Melanie Greenberg – 2-Day Comprehensive Training – Applied Neuroscience for Brain Change in the Treatment of Trauma, Anxiety and Stress Disorders

Outline

Utilize Neuroscience in Treatment of Stress and Trauma

• Positives:
  • Science gives authority, evidence, de-stigmatizes mental health problems
  • Motivational boost and Hoffnung for Change
• Concerns:
  • Oversimplification, unrealistic expectations, changing states of Science, self-perception of damaged or different

The Promise of Neuroplasticity

• Discuss neuroplasticity in Everyday language
• Therapy is all about creating a healthier, more resilient brain.
• We are changing beings – don’t have to be stuck in Staggering views of Self
• Teach your brain how to be less stressed-reactive and Triggers
• “Rewiring” As a metaphor for Change
• Change “raw,” From unprocessed memories, to organized narratives

The Brain’s Stress Response

• Hans Selye Historical View
• The brain’s stress response “fight, flight, freeze”
• The triune brain is reptilian-mammalian, and human.
• The amygdala and the Prefrontal cortex
• How the Amygdala “hijacks” the brain into emergency mode

How the Stress The response is spreading throughout the Body

• Neurotransmitters: Epinephrine, norepinephrine and Cortisol
• The HPA axis and Role of Cortisol
• The sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous system
• The dorsovagal “freeze” Response to an unavoidable threat

The Positive and Downside of Stress

• Motivational boost and engagement – “flow”State
• Mental toughness can be created and Future stressors can be overcome
• Chronic stress can trigger an inflammation response.
• Stress and Health risk behaviors such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and overeating are all examples.
• Stress and cellular aging (telomeres)

Traumas – The Effects the Brain

• Cortisol attacks the Hippocampus – Center of narrative memory
• Increased Amygdala Response in Strength
• Impaired anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and Prefrontal cortical function
• Cortisol halts production of BDNF – fewer new brain cells formed
• Link to anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD
• Cognitive rigidity and Inability to take in New information
• Changes in It makes sense of Self and dissociation

Long-Long-term Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

• The ACE Study (Kaiser). and the CDC)
• Addictive and Unhealthy ways of Manage anxiety and other negative emotions
• Mental and physical illness, behavioral problems, PTSD

Explain Neuroscience Concepts for Clients

• Draw pictures and Images
• To be individual the Type of Difficulty (e.g., disengaged or reactive – different brain regions)
• Redirect vs eliminate
• Help client identify and label what’s happening (e.g., freezing, flooding, negative thoughts, rigidity or impulsivity).
• Find strategies to cope for Each type of brain difficulty

Stress-Proofing the Brain – Overview

• Calming the Amygdala – Grounding, mindfulness, self-Understanding control through compassion
• Moving forward the Prefrontal cortex – Cognitive reappraisal, priming positive mindsets andUsing health psychology tools to help you grow, focus and achieve your goals.

Grounding Strategies for Clients who have suffered trauma or attachment injuries

• Present: Yoga, relaxation, breathing-Focus on the moment, and then relax with the Sensibilities, pets, drawing and gardening, walking
• Mental imagery – Safe space, boundaries, energetic times, times they felt strong/competent
• Left-Brain strategies – task focus and engagement

Mindfulness Strategies

• Qualities of Mindfulness is open, nonjudgmental. Fluid, deliberate.
• Observing and Accepting inner experience (thoughts and feelings, sensations)
• Utilize the Sensings to Self-Control
• De-Avoid negative thoughts and fuse them and Self-Images
• How mindfulness can change your life the Brain
• Mindfulness practices: breathing, watching your thoughts, urge surfing, open consciousness
• Application to anxiety and depression, addictions or PTSD

Self-Compassion Strategies

• Self-Kindness, humanity and a focus on unmet need are the foundation of kindness
• Application to anxiety, depression, and stress-management, trauma, insecure attachment
• Link to Schema Therapy: Healthy adult mode
• Practices – Metta meditation, soften, soothe and Dialogues with your inner critic are acceptable

Cognitive Strategies

• Stress: How to manage it and Anxiety can reduce attention and cause cognitive rigidity.
• Depression and Negative
• PTSD and internalized negative appraisals (helpless, unworthy, unsafe etc.)
• Be Worried and Rumination cycles – Link to prefrontal cortex and default mode network
• Why thought suppression doesn’t work
• De-catastrophizing and Probability estimation
• Exposure and Accepting negative thoughts
• Use metaphors (monsters) the Boat, buoyant ball underwater

Positive States are created of Mind to Counter Stress

• How our brains work the negative
• Positive emotions can help with anxiety recovery and Fear
• Anxiety as excitement: Reappraising
• Gratitude diaries
• Commitment, control, and challenge; growth mindset

Living a Healthy Life in the Face of Stress

• Sleep disturbance – behavioral solutions
• Healthy coping strategies – exercise, meditation, yoga
• How to deal with emotional eating