Transform How You Understand, Treat, and Support Addictive Behavior
Whether you’re a counselor, therapist, life coach, consultant, or ministry leader — you’ve seen firsthand how addictions and compulsive behaviors can quietly destroy lives, families, and communities.
But what if you could go beyond symptom management — and instead, address the root causes of addiction with insight, compassion, and practical healing methods that work?
Welcome to St. Paul’s Free University’s 12-Week Course on Addictions and Compulsions, a unique, spiritually grounded, science-informed professional program that brings together modern psychology, behavioral science, and holistic healing principles to empower you to help others transform their lives.
This course is designed for professionals who want to deepen their ability to work with addiction-related challenges in clients or congregants — while earning continuing education units (CEUs) and certification through St. Paul’s Free University.
Addictions and Compulsions: 12-Week Certification Course
A St. Paul’s Free University Professional Development Program with CEU Credit
Addiction is not merely a disease. It’s a response to pain, disconnection, and spiritual imbalance.
From alcohol and drugs to food, shopping, screens, work, and relationships — compulsive behaviors are everywhere, showing up as silent cries for relief and love.
In this 12-week journey, you’ll discover how to:
- Recognize addiction patterns beyond substances — including emotional and behavioral addictions.
- Apply compassionate, nonjudgmental techniques to foster trust and recovery.
- Integrate traditional and alternative modalities for healing the mind, body, and spirit.
- Help clients reconnect to their sense of purpose and rebuild self-worth.
- Identify your own patterns of avoidance, enabling, or burnout as a helper — and transform them into strength.
Who This Course Is For
This certification is designed for:
- Counselors and therapists seeking deeper tools for understanding the psychology of addiction.
- Life coaches and consultants helping clients break free from destructive habits.
- Pastoral counselors, chaplains, and ministers serving those in spiritual or emotional distress.
- Health and wellness professionals wanting to address the emotional root causes behind physical imbalance.
- Anyone ready to help others move from compulsion to connection.
What You’ll Gain
- 🏅 Professional Certification as an Addictions and Compulsions Specialist (ACS) through St. Paul’s Free University.
- 🎓 12 CEUs for continuing education in coaching, counseling, or ministry.
- 💡 A new understanding of addiction as a spiritual, emotional, and neurobiological phenomenon.
- 🧭 Practical frameworks to help clients replace destructive cycles with self-awareness, responsibility, and love.
- 💬 A supportive network of like-minded professionals through our online learning community.
Course Overview
This 12-week course is presented through weekly video lessons, reading materials, reflective exercises, and interactive group discussions. You’ll have access to a certified instructor and lifetime access to the course materials.
Week-by-Week Outline
Week 1: Understanding the Nature of Addiction
- The difference between addiction, dependency, and compulsion
- Modern neuroscience meets spiritual insight
- Recognizing hidden addictions in everyday life
Week 2: Root Causes and Triggers
- Trauma, loneliness, and the pain cycle
- How emotional wounds drive compulsive behaviors
- Techniques to identify root trauma in clients
Week 3: The Cycle of Addiction
- The brain’s reward and punishment systems
- How habit loops form and how to break them
- Introducing mindfulness as an intervention
Week 4: Psychological Frameworks
- Cognitive-behavioral understanding of addiction
- Behavioral modification and reinforcement models
- Case studies and exercises for real-world application
Week 5: Emotional and Energetic Perspectives
- How emotions fuel addiction
- Emotional release techniques for recovery
- Working with energy flow and nervous system regulation
Week 6: Spiritual Dimensions of Addiction
- The soul’s call through compulsion
- Forgiveness, surrender, and reconnection to Source
- Integrating faith or spiritual tools in recovery (non-denominational approach)
Week 7: Family Systems and Co-Dependency
- Understanding enabling behaviors
- Family roles and the “addiction triangle”
- How to guide families toward healthy boundaries
Week 8: Addictive Personalities and Archetypes
- Personality profiles prone to compulsion
- Carolyn Myss’s archetypes and shadow patterns
- Empowering clients to rewrite their story
Week 9: Holistic Healing Modalities
- Nutrition, breathwork, movement, and grounding techniques
- Alternative therapies: Reiki, EFT, sound, and somatic work
- Detoxification for mind, body, and spirit
Week 10: Intervention and Crisis Management
- Recognizing relapse patterns
- Handling high-stakes situations with compassion
- Harm reduction vs. abstinence models
Week 11: The Recovery Journey
- Building new habits and self-identity
- Creating long-term support systems
- The power of purpose and service in healing
Week 12: Certification and Integration
- Client assessment and practice review
- Creating your professional or spiritual recovery program
- Final certification assessment and celebration
Format and Certification Requirements
- Duration: 12 weeks (flexible online pacing)
- Format: Video lessons, downloadable workbooks, quizzes, discussion boards, and final project
- Instructor Feedback: Personalized guidance and mentorship
- Certification: St. Paul’s Free University Addictions and Compulsions Specialist Certificate
- Continuing Education Units: 12 CEUs
Your Instructor
The course is taught by St. Paul’s Free University accredited instructors and contributors, global leaders in holistic education and spiritual development. Each instructor brings a background in counseling, behavioral science, and metaphysical healing — creating a truly integrative experience.
Tuition and Enrollment
Regular Tuition: $3,997
Limited Enrollment Offer: Enroll today and save $1,000
Your Investment: $2,997
Includes:
- Full lifetime access to the course
- Certification and CEUs
- Weekly instructor guidance and student support
- Exclusive membership in the St. Paul’s Free University learning community
Why Choose St. Paul’s Free University
At SPFU, we believe in education that liberates the soul and empowers the professional.
Our programs are designed to elevate your knowledge, compassion, and credibility — helping you serve at a higher level while transforming lives.
We bridge the worlds of science, spirit, and service, creating a safe and empowering environment for those who want to make a difference.
Enroll Now
🎓 Addictions and Compulsions 12-Week Certification Course
🔹 Earn CEUs and Certification
🔹 Online and Self-Paced
🔹 Supportive, Compassionate Learning Environment
👉 [Enroll Now and Save $1,000]
Begin your journey to becoming a certified Addictions and Compulsions Specialist (ACS) through St. Paul’s Free University — and bring new levels of understanding and healing to those you serve.