Name
W02 - The Neuroscience of Addiction: How the Brain Can Be Transformed by Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence to Overcome Shame and Trauma (1.5 CE)
Date & Time
Thursday, October 12, 2017, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Description
 
In this interactive, experiential session, we will explore the concept of plasticity and how meditation, mindfulness and emotional intelligence can change the structure of the brain. It takes a comprehensive approach to successfully combat addiction, including an understanding of the various parts of the cortex, including prefrontal, insular and cingulate cortical areas.  Emotional intelligence and Steven Pinker’s theory of the recursive nature of human thought helps us understand how the addict can begin to take charge of her/his life and overcome the “Shadow” nature of addiction.
 
At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
  • Utilize the benefits of meditation, mindfulness and emotional intelligence to conquer the devastating effects of shame and trauma.
  • Distinguish the antagonistic functions of the ventromedial and dorsolateral aspects of the pre-frontal cortex and how each contributes to the process of addiction.
  • Identify the parts of the cortex that contribute to learning to overcome addiction.