Addiction rarely occurs alone
People with addiction issues often face anxiety, depression, trauma and relational conflicts at the same time. In 2023, more than 25,000 Danes were in publicly funded alcohol treatment – more than double since 2008.
Further training for professionals · Starts August 2027
HeartDialogue Addiction Therapist Training
An 18-month specialised further training programme for working with people affected by addiction, substance abuse and related trauma – with the human being and the therapeutic relationship as the foundation, not the symptom.
Please note: the training is taught in Danish.
The field calls for professionals who see the whole person
Relapse is the part we often miss
International research shows that 40–60% experience at least one relapse during treatment – as with other chronic conditions. Lasting change requires more than symptom treatment and quick fixes.
The relationship is the foundation
Research into the active elements of psychotherapy points to the therapeutic relationship and alliance as one of the strongest foundations for a good treatment outcome – across methods and diagnoses.
Two parallel journeys throughout the programme
The professional journey (outer)
New knowledge and concrete addiction-therapy competencies: addiction, neurobiology, trauma, relationships, treatment, pharmacology and recovery.
The human journey (inner)
Presence, judgement, listening, relational awareness and therapeutic authenticity: your own development as a professional – with a fixed reflection partner throughout the programme.
Six modules – six movements
The programme moves through six connected modules, each combining an inner (human) and an outer (professional) line of development.
1
Seeing the human being behind the addiction
The HeartDialogue understanding of human beings and addiction. The biological, psychological, social and existential dimensions of addiction. Neurobiology, attachment and trauma. Introduction to the therapeutic relationship and presence.
2
Understanding the nature, dynamics and function of addiction
What is the addiction trying to regulate or protect? The effects of substances on brain and nervous system, reward systems, stress response, trauma and risk factors – combined in the HeartDialogue integrative model of understanding.
3
Creating a healing therapeutic encounter
The therapeutic alliance and relational safety. Contact, presence and active listening. Mentalisation, transference and countertransference. Boundaries, ethics and professional judgement.
4
Supporting change, recovery and relapse prevention
Recovery-oriented practice, motivation and ambivalence. Understanding and preventing relapse. Resource- and solution-focused work, psychoeducation and coping strategies.
5
Developing belonging, direction and life mastery
The importance of relationships for maintaining change. Family, network and community as protective factors. Identity, values, resilience and meaning-making in recovery.
6
Supporting the authentic human being in becoming free
Integration of the whole framework of understanding. Therapeutic identity and professional judgement. Ethics, self-care, supervision and lifelong professional development. Preparation for certification.
Lead trainer
One lead trainer throughout the programme – 40 years with people in crisis, 13 of them specialised in addiction and dual diagnosis
Knud Thorbjørn Hansen is lead trainer, examiner and academically responsible. Certified REG. Psykoterapeut (FaDP), Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapist and Spiritual Integrative Body and Psychotherapist – and a trained social educator specialising in addiction from VIA University College.
Since the mid-1980s he has worked with group processes, teaching and relational work. From 1993 particularly within psychiatry, and since 2013 specialised in addiction treatment, dual diagnoses and trauma treatment – as an addiction consultant in municipal and prison settings, in outpatient and residential treatment, as an addiction therapist and psychological debriefer with Blå Kors (Danish Blue Cross) and as supervisor for institutions.
The cohort is followed by the same lead trainer from the first day of teaching to the final certification. The programme also involves relevant external instructors with specialist knowledge and practical experience.
For whom?
Professionals
Addiction counsellors, social workers, educators, nurses, psychologists and psychotherapists – and other professionals working with addiction in public, private or voluntary settings.
Experience-based applicants
People with their own lived experience of addiction, substance abuse or life close to addiction who wish to turn it into a professional, responsible therapeutic practice.
Admission normally requires a relevant medium-length higher education or at least 5 years of practice experience within the psychosocial field – but the greatest weight is placed on personal and professional motivation, life experience and capacity for reflection. Admission follows an overall assessment and a personal clarification conversation.
Certification
The programme concludes with a certification process in three parts: an individual written in-depth assignment on a topic of your choice, a practice-based live session in front of fellow students, and a professional dialogue with the examiner and an external censor. Upon passing, the HeartDialogue diploma and certification as Misbrugsterapeut (Addiction Therapist) are awarded. The title Misbrugsterapeut is not a protected title.
Practical information
| Duration | Approx. 18 months – 6 teaching modules (year 1), 6-month integration and practice phase, final certification weekend |
|---|---|
| Teaching days | 6 modules of 4 days, Thursday to Sunday (31 hours per module) |
| Supervision | 1 x monthly via Zoom, 2 hours |
| Venue | HeartDialogue House, Nygade 9, 9632 Møldrup (Jutland) |
| Cohort size | 8–14 participants – the cohort starts and finishes together |
| Start | August 2027, with a minimum of 8 enrolled |
| Price | DKK 74,900 |
For workplaces, direct invoicing, a volume discount from the second participant (5%) and partial funding are offered. Deposit DKK 5,000 on admission (deducted from the price). Absence maximum 10% – missed modules can be attended with later cohorts. The language of instruction is Danish.
Voices from Knud's work
"It is now almost 3 years since the seed of my new life was planted. It was easy for me to put my medication away, and meeting you as a therapist was decisive for me – meeting a human being who did not just bring professional knowledge, but who, as I experienced it, was the personification of the message I needed!"
Knud is the most authentic person I know. He is 100% honest, can be truly provocative (to help), but first and foremost he is a person you can trust 100%. He sees you, all of you, and radiates a calm and warmth that makes you dare to be yourself.
Read all testimonials at /udtalelser.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the programme?
Professionals such as addiction counsellors, social workers, educators, nurses, psychologists and psychotherapists – and people with their own lived experience of addiction who wish to turn it into a professional, responsible therapeutic practice. As a rule, a relevant medium-length higher education or at least 5 years of practice experience is expected, but the greatest weight is placed on motivation, life experience and capacity for reflection.
When does the programme start, and how long does it last?
The programme starts in August 2027 (with a minimum of 8 enrolled) and lasts approx. 18 months: six teaching modules of four days in the first year, then a six-month integration and practice phase and a final three-day certification weekend in January 2029.
What does the programme cost?
The price is DKK 74,900. A deposit of DKK 5,000 is paid on admission and is deducted from the programme price. Payment is made in full or via a binding instalment agreement, and there are several options for employer funding, including a volume discount from the second participant.
Will I be certified as an addiction therapist?
Yes. The programme concludes with a certification process: a written in-depth assignment, a practice-based live session and a professional dialogue with the examiner and an external censor. Upon passing, the HeartDialogue diploma and certification as Misbrugsterapeut (Addiction Therapist) are awarded. The title Misbrugsterapeut is not a protected title.
Where does the teaching take place?
HeartDialogue House, Nygade 9, 9632 Møldrup, in the heart of the Limfjord region. There are good accommodation options nearby and limited accommodation in the house at DKK 200 per night. The language of instruction is Danish.
How do I apply?
You send a motivated application describing your motivation, experience and background. Applications are assessed as a whole, and selected candidates are invited to a personal clarification conversation. Admission is decided after the conversation, and upon admission a binding training agreement is entered into.
Read the full programme prospectus
The full 24-page prospectus describes the modules, the two parallel journeys, admission and practical information. See the overview below, and then open the full prospectus.
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Ready to apply? Or do you have questions?
Send a short description of your motivation and background, or call for a non-binding talk about whether the programme is the right next step for you.
