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Project Empathy

What is Project Empathy?

Project Empathy is an innovative initiative dedicated to breaking down stigmas surrounding substance use disorders and addiction. Our focus lies in education rooted in the latest research, neuroscience, and best practices.

We are committed to providing
community workshops and training sessions throughout Texas aimed at disseminating precise and invaluable insights for the prevention, intervention, and treatment of substance use disorders. With a special emphasis on youth, we aim to empower the community with knowledge and understanding of this complex issue.

Who is Project Empathy For?

Project Empathy is designed to benefit a wide range of participants, regardless of their experience level with substance use disorders. Our diverse target audience includes:

  • Licensed Professionals
  • Educators and School Staff
  • Legal Professionals
  • Parents
  • Students
  • Community Members

Our program caters to beginners and those with advanced knowledge, ensuring that everyone can actively participate and benefit from the information.

How Long is the Presentation?

The workshop can be adjusted in length, but it is best delivered in a single two hour session. It can be delivered either in-person or virtually, depending on your needs.

What Topics are Covered?

Topics covered in the Project Empathy workshop typically include:

  • Up-to-date data on substance use disorder trends in the US
  • Adolescent-specific trends
  • Treatment accessibility and barriers
  • The presence and dangers of stigma
  • The neuroscience of addiction and the adolescent brain
  • Current models and why they fail
  • Positive Psychology and strength-based approaches
  • The importance and power of empathy

Who Leads Project Empathy?

Drew Dutton, LPC-S, LCDC, ACPS, our distinguished project lead, is at the helm of Project Empathy. Drew has amassed a wealth of expertise with over a decade of direct experience in the field and studies of substance use prevention, intervention, and treatment, with a strong emphasis on adolescent care. He is a recognized innovator in the realm of positive psychology and innovative integration into mental health and addiction practice. His influence extends nationwide, as he provides training and education in the fields of addiction counseling and mental health.

Drew’s expertise and background enable him to construct cutting-edge, well-informed models for the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. He holds a Master’s in Professional Counseling from TCU, a Master’s in Business Administration from Baylor University, and a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Drew also serves as an adjunct professor at TCU and the University of Mary, teaching graduate students in the field of addiction counseling.

Request a Workshop

To bring Project Empathy to your organization, please submit a request form.

Upcoming Project Empathy Workshops

2.12.26 | 35th Texas School Social Workers Conference

University of Texas at Austin – School of Social Work | Austin, TX & Virtual

Join Phoenix House Texas on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 10:20 AM – 11:50 AM at the 35th Texas School Social Workers Conference where Phoenix House Texas' CEO, Drew Dutton, will be presenting Project Empathy: The Neuroscience of Addiction and Positive Psychology Interventions.
Learn More & Register

2.12.26 | 31st Annual Adolescent Health Symposium

University of Wisconsin La Crosse | Virtual

Join Phoenix House Texas virtually on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM at the 31st Annual Adolescent Health Symposium - University of Wisconsin La Crosse where Phoenix House Texas' CEO, Drew Dutton, will be presenting Project Empathy.
Learn More & Register

3.4.26-3.5.26 | 50th Annual Adolescent Symposium of Texas

Mental Health America of Greater Dallas | Plano, TX

Join Phoenix House Texas from Wednesday, March 4, 2026 through Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the 50th Annual Adolescent Symposium of Texas where Phoenix House Texas' CEO, Drew Dutton, will be presenting Project Empathy.
Learn More & Register

3.26.26 | 2nd Annual Linkage to Care Workshop

Harris County Public Health | Houson, TX

Join Phoenix House Texas on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at the 2nd Annual Linkage to Care Workshop hosted by Harris County Public Health where Phoenix House Texas' CEO, Drew Dutton, will be presenting Project Empathy.
Learn More

4.10.26 | Cal Farley's Boys Ranch

Cal Farley's Boys Ranch | Boys Ranch, TX

Phoenix House Texas is grateful to be partnering with Cal Farley's Boys Ranch where Phoenix House Texas' CEO, Drew Dutton, will be presenting Project Empathy.
Learn More About Cal Farley's Boys Ranch

4.11.26 | CCD Counseling

CCD Counseling | Denton, TX

Phoenix House Texas is grateful to be partnering with CCD Counseling where Phoenix House Texas' CEO, Drew Dutton, will be presenting on Positive Psychology & Well-Being.
Learn More About CCD Counseling

5.5.26 | Brain Abouts Symposium

Brain Abouts | Houston, TX

Join Phoenix House Texas on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the Brain Abouts Symposium where Phoenix House Texas' CEO, Drew Dutton, will be presenting The Neuroscience of Addiction.
Learn More About Brain Abouts

5.6.26 | Region 6 Department of Family & Protective Services

Department of Family & Protective Services | Houston, TX

Phoenix House Texas is grateful to be partnering with Region 6 Department of Family & Protective Services where Phoenix House Texas' CEO, Drew Dutton, will be presenting Project Empathy: Reframing Addiction Through Neuroscience and Positive Psychology.
Learn More About Region 6 DFPS

5.29.26 | West Coast Symposium on Addictive Disorders

HMP Global | Palm Springs, CA

Join Phoenix House Texas on Friday, May 29, 2026 at the West Coast Symposium on Addictive Disorders in Palm Springs, CA where Phoenix House Texas' CEO, Drew Dutton, will be presenting Project Empathy: The Neuroscience of Addiction Meets Positive Psychology.
Learn More & Register

6.1.26-6.4.26 | Texas Annual Prevention Providers' Meeting - Charting the Course: Journey to a Healthier Texas

Texas Health & Human Services Commission | San Antonio, TX

Join Phoenix House Texas from June 1, 2026 - June 4, 2026 at the Texas Annual Prevention Providers' Meeting in San Antonio, TX where Phoenix House Texas' CEO, Drew Dutton, will be presenting Project Empathy.
Learn More & Register

6.9.26-6.12.26 | 43rd Annual TNOYS Conference on Services to Youth & Families

Texas Network of Youth Services | Austin, TX

Join Phoenix House Texas from June 9, 2026 - June 12, 2026 at the 43rd Annual TNOYS Conference on Services to Youth & Families in Austin, TX where Phoenix House Texas' CEO, Drew Dutton, will be presenting Project Empathy.
Learn More & Register

8.7.26 | Education Service Center (ESC) Region 8

Education Service Center (ESC) Region 8 | Pittsburgh, TX

Phoenix House Texas is grateful to be partnering with Education Service Center (ESC) Region 8 in Pittsburgh, Texas where Phoenix House Texas' CEO, Drew Dutton, will be presenting Project Empathy.
Learn More about ESC8