Neuroscience-Informed Relational Therapy:Integrating Trauma-Focused and Attachment-Based Models
Presentation Overview:Integrating neuroscience-informed counseling research and practice, an understanding of neurobiological implications of developmental trauma, and attachment-based relational therapies, this seminar will present Neuroscience-Informed Relational Therapy as a holistic model for advanced clinical practice. Specifically, this session will review research on neurobiological processes in family relationships, such as examining bio- and neuro-markers as outcomes in attachment interventions. This session will focus on applying literature on stress response adaptations to systemic and relational therapies such as Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) to enhance conceptualization, assessment, cultural humility, and clinical application skills. Lastly, this session will provide a brief case illustration with opportunities for attendees to apply concepts to their own active cases through independent or small group processes.
SpeakerDr. Cara M. Thompson Dr. Cara M. Thompson (she/her) is an Assistant Professor at UNCP and an LMFT and LMFT/S. Dr. Thompson enjoys building collaborative and interdisciplinary networks of mental health providers within the UNCP communities. Dr. Thompson's clinical work focuses on blending neuroscience-informed counseling with trauma- and relationship-focused therapy. Her research has focused on family therapy in schools, interdisciplinary collaboration, neuroscience-informed relational therapy, and racial disparities in school discipline. |