Speaking
Keynote Speaker
Keynote speaker, podcast guest and workshop facilitator. Most talks are available for a lunch (45 minutes), an hour, half-day workshop (4 hours), and a full day or two half-day workshop(s) (8 hours).
My Mission:
My mission is to heal the divisions that exist within us and between us.
I believe that the growing polarization we see in our families, communities, and society is not merely a social or political problem—it is a reflection of a deeper human struggle. The conflicts between men and women, parents and children, generations, races, cultures, beliefs, and identities mirror the internal divisions we carry within ourselves. We reject parts of who we are, and in doing so, we often reject one another.
In a world increasingly defined by “us versus them,” people seek safety and belonging by choosing sides. Yet despite our efforts to create peace through debate, ideology, and separation, true healing remains elusive. Lasting reconciliation cannot occur externally until we begin the work of reconciliation within.
As a therapist, writer, and international speaker, I am dedicated to helping people rediscover a fundamental truth: beneath our differences, we share the same human essence. We are equally worthy, equally vulnerable, and equally longing for connection, understanding, and love.
For more than two decades, I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and communities to understand the roots of human suffering and healing. I have spoken nationally and internationally on topics including the healing of inner trauma, the root causes of addiction, the deeper factors driving the mental health crisis among our youth, relationship dynamics, emotional resilience, and the pathways to lasting personal transformation.
My work is not political. It is human. It is an invitation to move beyond fear, judgment, and separation; to cultivate self-acceptance and compassion; and to build bridges where walls have been erected. My mission is to bring together those who have been taught to stand apart—men and women, parents and children, gay and straight, Black and White, and every person in between—by helping them recognize themselves in one another.
This mission also inspires my current writing project, Marriage We Haven’t Built Yet: Beyond Endurance and Escape. In this forthcoming book, I explore one of humanity’s oldest and most enduring divisions: the divide between men and women. Despite centuries of social evolution and countless attempts at reconciliation, this divide remains largely unresolved. The pendulum continues to swing between opposing extremes, yet genuine understanding and partnership often remain out of reach.
The book asks a fundamental question: What kind of marriage becomes possible when men and women stop viewing one another through the lens of blame, fear, power struggles, and unmet expectations, and instead learn to meet one another as fully human? It offers a vision for partnership that moves beyond endurance and escape toward deeper connection, mutual growth, and authentic intimacy.
In many ways, the healing of marriage reflects the healing our world so desperately needs. When we heal the divisions within ourselves, we create the possibility of healing the divisions between us. And when we remember who we truly are, we no longer need enemies to feel that we belong.
Viktoriya Magid, PhD
Topics are the following:
All You Need is Love:
The elusive concept of self-love and how to effectively teach it to others. In this day and age, it becomes more and more challenging for a clinician to identify and keep up with the numerous new psychotherapy approaches that hit the market. This presentation aims to dispel the myth that a clinician always has to learn new therapeutic techniques. It further discusses each common factor and why they work. And, finally, this talk will aim to train clinicians at delivering the common factors in such a way as to bring the most effective outcomes to their clinical work.
The Happiness Lab:
Learn keys to true happiness that we all have access to. Unlearn unhelpful habits and become who you were meant to be! Discover the secret behind achieving your goals and your true potential. (Ideal for businesses and corporations that wants to empower their employees or customers, for mental health providers and community leaders, for general population). Previously delivered at national conferences and community groups.
Wired to Survive: The impact of early life events and the path to healing
The aftermath of trauma and the path to healing. We’ll discuss the wide range of trauma and the effects it has on us. We’ll learn the difference between childhood and adult trauma, its aftermath, and the cutting-edge, evidenced-based approach to healing. (Ideal for treatment provides or general population). Previously delivered at national conferences and community groups.
Addiction:
Causes, consequences, and interventions. Understand the neurobiology of addiction, de-stigmatize the disease, learn what causes it and various paths to recovery. Previously delivered at national conferences and community groups.
Just Say Know:
Substance use education and prevention. Aimed at children ages 12-17, this talk explains addiction and its causes. Its goal is to delay onset of substance use and prevent substance abuse and addiction, as well as overdoses in teenagers and young adults. Based on evidence- based research, previously delivered to many schools in the Charleston community.
Parenting:
What am I doing wrong?! Become the parent you’ve always wanted to be and raise happy and confident children. Learn what gets in the way of your “natural parent”, and what o ur kids need from us in order to listen and thrive. Previously delivered as a workshop to parents.
Recents Talks, Workshops & More
Psych Congress
San Diego
“Complex PTSD: Navigating Diagnostic Challenges and Advanced Treatment Strategies”
The European Conference on Mental Health, Belgium, Antwerp
“Wired to Survive: The Impact of Early Life Events and the Path to Healing”
Medium with Kim Farrell Podcast
“Expert Insights on Childhood
Confidence”
Lowcountry Mental Health Conference
“Wired to Survive: The impact of early life events and the path to healing”
Not Your Ordinary Parts Podcast
S2 Episode 10: Changing Negative Cycles with Dr. Viktoriya Magid, Clinical Psychologist
PAR Training
"Understanding addiction: from assessment to treatment”
A Look Within: Conversations on Mental Health and Well-Being Podcast
“Supporting the mental health of our children”
INVITED PRESENTATIONS/LECTURES
- Magid, V & Rakesh Jain. (2025, September). Complex PTSD: Navigating Diagnostic Challenges and Advanced Treatment Strategies. Psych Congress, San Diego, CA.
- Magid, V. (2025, September). Wired to Survive: The Impact of Early Life Events and the Path to Healing. The European Conference on Mental Health, Belgium, Antwerp.
- Magid, V. (2024, October). Wired to Survive: The Impact of Early Life Events and the Path to Healing. Workshop for mental health professionals. Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2023, July). Wired to Survive: The Impact of Early Life Events and the Path to Healing. The Lowcountry Mental Health Conference, Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2022, September). Adolescent substance use prevention. Wake Up Carolina. Charleston, SC. Community talk.
Magid, V. (2022, June). Understanding addiction: From assessment to treatment. Psychological Assessment Resources (PAR, Inc). Webinar. - Magid, V. (2022, September). Adolescent substance use prevention. Wake Up Carolina. Charleston, SC. Community talk.
- Magid, V. (2022, June). Understanding addiction: From assessment to treatment. Psychological Assessment Resources (PAR, Inc). Webinar.
- Magid, V. (2016, December). Adolescent substance use: An Update. Judges and Attorneys Annual Seminar. Daniel Island, SC. December.
- Magid, V. (2016, July). Interview with Dr. Invin Yalom. 5h Annual Lowcountry Mental Health Conference, Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2016, March). The dangers of synthetic drugs. Interview aired on Channel 2 News, Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2016, June). Panel Presentation with Q&A: Consequences of Adolescent Substance Abuse and Evidenced Based Treatment Options. 28th Annual Update in Psychiatry: Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2015, June). If it legal, it can’t hurt me: The dangers and warning signs of adolescent-specific substances. 28th Annual Update in Psychiatry: Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2015, July). But it’s all natural! Special considerations in adolescent substance use. 4th Annual Lowcountry Mental Health Conference. Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2015, November). Adolescent substance use and prevention methods. National Public Radio interview aired November, 2015.
- Magid, V. (2015, December). Adolescent substance use and the special role of designer drugs. Judges and Attorneys Annual Seminar. Daniel Island, SC. December.
- Magid, V. (2014, June). Adolescent substance use: Special considerations. 27th Annual Update in Psychiatry: Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Charleston, SC.
- Magd, V. (2015, October). Just Say KNOW: Adolescent substance use prevention. Burke Middle School. Lecture delivered to the 7th, 8th, and 9th classes. Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2015, October). Just Say KNOW: Adolescent substance use prevention. Wando High School. Lecture delivered to the 10th and 11th classes. Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2013, June). Adolescent substance use: Special considerations. 26th Annual Update in Psychiatry.
- Magid, V. (2013, September). Substance use education and prevention. A Four-day Educational Series Workshop for middle school students. Charleston Day School.
- Magid, V. (2012, October). Adolescent substance use: What it is and what to do. Florence Crittenton, Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2012, September). Juvenile alcohol use: Special considerations. Lowcountry Crisis Negotiation Team staff training workshop, Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2012, September). Substance use education and prevention. A Four-day Educational Series Workshop for middle school students. Charleston Day School.
- Magid, V. (2011, January). Substance use education and prevention. Wando High school. Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2011, February). Coping with trauma. We Are Family – a non-profit support organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning (GLBTQ) youth, Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2011, March). Adolescent substance use: What it is and what to do. Children’s Day Treatment Professionals Training, MUSC.
- Magid, V. (2011, May). Adolescent substance use: Education and Prevention. Burke Middle and High School, Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2011, September). Group Education and Therapy within an Inpatient Setting. Lunch and Learn practicum series. Trident Technical College, Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2011, August). Mindfulness as a coping skill. We Are Family – a non-profit support organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning (GLBTQ) youth, Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2011, September). Alcohol: Separating myth from reality. MUSC GSA Alcohol Awareness Month. Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2011, October). Substance use education and prevention. A Four-day Educational Series Workshop for middle school students. Charleston Day School.
- Magid, V. (2010, December). Coping with bullying. We Are Family – a non-profit support organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning (GLBTQ) youth, Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2010, October). Coping with stress. We Are Family – a non-profit support organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning (GLBTQ) youth, Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2010, September). Adolescent substance use: Just say Know. Wando High School, Mount Pleasant, SC.
- Magid, V. (2010, August). Adolescent substance use. Youth Summer Seminar, MUSC.
- Magid, V. (2010, August). Substance abuse in the GLBTQ Youth Community. We Are Family – a non-profit support organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning (GLBTQ) youth, Charleston, SC.
- Magid, V. (2009, October). Reducing stress in daily life and in the workplace. Non-Invasive Diagnostic Services, MUSC.
ACCEPTED PRESENTATIONS – STATE AND NATIONAL
- #Meinzer, M.C., +Kutty, S., & Magid, V. (2016, October). The Adolescent Substance use Skills Education Training Program (ASSET): Development and implementation in an outpatient psychiatry clinic. Poster presented at the 50th annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, New York, New York.
- +Kutty Falls, S. K., Heckman, B.W., Smith, J. P., & Magid, V. (2016, March). Importance of tobacco use assessment within adolescent substance abuse treatment. Poster presented at the 4th annual Collaborative Perspectives on Addiction meeting, San Diego, CA.
- #Tomko, R. & Magid, V. (June, 2015). The UPPS-C Impulsivity scale and its relations with substance use outcomes among treatment-seeking adolescents. Poster presented at the 38rd annual meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism, San Antonio, TX.
- Magid, V., #Pollock, J., Book, S, & Roitzsch, J. (June, 2012). Associations between mental health predictors, drinking motives, and alcohol use severity in adolescents. Poster presented at the 35rdannual meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism, San Franscisco, CA.
- #Pollock, J., Magid, V., Roitzsch, J. (June, 2012). Adolescent personality traits as predictors of alcohol use severity. Poster presented at the 35rd annual meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism, San Franscisco, CA.
- Magid, V. (April, 2011). Adolescent substance use: Special considerations. Evidence based treatment for substance abuse. Symposium conducted at the meeting of The South Carolina Psychological Association, Myrtle Beach, SC.
- Magid, V., O’Malley, A. F., & Miller, P. M. (June, 2010). The effects of substance use outpatient group treatment on self-efficacy: A pilot study. Poster presented at the 33rd annual meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism, San Antonio, TX.
- Magid, V. (2010, October). Adolescent substance use: Causes, consequences, and interventions. Substance Use for College Age Students – Understanding the Basic Science and How That Leads to Effective Implementation of SBIRT. Presentation delivered at the 12th Carolinas Conference on Addiction and Recovery, Chapel Hill, NC.
- Magid, V., Colder, C.R., &TERN. (November, 2008). Prospective relations between stress, negative affect, and alcohol use among college freshmen. Poster presented at the 42th Annual Meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy, Orlando, FL.
- Nowlin, P.R., Magid, V., & Colder, C.R. (November, 2007). Assessing implicit attitudes about alcohol. Poster presented at the 41th Annual Meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy, Philadelphia, PA.
- Magid, V., Colder, C.R., Nowlin, P.R. (July, 2007). Sensitivity to reward and punishment and childhood alcohol use: Laboratory and questionnaire assessment. Poster presented at the 30th annual meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism, Chicago, IL.
- Magid, V. & Colder, C.R. (November, 2006). The UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale: Factor structure and relation to alcohol involvement. Poster presented at the 40th Annual Meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy, Chicago, IL.
- Fite, P.J., Magid, V., Colder, C.R. (March, 2006). The relationship between proactive and reactive aggression and substance use and alcohol-related problems in a college sample. Poster presented at the Biennial Meeting of the Society on Research for Adolescence, San Francisco, CA.
- Magid, V. & MacLean, M.G. (November, 2005). Confirmatory factor analysis of the behavioral disinhibition traits. Poster presented at the 39th Annual Meeting of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy, Washington, DC.
- Magid, V., O’Connor, R.M., Colder, C.R., & MacLean, M.G. (November, 2004). Mediational paths from sensation seeking and impulsivity to alcohol-related problems. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy, New Orleans, Louisiana.
- O’Connor, R. M., Fite, P. J., Stauffacher, K., Nowlin, P., Magid, V., & Colder, C. R. (May, 2004). Children’s implicit attitudes and explicit outcome expectancies of alcohol use. Poster presented at the12th Annual Meeting of the Society for Prevention Research, Quebec City, Quebec.
- Magid, V. & MacLean, M. G. (August, 2002). Comparing which personality traits best predict alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. Poster presented at the 110th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.
Learn to question your mind. Learn to question your thoughts beliefs and opinions.