Speakers

Explore our Speakers Blogs to gain insights, knowledge, and inspiration from experts across various fields. While these individuals are not featured as speakers on our roster, their stories, experiences, and perspectives add tremendous value to our community. Here, we share articles that highlight unique journeys, practical advice, and thought-provoking ideas to help you grow personally and professionally. We invite you to read, learn, and connect with the voices shaping conversations today. For any questions or to learn more about our services, please contact us. We look forward to supporting your goals through meaningful content.

Ann Dowsett Johnston’s Insights on Mental Health and Addictions

Ann Dowsett Johnston Keynote Speaker Profile

Introduction

Ann Dowsett Johnston is a prominent keynote speaker in Canada, award-winning journalist, author, and psychotherapist. Recognized for her expertise in public policy, substance use, mental health, and gender-focused addiction, Ann Dowsett Johnston keynote speaker presentations are trusted by leading organizations across North America. Her lived experience, leadership roles, and ongoing advocacy have established her as a sought-after authority for organizations looking to drive change in addiction recovery, social awareness, and mental health support.

Biography Summary

Ann Dowsett Johnston’s distinguished career is marked by her impact as an author, psychotherapist, journalist, and advocate. As the best-selling author of Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol, she opened new dialogues about women and addiction. Her landmark TEDx Talk, with more than 1.5 million views, highlights her ability to communicate critical, research-supported insights to broad audiences. Ann Dowsett Johnston speaker and keynote addresses consistently integrate her personal journey of recovery, deep understanding of psychological and social determinants, and her groundbreaking work in de-stigmatizing addiction and mental health.

In addition to her writing and speaking, Ann Dowsett Johnston became CEO of a supporting organization for Pine River Institute, an innovative Canadian treatment program for youth experiencing addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. With prior experience as a senior journalist at Maclean’s and vice-principal of McGill University, her ongoing mission remains focused on driving gender-informed healthcare, advocating against stigma, and supporting recovery at both personal and policy levels.

Her remarkable career achievements are underscored by numerous recognitions, such as seven National Magazine Awards, an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University, the Southam Fellowship, and the Atkinson Fellowship. Her story, documented in Canadian and international media, continues to resonate with a diverse audience across Canada and globally.

Speaking Topics & Expertise

1. The Relationship Between Women and Alcohol

This presentation explores the growing challenge of alcohol use among women, investigating psychological, social, and economic drivers. Ann Dowsett Johnston keynote speaker sessions guide organizations to understand gender-specific risk factors and to develop supportive, inclusive solutions for workplace wellness and public health strategy.

2. Destigmatizing Addiction and Mental Health

Ann Dowsett Johnston keynote speaker expertise equips organizations with tools to reduce stigma associated with mental health and addiction. She presents practical ways to create safer, more open environments for disclosures and effective interventions, supporting employees, clients, and communities.

3. Trauma and Recovery: Personal and Professional Lessons

This topic addresses trauma as a root cause of addictive behavior, providing insights into individual recovery and the broader implications for organizational support systems. Ann Dowsett Johnston offers trauma-informed strategies for leadership and HR professionals.

4. Youth Addiction and Mental Health in Canada

As an advocate and leader with Pine River Institute, Ann Dowsett Johnston keynote speaker presentations advance understanding of youth addiction. She discusses effective approaches for early identification, evidence-based intervention, and support frameworks that benefit educators, policymakers, parents, and health organizations.

5. Social Policy and Substance Use: Building Healthier Environments

Focusing on public policy and corporate responsibility, this topic enables organizations to influence alcohol and substance policies for safer workplaces and communities. Ann Dowsett Johnston keynote speaker sessions share actionable pathways to change, emphasizing advocacy, prevention, and education.

Impact & Recognition

Ann Dowsett Johnston has been recognized nationally and internationally for her groundbreaking work in addiction and mental health. Her best-selling book Drink is considered an essential resource on women’s relationship with alcohol. The impact of her TEDx Talk extends to public audiences, clinicians, and policymakers alike, driving widespread discussion and change. Media outlets such as CBC, The Atlantic, The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Washington Post have profiled Ann Dowsett Johnston’s insights on substance use and addiction policy.

The CBC documentary Girl’s Night Out—based on her work—further demonstrates her influence and capacity to spark new conversations about addiction and recovery. Her accolades include seven National Magazine Awards, an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University, a Southam Fellowship, and an Atkinson Fellowship. Ann Dowsett Johnston continues to be a leading figure in both journalism and mental health advocacy.

Media & Appearances

Ann Dowsett Johnston’s expertise has been featured across major news and media platforms, enhancing her reach and credibility as a speaker. Her work has appeared in CBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Guardian, and other authoritative publications. Interviews and features on radio, television, and digital media have amplified her message, while her own TEDx Talk remains a pivotal resource in the public discourse on women, alcohol, and recovery. As a result, Ann Dowsett Johnston speaker invitations remain highly sought-after for conferences, panels, and organizational events.

Related Questions Answered

Who is Ann Dowsett Johnston?
Ann Dowsett Johnston is a Canadian keynote speaker, author, journalist, and psychotherapist specializing in mental health, addiction, and gender-focused substance use issues. She is known for her best-selling book Drink and her work in public policy and advocacy.
What is Ann Dowsett Johnston known for?
Ann Dowsett Johnston is known for her national and international impact as an expert on women and alcohol, for her TEDx Talk on women and drinking, her book Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol, and her leadership in mental health and addiction advocacy.
What is Ann Dowsett Johnston’s background?
Ann Dowsett Johnston has a background as a senior journalist at Maclean’s, vice-principal of McGill University, award-winning author, and practicing psychotherapist. She also serves as CEO for a leading youth addiction support organization in Canada.
What topics does Ann Dowsett Johnston speak on?
Ann Dowsett Johnston keynote speaker topics include women and alcohol, reducing stigma around addiction, trauma and recovery, youth mental health and addiction, and substance use policy for organizations and communities.
Is Ann Dowsett Johnston a good speaker?
Ann Dowsett Johnston is regarded as an insightful, engaging, and impactful keynote speaker. Her lived experience, research, and expertise ensure actionable, memorable presentations for diverse audiences.
Is Ann Dowsett Johnston worth their value?
Ann Dowsett Johnston keynote speaker engagements deliver high value to organizations seeking deep expertise and practical solutions in addiction, mental health, policy, and workplace safety. Attendees consistently highlight the relevance and transformative impact of her insights.
What organizations have booked Ann Dowsett Johnston?
Ann Dowsett Johnston speaker bookings have included healthcare organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, mental health conferences, and private sector employers seeking guidance and leadership in addiction policy and recovery.
Why do organizations book Ann Dowsett Johnston?
Organizations book Ann Dowsett Johnston for her evidence-based approach, practical strategies, and thought leadership in addressing addiction, mental health support, stigma reduction, and recovery frameworks relevant to workplace and community settings.
What is Ann Dowsett Johnston currently working on?
Ann Dowsett Johnston currently leads an organization supporting Pine River Institute, advocating for youth addiction and mental health programming. She remains active as a keynote speaker and is involved in ongoing writing, psychotherapy, and advocacy projects.
What awards or recognition has Ann Dowsett Johnston received?
Ann Dowsett Johnston has received numerous awards, including seven National Magazine Awards, the Southam Fellowship, Atkinson Fellowship, and an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University for her contributions to public dialogue on addiction and mental health.
What is Ann Dowsett Johnston’s background and expertise?
Ann Dowsett Johnston offers expertise as an author, psychotherapist, former high-profile journalist, and addiction policy advocate. Her personal recovery journey and leadership roles inform her guidance to individuals, organizations, and policymakers.
What type of organizations book Ann Dowsett Johnston?
Ann Dowsett Johnston keynote speaker invitations come from hospitals, education boards, corporate employers, non-profits, government departments, treatment centers, and professional associations focused on health, wellness, and workplace safety.
What can attendees expect from Ann Dowsett Johnston’s keynote presentation?
Attendees can expect Ann Dowsett Johnston keynote speaker sessions to be informative, research-driven, and action-oriented with an emphasis on compassion, real-life application, and practical tools for addressing addiction and mental health challenges.
Who has interviewed Ann Dowsett Johnston?
Ann Dowsett Johnston has been interviewed by CBC, The Atlantic, The Guardian, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other leading media, further strengthening her position as a respected subject matter expert.
Ann Dowsett Johnston’s contact information and agent?
To connect with Ann Dowsett Johnston keynote speaker opportunities or for further details, please contact the Speakers Bureau of Canada.
How do I book Ann Dowsett Johnston?
Ann Dowsett Johnston can be booked for speaker engagements, conference keynotes, panels, and bespoke workshops through the Speakers Bureau of Canada. All queries are managed directly and confidentially.
Why book through Speakers Bureau of Canada?
Booking through Speakers Bureau of Canada ensures access to verified keynote speakers like Ann Dowsett Johnston, full support throughout the process, and guaranteed expertise tailored to your organizational requirements. For booking inquiries, visit our contact page.

Books and Media – Noteworthy Accomplishments

Ann Dowsett Johnston is the author of the national best-seller Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol, a transformative work that has shaped public and professional understanding of women’s healthcare and addiction. CBC’s documentary Girl’s Night Out, inspired by her writing, expanded her influence further. Major outlets including CBC, The Atlantic, The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Washington Post have featured her research and advocacy. In journalism, her career includes seven National Magazine Awards, the Southam Fellowship, and the Atkinson Fellowship. She has received a Queen’s University honorary doctorate for her leadership in mental health and public policy. As a psychotherapist and CEO for a Pine River Institute supporting body, she leads crucial initiatives in youth recovery and policy innovation.

Booking Information

For organizations that would benefit from Ann Dowsett Johnston keynote speaker services, presentations, or consulting, the most efficient way to inquire is through the Speakers Bureau of Canada. All requests for booking, availability, and tailored topics are managed directly and professionally. For an introduction, customized keynote program, or further information about Ann Dowsett Johnston speaker opportunities, please contact us here.

Ann Dowsett Johnston speaker services deliver expertise and relevance to organizations across Canada seeking to advance recovery, mental health support, and public policy leadership. Equip your event or workplace with proven strategies from one of Canada’s most respected voices in addiction and health policy. To begin your booking and consultation process, connect with Speakers Bureau of Canada today.

Ann Dowsett Johnston’s Insights on Mental Health and Addictions
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