Making the brain/body connection: Using brain gym techniques to enhance child EMDR processing

This workshop is a presentation which encompasses the Triune Brain Theory, Educational Kinesiology and recent research on trauma and how it effects brain development and functioning. Information will be presented on the Triune Brain Theory and how “bottom up” processing can block EMDR from working with traumatized children. A description of the energy blockages in the brain and how they can be detected and then eliminated through Brain Gym exercises will comprise the second part of this educational workshop. The difference between hyper arousal and dissociative responses and which brain centers are involved will be explained in order to understand the adaptive, evolutionary response of the brain when the child/adult is experiencing trauma. Throughout the workshop will be experiential Brain Gym exercises. This format is designed to encourage greater understanding of the whole brained effects of the exercises as participants learn these tools. Several other exercises which reduce stress and connect the three levels of the brain for efficient, whole-brained processing will also be incorporated. Several case examples will be shared to illustrate how the Brain Gym exercises become part of the child’s coping resources and eventually facilitate the processing of his/her trauma. Learning Objectives: • The participants will be able to demonstrate and describe the benefits of a Brain Gym Warm Up to create full brain activation and a relaxed processing state. • Participants will be able to describe the Triune Brain Theory and how trauma creates “bottom up” processing instead of “top down” processing. • Participants will be able to demonstrate specific exercises for reducing stress/trauma within the Central Nervous system thus enhancing a child’s sense of safety. • Participants will be able to identify 5 brain/energy imbalances and how they block EMDR processing. • Participants will be able to identify and explain the Brain Gym exercises which correct each of the 5 brain/ body/energy imbalances.

Conference

English

Jan Yordy

Yordy, J. (2013, May). Making the brain/body connection: Using brain gym techniques to enhance child EMDR processing. Presentation at the EMDR Canada Annual Conference, Banff, AB