This e-learning course shows how we can use the brain’s neuroplasticity to modify coping behaviours, even when these appear to be seemingly ‘stuck’ or intractable. Linda helps us identify empirically-validated therapeutic techniques that can be applied across modalities. Specifically, we consider how we can:

• Use body-based tools to help clients reverse the impact of stress and trauma on their nervous system, returning to an inner sense of safety and equilibrium – their natural range of resilience
• Help clients manage disruptive emotions, deepen self-compassion and empathy, and cultivate the positive emotions that work as an antidote for the brain’s negativity bias – the idea is to shift the brain’s default option from survival to learning and growth
• Cultivate the self-awareness and self-appreciation that help clients heal from toxic shame; keep their inner critic in check and recover their inner well-being
• Assist our clients in building their relational skills – reaching out for help, communicating without shame or blame, repairing ruptures and practicing forgiveness
• Help our clients identify dysfunctional patterns of coping and discern new choices of behaviour
• Help our clients apply evidence-based tools for the five factors that predict genuine post-traumatic growth:
  • Acceptance of reality (and the consequences of what happened)
  • Resourcing with family, friends, family and community
  • Recognising the positive in the midst of the difficult; finding the gifts in the mistakes
  • Writing a coherent narrative of events within the larger life story
  • Appreciating the new life that emerges because of the difficulties, not just in spite of them