Embodied Brain: How the Body lives within the Mind

Neurological Foundations of Orienting Perception, and Establishing Safety 

Presented by: IACAET​; Supported by: Inspirees Institute​, CAET journal

Time: Nov 7th, 2021, 11AM New York, 4PM London

This experiential webinar introduces the specific structures of the “body brain”, and channels of information flow in the nervous system which organize perception of our interior bodies and the environment. It also explores the structural physiology of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, the dura, arachnoid and pia mater, and their role in cleansing nourishing, protection and buoyancy for the brain. A visual presentation is accompanied by experiential exploration of the concepts presented and metaphors they embody.  Clinical applications to working with PTSD, Anxiety and attending to the clinical container from a physiological perspective are addressed in interactive discussion.

11:00 AM Introductions

11:30 – 1:00 PM Prezi and Guided Experientials

1) Brain’s Watery World – Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) is the fluid that is created and circulates throughout the brain and the spine, supporting multiple functions including cleansing, nourishing, buoyancy, protection, and cooling. 

2) Dura, Arachnoid, Pia Mater  The brain’s three “mothers” – layers of tissue surrounding  the brain that create protection, nourishment, and cleansing systems.

3) The Structure of the Nervous System – Exploring Channels of Information flow: Central Nervous System (CNS)

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS- Proprioception)

Somatic Nervous System (SNS- Movement)

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS- sympathetic and parasympathetic branches) Enteric Nervous System (ENS- nervous system of the gut and organs)

4) The Body Brain – Introduction to the structures and functions of the  “body brain”, including the Cerebellum, Reticular Activating System, PAG, Tectum and  Colliculus, and 12 Cranial Nerve (including the Vagus Nerve.)

5) Establishing internally supported sense of safety using gravity, breath, proprioception, and interoception.

1:00 – 1:30 PM  Movement closure and sharing of learning discoveries from experiential.

1:30 – 2:00 PM Clinical Applications – PTSD, Anxiety, and Creating a Healing Container.

Discussion: What is “relative” safe space?  What is involved in building trust with individuals and groups?  What brain structures are involved in perception of safety? Consider how dura, arachnoid, and pia mater layers of the brain, and CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) can serve as metaphors for establishing nourishment, protection and flow. 

To prepare for the class: 

1) Print out and bring course handouts to class.

2) Wear comfortable clothes, bring writing or drawing materials, have space cleared for movement nearby.

3) To get the most out of the webinar, students are invited to prepare for the presentation by reading an article by the author in advance. This will be sent to participants after registration.

 Reading: Homann , K. (2020). Dynamic Equilibrium: Engaging Neurophysiological Intelligences Through Dance/Movement Therapy. American Journal of Dance Therapy.

Participants will be able to:

1. Describe the role of cerebrospinal fluid, and the pia, arachnoid, and dura maters in protecting, nourishing, and cleansing the brain tissue and in providing functional buoyancy.
2. Identify the channels of information flow via physiological pathways which link the brain and the body via the sensory, somatic, and enteric nervous systems.
3. Discuss clinical application of these concepts in working with PTSD, anxiety, and the principles of creating relative safety in the therapeutic container.

Presenter

Kalila Homann, MA, LPC-S, BC-DMT is founder and program director of Embodied Neurobiology. She teaches and supervises at the graduate and postgraduate level in dance/movement therapy and expressive arts therapy. Kalila maintains an active clinical dance/movement therapy practice and published numerous articles and chapters on the topic of dance/movement therapy and neurobiology. Kalila received the 2018 Excellence in Education Recognition Award from the American Dance/Movement Therapy Association Board of Directors. She can be reached at kalila@embodiedneurobiology.com.

Hilda Wengrower, Ph.D., DMT teaches at the School for Society and Arts-Ono, Israel and internationally; supervises live and online. Is co-editor with Sharon Chaiklin of the books The Art and Science of Dance Movement Therapy: Life is Dance, published In English, Spanish, Korean, Hebrew, German and Russian and their new book Dance and Creativity within Dance Movement Therapy. International perspectives has been published in Oct. 2020. She also co-edited the book Traditions in Transitions in the Arts Therapies. Papers and chapters authored by Hilda are released in multiple languages on subjects related to dance movement therapy. Hilda is chair of the research committee at IACAET.

Register here

(This event is free for IACAET Registered members)