Trusted by Industry Leaders
Professionals across the country have experienced the value of our training and clinical frameworks firsthand.
These testimonials—from clinicians, educators, and leaders in addiction treatment—reflect the lasting impact of our approach and the power of compassionate, evidence-based care.
Reviews of ‘Beyond Shame’
Thought Leaders
“Addiction is a complex disease…it is a disease of the brain, the body, the family, the social environment, and indeed society itself. As such, there is no one-size fits-all way to treat it…. Georgi’s years of success in treating patients and steady zeal for knowledge shine through on each page…. He unpacks each component with relatable examples, scientific evidence, practical advice, and a focus on the goal—always—of showing us all that addiction is no one’s fault, and that people CAN get better!”
Nicole Schramm-Sapyta, PhD
Associate Professor of the Practice, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
“Very well written and thorough, this treatment of addiction – from its social and psychological underpinnings to treatment approaches – is founded on Georgi’s decades of successful clinical and mentoring work. The breadth of perspective and nuanced description of emerging ideas related to addiction and treatment will be useful for clinicians, educators, families, and patients.”
Scott Swartzwelder, PhD
Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University
Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine
Associate VP for Neuropsychology and Child & Adolescent Services, Avance Care
“In this fascinating book, Jeff Georgi explores one of the most vexing questions about the human condition... Why do we develop addictions and how can clinicians help us recover? Jeff takes readers on a tour of five domains (biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and experiential) that contribute to our behavior, including addictions. When one or more of these domains is a source of strain on the individual -- perhaps due to emotional trauma, physical pain or illness, social isolation, or intense shame -- the odds go up that the person will engage in maladaptive behaviors to cope. Similarly, building healthy pillars -- strong social support, spiritual beliefs, stress reduction skills -- can help free people from addictive behaviors so they can thrive. The book explains how clinicians can use insights from clients to address these five domains in coordinated ways that can free them from addiction.”
Aaron White, PhD
Leader, Epidemiology and Biometry Branch
Senior Scientific Advisor to the NIAAA Director
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Agency Leaders
“We all understand that recovery is more than abstinence. And addiction is more than ingestion of some substance. Treatment is one path from one to the other. Success requires the counselor or therapist to appreciate multiple dimensions in the life and very being of the client. In this book Georgi presents five critical domains in a manner that is both erudite and engaging. …This book is more than a hope or a theory. In SC, the Georgis trained and collaborated with hundreds of counselors over several years to help move clients from addiction to recovery. The lives saved thereby is measurably significant. But the number of lives, families and communities improved is immeasurable. As is my gratitude for his contribution.”
Bob Toomey
Previous Director, Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services of South Carolina
“As Director of a county-wide commission that treats substance use disorders in Conway, SC., Jeff has provided clinical training for my staff for many years. Based on the information contained in his book, these trainings have empowered staff to provide consistent and highly effective treatment services to those suffering from addictive disorders. I highly recommend Jeff's book for any clinician or agency looking to improve treatment quality and effectiveness to a population that remains misunderstood and stigmatized
John Coffin, BSW, MS
Executive Director, Shoreline Behavioral Health Services
“Jeff Georgi has provided a must-read comprehensive overview for anyone in the business of helping individuals with addiction. He has distilled decades of clinical experience to develop a model that professionals and patients alike can understand and relate to. Read this book- and learn from one of the best.”
Ashwin A. Patkar, MD, DFAPA, DFASAM
Chief of Advance Psychiatry; adjunct professor of psychiatry Rush University Medical Center
Feedback on Training Programs
"Jeff introduced an integrated method for treating addiction, incorporating spirituality in recovery through the Spiritual Platform TM. His approach provided clinical spirituality beyond religion and was well-received by staff and patients, who requested his return for future discussions on addiction. Thank you for the great presentations.”
Derek Gwaltney
Chief Marketing Officer
Sabino Recovery, Cypress Lake Recovery & Origins Texas Recovery
“Thank you on behalf of Eastern AHEC for offering Self-Psychology, Attachment Theory, and SUD. We appreciate you sharing your time, knowledge, and expertise on this important topic. Your training was well received, and we are sure it will have a lasting impact on service delivery. Participants found your approach to integrating the bio-psychosocial-spiritual model and attachment theory in treating SUD was practical and thoughtfully applied. As always, AHEC appreciates your training offerings over the years!”
Tonia Joyner, MS, MPA, LCAS
Assistant Director, Mental Health Education
"This exceptional team delivered an outstanding educational presentation designed specifically for professionals and paraprofessionals in the behavioral health workforce. This session delivered a powerful blend of clinical expertise, practical strategies, and compassionate insight. The information was very thorough and relevant for the utilization of the multidisciplinary teams. Dr. Georgi was previously known to this agency from his deep understanding and expert knowledge from research at Duke University. Dr. Jeff and Becky Georgi demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of dual diagnosis, skillfully navigating the intersection of addiction and mental illness with clarity and empathy drawing on personal clinical case scenarios."
Rachel Abshere, MS LPC
CCBHC Project Director, The Guidance Center, Western Arkansas