We will explore how communication engages various brain regions simultaneously—like the prefrontal cortex, Broca’s area, and the auditory and visual processing centres—working in tandem. Understanding this interplay allows us to use communication as a powerful tool:

• To build stronger therapeutic connections
• To foster lasting change and emotional growth in clients

Millions of neurochemical reactions take place in our brains every minute, shaping how we communicate, relate, and build trust with others. Conversational Intelligence (C-IQ) enables us to influence these reactions, giving us the power to change, heal, and grow through the brain’s inherent neuroplasticity.

In this cutting-edge workshop, based upon latest research in neuroscience, we will first explore the neuroscience and physiology of effective speaking and listening, understanding the role of the nervous system and brain in co-regulation to work more effectively. With experiential exercises, simplified brain science, and opportunities to practice, participants will leave with a better understanding of what works and why, and the practical skills to bring these new insights into their clinical work.

Part I: How to Listen and Speak:

How to Listen explores the science of strategic listening and the interpersonal neurobiology occurring when we do this. We all know we are supposed to practice active listening, here we learn why. Research finds that active listening doesn’t just benefit the listener: but the brain of the speaker changes when someone is actively listening to us. We also explore the evolutionary roots of body language and how we interpret it and use it consciously. We learn more about the importance of the insular and prefrontal cortices in perspective-taking and self-regulation, and strategies to activate these brain regions with authentic curiosity to move toward connection and compromise. You will gain practical insights into:

• The Science of Limbic Listening 
• How Active Listening Impacts Everyone
• Body Language and the Brain
• Neurons and the Nuance of our Nonverbals
• The W.A.I.T. Method – Why Am I Talking?
• A Prefrontal Perspective

How to Speak From an evolutionary perspective, there’s a logic to why difficult confrontations, public speaking or opening a negotiation activates the limbic system and fight-or-flight response. How to Speak explores how to regulate our response with evidence-based techniques for calm, confidence and persuasion.

• We will cover confrontations, interpretations, public speaking, the effect of storytelling, metaphor and humour on the brain.
• We will explore the research behind word choice, tone, and emotion to evoke positive brain changes and perspective in speaker and listener alike.
• Research on persuasion teaches us about the science of behaviour change, and introduction to the power of motivational interviewing. We will explore the most effective feedback strategies that elicit nervous system shifts to motivate changes.

In this section, we will focus on:

• Prefrontal Persuasion: Presentations and Pitches
• The Science of Self-Regulation in Speaking
• Beyond the Sh!t Sandwich – The THINK method of Feedback 
• Rewiring Resistance with Stages of Change
• The Insular Cortex: Activating Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
• Hippocampus/Hypothalamus and Using Humour to Move Us
• Word choice, vocabulary and tone

Part II:  How to Coregulate and Collaborate:

As therapists, we understand that co-regulation works on the mutual adaptation between partners in response to each other’s biological (hormonal and nervous system) and behavioural (affective and cognitive) levels and plays a crucial role in the development of self-regulation. Coregulation is dyadic, dynamic, and holistic

How to Agree explores the unconscious ways we connect through co-regulation, to leverage what our nervous system to move everyone toward physiological equilibrium and lasting agreement. With self- and co-regulation practices, we can learn to synchronise our nervous system with others in ways that open and shift perspectives to take safe risks through vulnerability. Shoring up emotional intelligence skills and leveraging our mirror neurons encourages feelings of trust and safety and can generate creative and collaborative solutions to seemingly intractable challenges. You will gain practical insights into:

• Co-regulation – Staying Calm and Present to be a Calming Presence
• Transmitting Trust: Leveraging Mirror Neurons to Connect
• Biohacking Your Body Language: The Four Stances of Compromise
• Listening to Your Heart and Trusting Your Gut, (or at Least the Neurons There)
• A Rational Mind and the Emotional Mind or an Emotional Mind that Rationalises?
• Apologies, Amends and Repairs

Part III: Dealing with the Difficult:

Therapists often face challenging dynamics with clients who exhibit resistance, emotional volatility, or manipulation. A crucial skill is recognizing bad faith actors—those who engage in therapy without genuine intent to change. These individuals may use tactics such as ad hominem attacks, moving the goalposts, or false equivalence to derail progress or maintain control. Understanding these techniques helps protect the integrity of the therapeutic process and prevent burnout.

Equally important is knowing when to walk away from a therapeutic relationship. This is difficult because therapists often fear disrupting an important bond or abandoning a client in need. However, ignoring red flags or persistent resistance can be detrimental to both client and therapist. Trusting your intuition and setting boundaries when progress seems impossible is essential for maintaining ethical practice and self-care.

In a multicultural and neurodiverse world, therapists must also be mindful of how cultural backgrounds and neurodivergent conditions influence communication and therapy. Misunderstandings may arise from cultural differences in emotional expression, while neurodiverse clients may require tailored communication approaches. By fostering inclusivity and adapting to these diverse needs, therapists can create a more effective therapeutic alliance.

Ultimately, dealing with difficult situations requires balancing empathy with boundaries—knowing when to push for change and when to step back to protect the therapeutic process and the therapist’s well-being. You will gain practical insights into:

• Recognizing Bad Faith 
• Dealing with Deadlocks and Difficult People
• Breaking Through Cultural Confusion
• Across the Ages: Connecting with Kids
• A Spectrum of Strategies: The Nuances of Neurodiversity
• How Ethics and Integrity Keep the Brain Healthy and Happy (and vice versa)

By the end of this workshop, you will:

• Have a deep understanding of how neuroscience influences communication and co-regulation in therapy
• Master techniques for effective listening, speaking, and feedback that enhance client outcomes
• Be empowered with practical tools for navigating difficult client relationships and protecting your well-being as a therapist

Learning Objectives:

• Explain how neuroscience influences communication and co-regulation in therapy
• Apply techniques for effective listening, speaking, and feedback that enhance client outcomes
• Apply practical tools for navigating difficult client relationships and protecting your well-being as a therapist

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