The seminar 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