The Upward Spiral: Evidence-Based Neuroscience Techniques for Rewiring the Pathways of Anxiety, Depression and Related Disorders

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Speaker

Alexander Korb, PhD Related seminars and products

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Alex Korb, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist, writer and coach. He has studied the brain for over 15 years and is the author of The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time. He received a BS in Neuroscience at Brown University, before earning a PhD in Neuroscience at UCLA. His dissertation focused on measuring electrical activity in the brain to better understand and treat depression. He is an adjunct assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at UCLA where his research focuses on neuroimaging and the development of a novel brain stimulation device. He has authored over a dozen peer-reviewed journal articles on the neuroscience of psychiatric disorders.

His popular blog on PsychologyToday.com has over a million views. He speaks around the country on neuroscience and has appeared on radio shows and podcasts worldwide. He has a wealth of experience in yoga and mindfulness, physical fitness, and even stand-up comedy.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Alexander Korb has an employment relationship with UCLA. He receives compensation as a consultant and receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Korb has an ownership interest in BrainSonix, Inc. He receives a consulting fee and has ownership interest in Harvard Medtech. Dr. Korb receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc.
Non-financial: Dr. Alexander Korb has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Alternate Options

Objectives

1. Analyze findings from neuroscientific research exploring the connection between key brain regions, neurotransmitters, and mental health.
2. Analyze how understanding neurobiological processes can help clinicians establish realistic goals with clients and engage them in therapy.
3. Analyze the role of the amygdala in stress and anxiety and communicate how labeling feelings and mindful awareness of emotions can be used to manage symptoms.
4. Determine how habits relate to stress and connect this information to cognitive behavioral approaches that intervene in habit loops and reduce stress related symptoms.
5. Analyze how neuroscience informed explanations of mental health disorders can bring objectivity into discussions with clients and shift the way they feel about their pathology.
6. Assess the latest scientific research on gratitude and characterize the potential benefits and research limitations found in these studies.

Outline

Understand the Key Brain Regions and Chemicals Involved

• Prefrontal cortex, limbic system, striatum
• Neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, oxytocin, etc.
• How it all fits together

Apply Key Principles from Proven Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions

• Behavioral Activation Therapy (BAT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Utilize the Benefits of Exercise

• Benefits on serotonin and dopamine systems, as well as stress reductions
• Intensity and frequency of exercise required
• How simply being outdoors can help

Minding the Amygdala: Mindful Awareness of Emotions

• Labeling feelings to reduce amygdala activity
• Making the most of ACT to reduce stress

Set Goals, Make Decisions, and Top-Down Regulation of Brain Activity

• The impact of goal-setting on lower-level processing
• Choice, decisions and happiness
• The importance of intention and voluntary choices
• Simple strategies for applying BAT

Low-Tech Biofeedback: Using the Body’s Signals to Heal the Brain

• The mind-body connection, meditation and MBCT
• Understanding heart-rate variability
• The power of breathing
• How postural changes, muscle tension and facial expressions can affect mood

How the Brain Encodes Habits and How to Change Them

• The distinction between impulses and routines
• Cognitive and emotional habits
• The relationship between habits and stress
• Cognitive-behavioral approaches to changing habits

Social Solutions

• The impact of social support on the brain’s stress response
• The power of physical touch
• Why social interactions are rewarding
• How social support can improve the efficacy of medication

The Power of Gratitude

• The impact of gratitude on key neural circuits
• How to operationalize gratitude in order to implement it in daily life

Make the Most of Sleep

• How sleep affects mood
• Key changes in sleep hygiene that improve sleep quality

Target Audience

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