Brainstorm Intensive

Brainstorm Intensive: A Practical Skill Set for Working with Adolescents and Understanding Adolescent Brain Development 

Full Course Description

Lecture 1: The ESSENCE of Adolescence

Adolescence is an incredible and unique period of life, characterized by significant inner and outer changes. In order to support adolescents most effectively, we can be greatly helped by first comprehending why these shifts occur. In this five-part video lecture, Dr. Siegel dives deeply into the science that underpins the approach to adolescence detailed in his New York Times bestselling book Brainstorm. Throughout this course, you will explore essential aspects of the developing mind, such as:

• The remodeling period of the adolescent brain and how experience shapes the brain
• The latest attachment research and its implications across the lifespan
• Strategies for maintaining presence and resisting reactivity in the face of challenges
• Exercises for developing and teaching mindsight for greater insight and empathy

Not only does this course offer a scientific foundation to better understand the nature of adolescence, but it provides a practical skill set for managing life’s issues with consciousness and compassion.

Program Information

Objectives

1. Determine how genetics, epigenetics, experiences, and our adaptation to experiences shape our development 
2. Identify the evolutionary purpose of the remodeling period of the adolescent brain 
3. Examine the changes that occur in the emotional, social, motivational, memory, appraisal, and reward systems in adolescent development 
4. Analyze the key processes of neuroplasticity 
5. Determine how to take advantage of neuroplasticity to promote well-being

Outline

Lecture 1: The ESSENCE of Adolescence

• Explore the ESSENCE of adolescence–the Emotional Spark, Social Engagement, Novelty-seeking, and Creative Exploration that occurs in this point of development.

Lecture 2: Your Brain

• Dr. Siegel focuses on the critical neurological changes that occur in adolescence and the resulting changes in behavior, internal experience, and challenges to integration.

Lecture 3: Your Attachments

• Learn how early life experiences–and how we make sense of these experiences–influence our mind and future relationships.

Lecture 4: Staying Present Through Changes and Challenges

• Dr. Siegel describes how adolescents and adults can learn to cultivate presence and engage in reflective dialogues to better understand each other and connect.

Lecture 5: Mindsight Tools and Exercises

• Dr. Siegel provides insight and practices to help cultivate mindsight abilities, which can be used in personal and professional contexts.

Target Audience

• Counselors
• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Social Workers
• Psychologists
• Physicians

Lecture 2: Your Brain

Lecture 3: Your Attachments

Lecture 4: Staying Present Through Challenges and Changes

Lecture 5: Mindsight Exercises and Tools