402. Harm Reduction for Addiction with Kristin Dempsey

Breaking the cycle of addiction is both possible and challenging, but even just rethinking your relationship with it can be a powerful first step toward change.

Offering an alternative to strict abstinence models is Kristin Dempsey, the author of The Harm Reduction Workbook for Addiction, who invites you to reconsider your approach to addiction, offering a tangible, compassionate, and science-backed method of recovery known as harm reduction. 

Through reflective listening, motivational interviewing, curiosity, and "change talk," Kristin talks to Michael about just a few of these helpful strategies for reassessing your relationship with addictive substances (and even other areas of your life) and navigating change in a way that feels both supportive and sustainable. 

Listen and Learn: 

• How harm reduction and motivational interviewing reshape substance use treatment with compassion
• What changes when someone explores behavior on their own with a workbook versus in live conversation?
• How can Kristin’s workbook also reveal insights about everyday habits and hidden patterns?
• Why do we resist advice, even when we ask for it, and how can choice unlock real change?
• How “change talk” in motivational interviewing helps people move from intention to action
• Using reflective listening to improve your conversations and build stronger, more meaningful connections
• Can curiosity, not problem-solving, unlock deeper conversations and personal growth?
• Why you should support someone struggling with substance use by building a relationship first, not by jumping to advice

Resources: 

• The Harm Reduction Workbook for Addiction: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781648481901 
• Kristen’s social media links:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-dempsey-ed-d-lpcc-lmft-322812a
• Bluesky: ‪@kristind-lmft-lpcc.bsky.social‬
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057356474362. 
• For more on Kristen’s webinars and podcasts, in addition to information about her practice, see here: https://www.kristindempseycounseling.com/
• Order The Harm Reduction Workbook and find free worksheets: https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648481901/the-harm-reduction-workbook-for-addiction/
• Yael’s newsletter on listening

About Kristin Dempsey

Kristin L. Dempsey, EdD, LMFT, LPCC, is a psychotherapist, counselor educator, and trainer. For thirty years, she has supported individuals with exploring their own relationships to substances. She is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and has been privileged to provide motivational interviewing (MI) training to thousands of people in behavioral health, primary care, public health, school, corrections, and human services organizations.

Related Episodes

• 66. Helping People Change Using Motivational Interviewing With Nadine Mastroleo
• 286. Not Drinking Tonight with Amanda White
• 101. The Complete Family Guide to Addiction with Thomas Harrison and Hillary Connery
• 202. The Addiction Inoculation with Jess Lahey
• 135. Power of Empathy and Motivational Interviewing with Stephen Rollnick

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