Description
This training examines the findings and applications of neurobiological research in ways that are intuitive and applicable to treatment planning and implementation. Every experience we have changes our brains, not just in childhood, but throughout the lifespan. Beginning to understand how this happens gives clinicians powerful tools to support healing in clients. For example, using neurobiological research to develop interventions can support children and youth to engage in treatment, build more trusting relationships, and place trauma into their past, setting them on a path to healing.
The human brain continues to grow and change from birth to death. A lot of development happens in childhood, but brain change never completely stops. No matter at what age trauma or treatment occurs, it impacts the brain. The earlier effective and informed treatment is accessed, the better the outcomes for the individual. This training aims to provide the tools to offer early, informed, and effective treatment planning and implementation.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and describe the specific impacts of trauma and disrupted attachment on children’s neurological development.
- Learn about the resultant impact on children’s physical, emotional, behavioural and cognitive development and functioning.
- Apply knowledge of neurological processes to assess traumatic impact and develop effective treatment plans for implementation.
- Implement specific tools, treatment modalities and therapeutic experiences to engage and provide effective treatment. These treatment options are designed to help children and adolescents shift their neurological development in directions that allow for greater connection, healing, and growth.
Who Should Attend
This training is recommended for clinicians and practitioners who work with children and adolescents who have experienced early trauma or attachment disruptions in their lives. Therapists working with children and adolescents with unexplained dysregulation, oppositional behaviours, and difficulties with trust and attachment will find this training applicable to their work.
Course Dates & Format
There are no scheduled dates for this course at this time.
This is a 6-hour training. This course consists of two 3-hour interactive virtual sessions using Zoom.
Instructor: Niki Gomez-Perales, MSW, RSW
Niki Gomez-Perales is a recognized expert in the areas of children’s mental health, complex trauma, attachment and dissociation. Niki completed her B.S.W. from McMaster University in 1986 and her M.S.W. from the University of Toronto in 1991. She has more than 30 years of experience in the fields of child welfare and children’s mental health. For the past 25 years Niki has worked as a therapist at a Children’s Mental Health clinic in Hamilton Ontario.
Niki has lectured on Complex Trauma and Attachment with the ISST-D, the ESTD, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Association for Training on Trauma and Attachment in Children, Safeguards Training for Children and Adult Services and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She has special interests in the areas of Interpersonal Neurobiology, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Experiencing, Early and Pre-verbal Trauma and Attachment.
Niki has advanced training in EMDR, Clinical Hypnosis, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy. She is an active member and Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation and a winner of the ISSTD 2016 written media award for her book, “Attachment-Focused Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescents: Phase-Oriented Strategies for Addressing Complex Trauma Disorders,” (2015. Routledge).
Training Fee
Group Registration: Save 20% off individual fees with a group registration of 4 or more participants. Download the group registration form HERE.
Continuing Education Information
Licensing boards and professional organizations will grant Continuing Education credits for attendance at their discretion when participants submit the course outline and certificate.
