The Anxious Brain: Neuroscience-informed Treatment of Anxiety, Panic, and Trauma

Anxiety is the primary mental health diagnosis in the United States, with over forty million people engaged in the battle against this disorder. Nearly every person who enters the therapist’s office will experience anxiety at one time or another. For some, it is social and isolating. For some, it escalates to panic. Still for others, it is the result of trauma. Whatever the source, those in helping professions will treat it at some point, or…at all points.

Traditional therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, have been successful in helping people improve. However, the road is long and complex. Unfortunately, many people do not stay in treatment long enough to reap the benefits. Neuroscience-informed treatment can provide a roadmap to health that is more targeted and engaging. As clients understand themselves more, they become more equipped to fight – and win – the war on anxiety.

This dynamic and interactive workshop will help participants learn more about the brain basics and how to explain the complicated relationship between the neurobiology and psychology of anxiety in client-friendly terms, with the goal of reducing shame and increasing engagement. They will gain insight into the whole person and learn novel ways to deal with resistance in others. They may even learn a bit about themselves!

OBJECTIVES:

1. Teach the neurological processes underlying anxiety in a clearly understandable manner.
2. Individualize client engagement using personalized goals and focusing efforts on making lasting changes in the brain.
3. Evaluate the differences between amygdala-based and cortex-based anxiety symptoms.
4. Communicate proven strategies for calming and training the amygdala.
5. Implement proven methods for retraining the cortex to resist anxiety rather than ignite it.
6. Analyze how medication can promote or impede neuroplasticity

OVERVIEW

1. Whole person/Client Relations
2. Neuroscience “Brain Basics”
3. Client-friendly Explanations
4. Amygdala-based Strategies
5. Cortex-based Strategies
6. The Role of Medication

EPDC CE Hours: 6

Presenter: Hannah Smith

Hannah Smith, MA, LMHC, CGP (She/Her), is the founder of Potential Finders Network and is a book author and blog writer, coach/consultant, international board-certified group leader, and nationwide trainer from the Seattle area. She has extensive study and practice in neuroscience- informed clinical treatment and is certified in Interpersonal Neurobiology by the Mindsight Institute. Her experience, both personally and professionally, in the US and abroad, has allowed her to develop multi-modal, culturally competent, cutting-edge & relevant training programs. Hannah guest lectures in academic, clinical, and corporate settings around the US and globally. She has developed an engaging presentation style, making the learning of difficult information both accessible and fun! Her passion is to educate others on practical, whole-person approaches to life with the aim of helping those she works with reach their greatest potential!