUDP), and is a certified sex addiction therapist (CSAT), with further certifications in EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).

With over 30 years in the field, she holds two master’s degrees, one from the world-renowned Hazelden-Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. She has provided services at several top-ranked treatment centers, including Hazelden-Betty Ford, The Meadows, and Sierra Tucson. 

Some of her other professional experiences include providing therapy at Rosewood Ranch Center for Eating Disorders, Hotel California, First Nations Recovery, Allina Hospitals, Royal Life Centers, and as the clinical supervisor at The Crisis Clinic of Thurston/Mason Counties and clinical director at Klean Treatment Center. 

She has specialized experience in Native American issues and is well-versed in historical and intergenerational trauma. She has provided mental health services at the Skokomish, Nisqually, and Chehalis Tribes, the Native American program at Royal Life Centers, and First Nations Recovery Center in Minnesota. 

Currently, Amy has a private practice, Liberation Counseling, and is the mental health provider at Sequoia Treatment Centers in Spokane, Washington, and a respected CEU presenter for Aliya Health Group, Advanced Recovery Systems, and Bright Harbor. She also teaches at Grand Canyon University, where she is a Subject Matter Expert in Multicultural Counseling, and a faculty member, and has taught at Northwest Indian College.

Description: Many clients understand the neuroscience of addiction and recovery better than their counselors. As a counselor, it’s imperative to minimally know what your clients do and be able to give your uninformed clients the most legitimate information. 

In this training, participants will learn the essential aspects of neuroscience that their clients may or may not already know, delving into the intricacies of the limbic system and the pleasure-reward pathway and gaining insight into their significance in addiction and recovery. 

Duration: One Hour

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Educator: Julie Brand-Lockshin, CADC-II, ICADC

Julie Brand is an internationally certified addiction counselor, educator, and dynamic speaker with 20 years of professional experience in addiction, trauma, and mental health. Julie has worked with thousands of clients, professionals, youth, and families across the country. Drawing from both professional expertise and deeply personal experiences, Julie specializes in helping professionals understand the lasting impact of ACEs and how trauma-informed care can transform outcomes. Her unique blend of clinical insight, personal story, and heartfelt delivery leaves her audience informed, inspired, and empowered to make a difference.

Description: Understanding a client’s Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is key to effective, trauma-informed addiction treatment. In this session, participants will learn how to accurately administer the ACE questionnaire, interpret scores in a clinical context, and integrate this information into treatment planning. Attendees will also gain practical tools to assess ACEs with empathy, recognize the long-term effects of early trauma, and enhance client engagement and outcomes through a deeper understanding of the root causes of addiction.

Duration: One hour

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Educator: Dr. Dixie Brown

Dr. Dixie Brown, owner of Lotus Healing, is a PhD-level therapist, integrative medicine practitioner, and nutritionist with nearly 20 years of experience in mental health, specializing in trauma, eating disorders, and substance use. She has served as the owner/operator and clinical director of a multi-state treatment program and holds multiple licenses and certifications across the U.S., including in mental health counseling, addiction counseling, clinical supervision, mind-body medicine, integrative nutrition, biofeedback, and wellness coaching. With a strong background in business and leadership, Dixie blends her clinical expertise with entrepreneurship and is also a registered yoga teacher, fitness instructor, and personal trainer—passionately integrating movement and somatic healing into her work.

Description: This training explores the phenomenon of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) and highlights evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions to support individuals in early recovery from substance use disorders. Through an integrative, holistic lens, participants will examine practices including mindfulness, nutrition, yoga, meditation, sound therapy, biofeedback, and nature-based interventions—designed to reduce relapse risk, manage PAWS symptoms, and support sustained healing and self-regulation.

Duration: One hour

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Educator: Dr. Scott Giacomucci, DSW, LCSW, BCD, CGP, FAAETS, TEP

Dr. Scott Giacomucci, DSW, LCSW, BCD, CGP, FAAETS, TEP, is the Director/Founder of the Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy in Media, Pennsylvania and Director of Trauma Services at Mirmont Treatment Center. He teaches trauma-focused psychodrama as an Adjunct Professor & Research Associate at Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and as a Lecturer at University of Pennsylvania’s Doctorate in Clinical Social Work program. He is the author of Social Work, Sociometry, & Psychodrama (Springer Nature, 2021, 500,000+ downloads), Trauma-Informed Principles in Group Therapy, Psychodrama, and Organizations (Routledge, 2023), along with multiple research studies, articles, and book chapters. Scott is recognized as a Certified Consultant in EMDR, a Board-Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD), and a Fellow of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (FAAETS). His YouTube channel has over 400 free educational videos and reaches thousands of daily viewers.

He has served two elected terms on the Executive Council of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy & Psychodrama (ASGPP), was a founding member of the Sociatry & Social Justice Committee, and currently co-chairs the Research Committee. Furthermore, he serves on the board of the Philadelphia Area Group Psychotherapy Society and the Trauma & Disaster Task Force of the International Association of Group Psychotherapy. He is Co-Chief-Editor of the Journal of Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy, Co-Chief-Editor of an international book series – Psychodrama in Counselling, Coaching, and Education, and served as book co-editor of Psychodrama in Education (2025) and Autobiography of a Genius (2019) by Jacob Moreno, the founder of psychodrama. Scott regularly presents at local/global events and has received various awards/recognition for his work.

Description: This experiential, introductory workshop explores the transformative power of psychodrama in the treatment of addiction and trauma. Rooted in the principles of spontaneity, creativity, and human connection, psychodrama offers a unique action-based approach to healing that goes beyond talk therapy. The power of corrective emotional experiences will be discussed. 

Participants will engage in sociometric warm-ups, action techniques, and a short psychodrama demonstration to deepen their understanding of group process, role theory, and the psychodramatic process. Grounded in clinical theory and supported by research, this training is ideal for clinicians looking to expand their toolbox with embodied interventions that meet clients where words fall short.

Duration: 1.5 hour

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Educators:  Michael Anthony, LCSW; Master Shahar Kovetz

Michael Anthony LCSW

As a private practice therapist with years of experience working face-to-face with individuals and couples both in person and virtually, Michael enjoys creating safe spaces where clients feel comfortable and supported in reaching their goals. His passions include diminishing the stigma that exists for men in the mental health space; helping clients work through trauma via EMDR; and incorporating movement and eastern philosophy into evidence-based therapy practices

He is a big believer in supporting one’s community and has over a decade of additional experience in the mental health field, serving people with disabilities and neurodiverse needs, at-risk youth, and under-resourced community members by partnering with nonprofits. Before his therapeutic journey, he spent time playing in a touring band. Currently, he has an interest in live music and is dedicated to martial arts practice.

Master Shahar Kovetz

With over two decades of dedication to Tai Chi and Qi Gong, Master Shahar has immersed himself in the mastery and teaching of these profound arts. His journey began at the young age of 11, guided by some of the most revered masters in the lineage, including Grandmaster Yaron Benyamini, Master Tal Rejoan, Master Amin, Master Yang He Fa, Master Ma Hong, and Master Fu Jin Jian—tracing back to the legendary teachings of Chen Fa Ke. This deep lineage has shaped his understanding that Tai Chi and Qi Gong are not merely movement practices but profound pathways to inner peace, resilience, and harmony with nature.

As a teacher, Shahar brings a dynamic and transformative approach to these ancient arts, weaving together movement, breath, and meditation to restore balance, cultivate energy, and foster mental clarity. His teachings have empowered countless individuals to reconnect with their inner strength, overcome personal obstacles, and embrace a life of deep peace and well-being.

What sets Shahar apart is his ability to blend profound wisdom with a light-hearted, accessible teaching style. He believes that deep transformation does not have to be rigid or serious—it can be approached with joy, curiosity, and ease. His expertise extends beyond Tai Chi and Qi Gong, integrating the wisdom of Taoist principles with his experience as a mindset coach, where he has helped individuals break free from self-doubt and limiting beliefs.

Shahar’s understanding of resilience and human nature runs deep. As a former special unit soldier, he has witnessed both the external and internal battles that shape us. This experience has fueled his commitment to guiding others toward harnessing their inner power, not through force, but through flow. His approach reflects the essence of a true spiritual warrior: cultivating strength from within, aligning with the natural rhythms of life, and transforming struggle into harmony.

Through his teachings, Master Shahar opens the door to the timeless wisdom of Tai Chi and Qi Gong, offering tools to ground the mind, cultivate inner peace, and move through life with clarity, strength, and effortless flow.

Session Description: This training will assist in learning about where energy and emotions are stored within the body of both the client andthe  provider.  

As therapists are conduits of healing, it is important to not only understand how your client may be experiencing emotions, but also how you are as well.  Through this course, we will examine the languages of the mind versus the body as well as the importance of self-care as a provider.

Duration: 1 Hour

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