Prepare to guide the Start from Strength Recovery Experience through EKU’s self-paced online course. For Prevention certification, complete the EKU course and the additional Prevention facilitator training module provided by Start from Strength.
For professionals developing their own practice and organizations investing in behavioral health workforce development, education, and community programs.
Treatment and recovery professionals
Peer support staff
Prevention coordinators
Educators
Youth-serving organizations
Community program leaders
What you will learn
From understanding traits to facilitating growth.
The participant Recovery curriculum contains eight modules and forty lessons. Facilitator training adds 12 modules beyond that participant curriculum, developing these practical skills:
01
Understand the model
Explain the Trait-Based Model of Recovery and recognize balanced and shadow expressions of traits.
02
Guide reflection
Use Trait-Based language to explore behavior, identity, and growth without judgment or labeling.
03
Use assessments responsibly
Administer and interpret Trait-Based assessments within your role, scope, and ethical boundaries.
04
Lead structured groups
Organize sessions, guide discussion, and bring participant guides and workbook activities into practice.
05
Navigate difficult moments
Respond to resistance, discuss relapse narratives, and support psychological safety in the group.
06
Carry the model into practice
Maintain fidelity to the model, document learning, and use outcomes tracking to inform implementation.
Explore the additional 12 facilitator training modules
Foundations of the Trait-Based Model of Recovery
Trait Identification and the Tree of Traits
Self-Leadership and Internal Regulation
Health, Balance, and Embodied Practice
Relational Skills, Boundaries, and Conflict Navigation
Leadership Through Traits
Identity, Shame, and Professional Development
Work, Purpose, and Archetypal Expression
Integration and Strength for the Journey
Foundations of Trait-Based Facilitation
Applied Facilitation Skills
Fidelity, Integrity, and Organizational Implementation
Professional development with purpose
A university certificate. Skills for everyday practice.
Start from Strength is the public experience powered by the Trait-Based Model.
A certificate from EKU
Earn the Trait-Based Facilitator Certificate through EKU upon successful completion of the course requirements.
Learn to guide reflection, structure sessions, and use the model responsibly. Facilitator approval is earned through successful completion of training requirements.
10 CE hours with Recovery
The Recovery specialty is approved by NAADAC for 10 continuing education (CE) hours upon successful completion. Prevention offers specialty certification without CE hours.
CTBT is NAADAC Approved Education Provider #327207, Tier A and Distance Learning Organization. Approval is valid through November 30, 2027. This provider approval is distinct from the EKU-issued certificate.
One foundation. More ways to serve.
Begin with EKU. Add Prevention preparation.
Complete the EKU course for the Trait-Based Facilitator Certificate. If you plan to lead Prevention, also complete the Prevention facilitator training module provided by Start from Strength.
$499 per person · EKU training
Self-paced online learning for the Trait-Based Facilitator Certificate, with required digital materials and your own participant access.
Trait-Based learning and Recovery facilitator preparation
12 facilitator modules beyond the eight-module, forty-lesson participant curriculum
Trait-Based Facilitator Certificate through EKU upon successful completion
Required digital materials and your own participant access
EKU course
Recovery
Prepare to facilitate Trait-Based groups in treatment, recovery, and community settings.
Recovery facilitator training
Certification upon completion of Recovery requirements
10 continuing education (CE) hours approved by NAADAC
Additional preparation
Prevention
After completing the EKU course, complete the additional Prevention facilitator training module provided by Start from Strength to prepare for work with young people and communities.
Additional Prevention facilitator training module
Certification upon completion of Prevention requirements
No continuing education (CE) hours
Completing both specialties awards 10 CE hours total through Recovery. Leadership is a separate EKU certificate offering.
Physical materials are purchased separately unless expressly included in an organizational package.
From enrollment to completion
Your path to certification.
Build your foundation
Study the eight-module, forty-lesson participant Recovery curriculum as part of your preparation.
Complete facilitator training
Work through the additional 12 facilitator modules and complete the EKU course requirements for the Trait-Based Facilitator Certificate.
Add Prevention, if it fits your role
After completing the EKU course, complete the Start from Strength Prevention facilitator training module before leading the Prevention Experience.
For organizations
Invest in the people who carry the work.
Build a shared understanding of the Trait-Based Model across your team. Prepare staff to lead groups, use materials consistently, and support participants with care.
Included training enrollments vary by license package
Plan the EKU course and additional Prevention module for staff roles
Plan participant access and physical materials for your setting
Annual licenses are tiered by the number of people served and add organizational reporting, dashboard access, 24/7 implementation support, and Strength Spark access during the active license. Explore organizational options, or tell us about your participants and staff training needs.
Anyone delivering Start from Strength groups needs to be a trained, approved facilitator in the specialty they deliver. Approval is earned by successfully completing the required training. Enrollment or payment alone does not grant approval.
What does facilitator training include?
EKU’s self-paced course includes required digital materials and your own participant access. Facilitator training adds 12 modules beyond the participant Recovery curriculum. Successful completion earns the Trait-Based Facilitator Certificate through EKU. Prevention certification also requires the additional Start from Strength Prevention facilitator training module. Printed materials and group learner enrollments are separate unless expressly included in your organizational agreement.
How do I add Prevention certification?
Complete the online EKU course first. Start from Strength then provides the additional Prevention facilitator training module. Complete both requirements before facilitating Prevention.
What is included in an organizational license?
Annual licenses are tiered by the number of people served and include participant capacity, facilitator training places, organizational reporting, dashboard access, 24/7 implementation support, and Strength Spark access during the active license. We will confirm training places, participant capacity, materials, and EKU certificate arrangements in your proposal. Explore pilots and annual licenses.
How is training delivered?
EKU training is online and self-paced. Complete the course activities and assessments for the Trait-Based Facilitator Certificate. For Prevention certification, then complete the additional Start from Strength Prevention facilitator training module. Contact us for help planning around your schedule.
Which specialties award continuing education (CE) hours?
Successful completion of the Recovery training requirements awards 10 continuing education (CE) hours approved by NAADAC. Prevention does not award CE hours. Completing both specialties therefore awards 10 CE hours total. CTBT is NAADAC Approved Education Provider #327207, Tier A and Distance Learning Organization, with approval through November 30, 2027. Confirm acceptance with your licensing or certification board.
Is Leadership included?
Leadership is a separate EKU certificate offering and is not included in this facilitator enrollment.
Start with your next step
Develop your skills. Prepare to guide others.
Complete your training, earn the Trait-Based Facilitator Certificate, and prepare to bring the experience to the people you serve.
