Healing the Fear that Hides: Biologically Based Fear Responses and What To Do About Them

Neuroscience is demonstrating that some of the most challenging behaviors demonstrated by trauma survivors are biologically based fear responses more related to fear-based dysregulation than intractable behavior. As Maureen Walker reminds us, “Strategies for disconnection are an intense yearning for connection in an atmosphere of fear.” We will examine how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Compounding Adverse Toxic Stressors (CATS) create repeated fear responses and disrupt the “felt safety” (neuroception) needed for the attachment and regulation centers of the brain to work properly. Setting power struggles aside, we will explore how the brain heals itself and identify every-day, brain-based strategies and interventions to help individuals of all ages and ability levels work with their caregivers to replace challenging behaviors with safe, healing connection. This course rewards 4 CEUs for completion of course and passing for final test.