Traumatic memories are maintained by neural networks, or group of neurons that fire together. According to Hebb’s law, neurons that fire together will wire together. Most importantly, these neural networks are malleable and when clients recall traumatic memories in a safe context, they can change how these memories are stored in the brain.

As therapists, we foster post traumatic growth when we invite clients to take personal responsibility for the narrative that defines their lives. If their voices are full of disappointment and resignation, we can assist them to revisit their stories until they arrive at satisfactory conclusions that support growth after trauma. This does not mean that they can change what happened in the past. However, they can work through the pain of the past until they find resolutions in the here and now. Healing from trauma does not only involve changes in your brain. It is equally important to attend to the impact of traumatic events on the body. Trauma resolution involves attending to somatic experiences, integrating new movement resources, and releasing traumatic activation from your body.

At this engaging and practical seminar, Dr Arielle Schwartz discusses how therapists can help their clients reclaim their lives – using practical tools that facilitate a strength-based approach to trauma recovery and increased resilience. Specifically, we discuss:

• The role of neuroplasticity in healing trauma
• Identification of resilience and protective factors that can work against the development of PTSD
• How mutual regulation serves as a precursor to self-regulation
• A comprehensive approach to repairing interpersonal trauma
• Description of a 5-stage model for embodiment in trauma treatment
• Recognizing the 6 pillars of resilience and post-traumatic growth