Trauma and the Brain Workshop Agenda

Trauma and the Brain Workshop (2.5 hours)

My Introduction (10 minutes)
-introduce self and style
-provide brief agenda

Create Space for Being More Present (10 minutes)
-highlight not doing introductions yet, create space to be more present
-talk about how we tend to forget to make sure our bodies are present
-“How do you get more present and make sure both your mind and body is here?”
–e.g. stretching, meditating, movement, breathing
-provide a few minutes for people to use their preferred way to be more present

Introductions (15 minutes)
-go around circle for introductions 
–name, what thing in nature are you most like when you’re feeling safe/scared?
-reflect on relationships highlighted
–why this workshop? what are everyone’s hopes? 
-reflect on answers, explore how this can be further incorporated into workshop

Trauma and the Brain Psycho-Education (25 minutes)
-psycho-education on hand model of the brain and how we experience emotions
-discuss neuro-psychological research on the 4 emotional physical states
-how trauma impacts the brain; deer in the woods metaphor
-broken mirror metaphor; memories stored as non-linear sensory information
-how we protect ourselves-being hyper-vigilant
-importance of feeling safe and grounded

Using Animals to Better Understand Trauma (10 minutes)
-have each participant think about an animal they know really well
-write down observations:
–what is animals fight/flight response?
–does it change in different situations?
–what environment factors play into the response?
–what hunts it? What does it hunt? And how?
–how could their fight/flight response change?
–when does it feel safe? How do you know when it’s relaxed?

Small Group/Large Group Discussion (20 minutes)
-each person shares their work
-what insights did this activity provide
-small groups briefly share with large group then back to small groups
-what self-reflection can each person recognize about their own behaviors? 

Partner Activity/Incorporating Movement (10 minutes)
-one person acts out different non-verbal cues and have partner reflect

Trans-Generational Trauma/Nature Based Perspective (20 minutes)
-first major trauma for humans is civilization and disconnection with nature
-nature based metaphors; normalize and not invalidate trauma
–tree and scar as it relates to trauma and healing
—destructive weather/clear cutting- land trauma, focus on resources and re-growth

Nature Based Metaphors Individual Activity (15 minutes)
-think of nature based metaphor that could describe personal trauma
-share with partner
-share reflections with larger group

Relaxation Activity (10 minutes)
-lead a group agreed upon relaxation activity to decompress
–(e.g. progressive muscle relaxation, fun activity, guided meditation)

Saying Goodbye (5 minutes)
-overall reflections/questions
-what have you gained? what do you want to let go of?
-feedback
-highlight importance of rituals: SHAKE IT OFF!