Calming the Anxious Brain

CPD

Handouts

Speakers

Catherine M Pittman, PH.D., HSPP Related seminars and products

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Catherine M. Pittman, Ph.D., HSPP, is a professor of Psychology at Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN. Dr. Pittman is the author of the popular book Rewire Your Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety, Panic, and Worry. She has a background in cognitive behavioral therapy, neuropsychology, fear-conditioning research, and treated anxiety-based disorders in clinical practice for over 25 years.

Catherine’s experience makes her uniquely qualified to provide a clear understanding of neuroscience and how that informs the selection and application of successful anxiety treatment strategies. She regularly presents workshops at national conferences and national webinars on anxiety treatment, and is an active member of the Public Education Committee of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial: Catherine Pittman is an associate professor at Saint Mary’s College. She is an author for New Harbinger and receives royalties. Dr. Pittman receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.

Non-financial: Catherine Pittman is a member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Additional Info

Program Information

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Objectives

1. Use examples to illustrate how the anxious brain functions and how to use that information in session to improve treatment outcomes. 
2. Describe the role of the amygdala and cortex in maintaining anxiety disorders s for purposes of client psychoeducation. 
3. Explain how learning about the neuroscience of anxiety can improve client engagement. 
4. Use neurologically informed CBT techniques to help clients reduce anxious responding by making changes in both the cortex and the amygdala. 

Outline

Introduction

• Disclosures
• Limitations
• Scope of Practice
• Learning Objectives

Using Neuroscience in the Treatment of Anxiety

• Neuroscience & Anxiety
• Neuroscience & Therapists
• Using Neuroscience to Enhance Client Engagement
• Treatment Goal Selection
• Neuropsychologically Informed CBT
• Neuroplasticity
• Reconsolidation
• Two Pathways to Anxiety

Understanding Anxiety in the Brain: The Amygdala Pathway

• Fight, Flight, Freeze
• Language of the Amygdala 
• Triggers Created in the Amygdala
• Neuroplasticity in the Amygdala
• Amygdala-Focused Interventions

Understanding Anxiety in the Brain: The Cortex Pathway

• Relationship between the Cortex & Amygdala
• Neuroplasticity in the Cortex
• Cortex-Based Interventions

Target Audience

• Psychologists
• Physicians
• Addiction Counselors
• Counselors
• Social Workers
• Marriage & Family Therapists
• Nurses
• Other Behavioral Health Professionals

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