How PTSD Takes Hold of the Brain: The Neuroscience Behind Cause and Treatment

Join neuroscience and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) expert, Dr. Janene M. Donarski, and learn how the brain takes hold of PTSD and the successful treatment protocols. In this presentation, Dr. Donarski integrates brain-based strategies for calming the brain with client communication techniques that motivate clients. Dr. Donarski’s approach promotes adherence to treatment protocols and strengthens the therapeutic alliance – which is essential when working with anxious and traumatized clients.

In this webinar, Dr. Donarski will teach participants to understand the difference between cortex-based and amygdala-based trauma and anxiety and apply brain-based strategies for treating PTSD. She will discuss strategies to motivate clients to calm the brain using neuroplasticity and increase client engagement by focusing on changing the brain, not simply decreasing symptoms.

 This 2-hour introductory level web conference is designed to help clinicians:

1. Explain the neurological processes underlying PTSD in a clearly understandable manner.
2. Create client engagement using personalized goals and focusing efforts on using neuroplasticity to make lasting changes in the brain.
3. Recognize the differences between cortex-based and amygdala-based symptoms.
4. Use proven strategies for calming and training the amygdala.
5. Employ proven methods for retraining the cortex to resist rather than ignite anxiety symptoms.
6. Describe how medication can promote or impede neuroplasticity.

Statement of program materials accuracy, utility and risks: Materials that are included in this program may include interventions and modalities that are beyond the authorized practice of mental health professionals. It is consistent with the ethics code of the American Psychological Association and also per the code of ethics developed by the Association of Comprehensive Psychology. Statements within are according to the presenter’s understanding of medical necessity and clinical documentation standards at the time of the presentation. This program discusses strategies for applying the methods taught in a clinically responsible manner, although the presenter may not know how to apply all principles discussed to every situation or person. The body of research surveyed suggests the methods are effective and safe. As a licensed professional, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that are defined in law as beyond the boundaries of practice in accordance with and in compliance with your profession’s standards. As always, however, misapplication of therapeutic interventions with mentally vulnerable populations can lead to harmful outcomes.

Declaration of conflicts of interest and commercial support: None.

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us here.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

2 CE contact hours will be provided by GoodTherapy for attending this web conference in its entirety. To receive CE credit hours for an archived recording, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events are generally considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

GoodTherapy is an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within Counseling Services.

GoodTherapy is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org, provider #1352, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 3/30/2022 – 3/30/2025. Social workers completing this course receive 2 clinical continuing education credits.

GoodTherapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0395. GoodTherapy, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0022 and for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0031.

To receive CE credit hours for an archived event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 12 or 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events generally are considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

If the event is canceled by GoodTherapy, registrants who purchased the event will be notified and the charge for the event will be refunded

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us.

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