Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., is currently Executive Director of the Gentle Path program at The Meadows in Wickenburg, AZ, and the primary architect of the Gentle Path treatment programs for the treatment of sexual and multiple addictive disorders. He published Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction (1983), the first work designed to help addicts deal with their sexual compulsions and examine the tangled web of trauma, love, addictive sex, resentment and fear often found in family relationships. Dr. Carnes pioneered the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals, which specializes in the Certified Sex Addiction Therapist program. This has evolved into a network of local, regional and residential programs that specialize in this particular work.

Dr. Ralph Carson, Nutritionist and Exercise Physiologist, has been involved in the clinical treatment of obesity, addictions and eating disorders for over 30 years. His unique background in health science and medicine (B.S. from Duke University and B.H.S. from Duke University Medical School) coupled with nutrition and exercise (B.S. from Oakwood College and Ph.D. Auburn University) prepared him to integrate neuropsychobiological intervention and proven psychotherapeutic treatment. Working with Academy Medical Systems, he developed workshops for professional groups throughout the United States on exercise therapy, sports nutrition, eating disorders and childhood obesity. He recently coauthored a popular book on nutrition, lifestyle practices and good health, entitled, Harnessing the Healing Power of Fruits and the soon-to-be released, The Brain Fix: What’s the Matter with Your Gray Matter? Dr. Carson is also an active board member on the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP) and is an in-demand speaker at conferences and workshops nationwide.

Claudia Black, M.S.W., Ph.D. is a renowned author and trainer internationally recognized for her pioneering and contemporary work with family systems and addictive disorders. Since the 1970s, her work has encompassed the impact of addiction on children and adults. She applies models of intervention and treatment related to family violence, multi-addiction, relapse, anger, depression and women’s issues. Dr. Black develops and presents training workshops and seminars to professional audiences in the fields of family service, mental health, addiction and correctional services. She also develops and shares educational resources for clients and families affected by addiction.