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• Archive: Faculty:Dr.
• Janene DonarskiDuration:6 Hours 17 MinutesFormat:Audio and VideoCopyright:Apr 28, 2020 Description Manual - Rewire the Anxious Brain (4.6 MB) 88 Pages Available after Purchase Outline Use Neuroscience in the Treatment of AnxietyPositives:We know more about anxiety-based disorders than any other disordersScience gives explanations, evidence, authority, destigmatizes difficultiesConcerns:It can be difficult to explain, answer questionsClients may feel a lack of responsibilityOversimplification is inevitableEnhancing Engagement in TreatmentDon’t neglect the therapeutic relationship!Address the challenges of anxious clientsRemember that strategies are effortfulGuide the process using client’s goalsMaintain motivationNeuroplasticityDefine Neuroplasticity in everyday languageTherapy is about creating a new self”Rewiring” as an accessible concept for changeRe-consolidation: the modification of emotional memoriesIdentify Two Neural Pathways to AnxietyAmygdala – bottom-up triggering of emotion, physicality of anxietyCortex – top-down emotion generation based in cognitionExplain the two pathways to clientsHow anxiety is initiated in each pathway and how pathways influence each otherClient Friendly ExplanationsUse illustrations to create concrete understandingFight/flight/freeze responsesThe “language of the amygdala”Anxiety and the cortexHelp clients recognize the two pathways to anxietyNeuroplasticity in the Amygdala (Essential for all Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, OCD, Depression) Sleep and the amygdalaThe influence of exerciseBreathing techniques to reduce activationRelaxation, meditation, and yoga to modify responsesExposure as opportunities for the amygdala to learnCombatting avoidanceWhen anxiety indicates that the amygdala can learn new responsesPush through anxiety to change the amygdalaNeuroplasticity in the Cortex (Essential for GAD, SAD, OCD, PTSD, Depression) ”Survival of the busiest” principle – strengthen or weaken specific circuitryThe healthy (adaptive) use of worry in the cortex”You can’t erase: You must replace”Recognize and modify the impact of uncertaintyTraining correct uses of distractionLeft hemisphere techniques – cognitive defusion, coping thoughts, fighting anticipationRight hemisphere techniques – imagery, musicMindfulness and anxiety resistancesNeuroplasticity and Medications for Anxiety Disorders, OCD, PTSD, Depression Medication’s effects in the rewiring processThe myth of the chemical imbalanceThe danger of sedating the brain with benzodiazepinesPromoting neuroplasticity with SSRIs, SNRIsThe effectiveness of CBT and medsMoving Beyond Diagnostic Categories to Focus on Anxiety Pathways Anxiety is a component of many diagnoses (depression, substance abuse, etc.)Amygdala – and cortex-based techniques help in other disordersTargeting brain-based symptoms rather than disordersWorry, obsessions, rumination respond to similar cortex-based techniquesPanic, phobic responses, and compulsions respond to amygdala-based techniquesResearch, Risks and LimitationsEmpirical versus clinical and anecdotal evidenceClinical considerations for specific clients and settingsEfficacy of particular interventions may vary Faculty Dr. Janene Donarski, PH.D., L.P., LMSW, CCATP Related seminars and products: 4 FTDC Dr. Janene M. Donarski, PhD, LP, LMSW, CCATP, is a fully Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Master Social Worker who works in counseling therapy as well as psychological testing for mental health issues.
• Dr. Donarski specializes in neuropsychological assessment of children, adolescents, adults and geriatric populations including head injury, organic issues, emotional and complex behavior disorders.
• Dr. Donarski works extensively with anxiety issues including panic, hypervigilance and PTSD.
• She trains others in techniques of relaxation, reduction of fear, and exposure therapies to reduce triggers and symptoms in daily life.