The evolutionary function of the human brain is to ensure our internal well-being and ability to connect to other human beings. Traumatic experiences, however, change the brain’s priorities: the abili ty to process information and engage with our environments is altered. Individuals become afraid to know what they know or to feel what they feel. Worse yet, they become afraid of other human beings, isolating to feel safe but at the cost of connection and comfort.
This workshop will explore how, because of their altered biological systems and rhythms, traumatized individuals can continue to be trapped by their histories long after the events are past. Current experiences and relationships are misinterpreted by the body as a replay of the past with no conscious connection to the trauma. With the help of videotapes, this workshop will explore ways to break the cycles of re-enactment and suffering by befriending inner experience.
We will study the action of the newer therapeutic modalities for trauma, all of which emphasize the neurobiological legacy of trauma: mindfulness, EMDR, yoga, Internal Family Systems Therapy, sensorimotor therapy, theatre work, and neurofeedback. With an understanding of how “the body keeps the score,” we can more easily help children and adults overcome a traumatic past and regain the capacity to be fully alive in the present.
BESSEL VAN DER KOLK, MD, is a clinical psychiatrist who has studied the impact and resolution of trauma on the minds and brains of children and adults since 1982. He is professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and medical director of the Trauma Center in Boston. He is author of the New York Times best seller The Body Keeps the Score. www.besselvanderkolk.com
Full catering is included in your ticket price. There will be two sessions, morning and afternoon, with a 3 course buffet lunch in between. Morning and afternoon teas and coffee will be served during the breaks.
CPD certificates will be available on the final afternoon at the tea break for all registered delegates.
“Thank you organising such a wonderful conference, it was inspirational to see and hear Bessel, and also for you to sponsor it, so well done!”
“Thank you so much for another fascinating workshop! Strong stuff this time,interestingly enough, Whether by choice or chance the sequence of workshops has been perfect inasmuch as it began gently with Jenina ,continued with a crescendo with Dan and then we had an explosion with Bessel. Very interesting and quirky delivery with a good dose of :”cut the crap” attitude on his part. Thank you for the opportunity to experience the brilliance of this man”
“On the whole a brilliant workshop!”
“It was a phenomenal workshop – thank you.”
“Excellent workshop – thank you.”
“More of the similar events please! Thank you for all your efforts.”
“Excellent workshop, the Khiron House staff very helpful. Like the fact it is being recorded, so much to take in!!”
“Brilliant presentations open to researching out of the box.”
“No suggestions – it was just a treat! More yoga + Trauma Workshops please.”
“An excellent workshop!”
“I found the workshop very informative adding to, and deepening my understanding of trauma.”
“Very helpful workshop overall, thank you.”
“Really inspiring material and very good to see Dr Bessel van der Kolk in person.”