When?
Who Can Participate?
Saturday, 29 November 2025
5:00 – 6:00 PM IST
Online (Zoom)
This webinar is designed for:
Counsellors, psychologists, and therapists working in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Mental Health treatment
Individuals in recovery or early sobriety seeking to deepen their understanding of the 12-Step process
Alumni members and students of ECOLINK UTC programs
Recovery professionals, social workers, and community facilitators
Anyone interested in evidence-based addiction treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, and facilitation
Concept Note
The Ecolink Alumni Association launches a monthly webinar series exploring evidence-based frameworks in addiction recovery through the integration of clinical counselling and 12-Step philosophy.
This November edition introduces Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) — an evidence-based, manual-guided therapeutic approach designed to help individuals engage meaningfully with the AA/NA 12-Step recovery process.
The session focuses on Steps 1, 2, and 3, collectively known as the Foundation Steps, as they form the essential groundwork for clients in treatment settings. These steps represent:
Step 1: Acceptance — Acknowledging powerlessness over addiction and recognizing life's unmanageability
Step 2: Hope — Coming to believe in a power greater than oneself
Step 3: Surrender — Making a decision to turn one's will and life over to the care of a Higher Power (as personally defined)
Together, these steps offer a practical and spiritual framework that clients can internalize during treatment and carry forward as a recovery foundation post-discharge.
Key Features of the Webinar:
Introduction to Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) as a structured, evidence-based counselling model
Practical applications of Steps 1, 2, and 3 in treatment and early recovery settings
Personal reflections from both professional counsellors and individuals in long-term recovery
Integration of clinical psychology with lived recovery experience
Open discussion on prevention, relapse management, and community reintegration through the 12-Step model
Participants will gain a working understanding of how to apply the TSF approach in treatment programs, facilitate clients' engagement with AA/NA principles, and create recovery pathways emphasizing acceptance, hope, surrender, and active involvement in recovery communities.
Speakers
S. Raman Iyer (Lead Speaker)
Addiction and Mental Health Counsellor | Founder of T.A.R.A. Counselling and Intervention Services
Raman is a recovering person in the 12-Step Program with extensive sponsorship and service experience. He holds advanced qualifications in psychotherapy, counselling psychology, and addiction counselling, and is trained in the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC 1–16) through Eco-Link and the Colombo Plan.
Area of Expertise: Counselling, facilitation, prevention program development, and spiritual integration within 12-Step recovery systems.
John A. Smith (Lead Speaker)
Recovery Specialist | Founder of TTK Life and Recovery Strategies
John transitioned from education to full-time addiction counselling in 2004. Since 2012, he has served as a consultant and Clinical Lead across multiple SUD and Mental Health facilities internationally, including treatment centres in Thailand and Correctional Services. He delivers online counselling, training programs, and public seminars globally.
Specialization: Addiction counselling, therapeutic facilitation of the 12-Step process, and personal transformation.
About the ECOLINK UTC Alumni Association
The ECOLINK UTC Alumni Association unites graduates from 13 batches of the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC) on Substance Use Disorders at Ecolink Institute, as well as students from advanced training programs.
Our Mission:
Promote the integration of UTC principles into clinical practice
Host educational webinars and training sessions
Conduct survey studies and research initiatives
Provide psycho-education through digital platforms including a YouTube channel
Support online therapy for SUDs through Addiction Recovery Coach Online (ARCO)
Foster continuous learning and knowledge-sharing among addiction professionals
The Association serves as a vibrant community of practice, bringing together counsellors, therapists, recovery coaches, and professionals committed to advancing evidence-based treatment in the field of substance use disorders.
About Ecolink Institute of Well-being
Ecolink Institute of Well-being is a globally recognized, award-winning education provider and an approved Training Provider of the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme and ISSUP (International Society of Substance Use Professionals).
Our Work:
Training addiction professionals through the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC)
Facilitating ICAP (International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium) credentialing applications
Managing an online therapy platform for mental health and addiction management
Delivering training to over 550 addiction practitioners from 25 countries
Recent Recognition:
Ecolink Institute recently received the prestigious International Award for "Excellence in Training Provision" from ISSUP-Global, recognizing our commitment to the highest quality standards in addiction treatment education.
Our Training Team:
Dr. Thirumagal V (Chief Trainer)
Ms. Aditi Ghanekar
Dr. Damber Nirola
Mr. Francis Moothedan
Ms. Reshma Malick
Dr. Thomas Scaria
With students from over 25 countries, Ecolink Institute continues to lead in providing accessible, evidence-based addiction treatment training globally.
Upcoming Courses
– November - December 2025