Neurobiology and Treatment of Relationships, Sexual Abuse, PTSD (notes from an AAMFT conference)

Neurobiology and Treatment of Relationships I have shamelessly cut and pasted this man’s bio with the necessary changes. I did this because it is easier than writing everything out. Normally I keep the credentials short, but this man deserved to tell his own story. I attended his lecture as part of the AAMFT conference I attended in the fall. This man impressed me. He is also willing to provide free conferences for room, board, and travel expenses for him and his wife. I would seriously consider him. What a champ. Dr Harvey Joanning is a dual licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist, and currently acting as Co-Director of the Neurobiology of Relationships Research Study in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Alabama.  He first became interested in working with couples and families as a graduate student.  He later developed a keen interest in neuroscience as his first wife developed early onset dementia.  He has combined these two interests in an attempt to better understand and improve intimate human relationships. During his career he established and directed marriage and family therapy doctoral programs and family therapy training clinics at Texas Tech University and Iowa State University.  As part of those efforts, He has conducted numerous studies designed to improve relationship therapies.   He now teaches graduate courses and continuing education workshops focused on the neurobiology and treatment of intimate relationships, extending the human life span, and helping families to deal with Alzheimer’s disease.  He also volunteers for the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Tinnitus Association, and Veterans Administration. Ok, here our my notes. Dr Harvey Joanning has 50 years of research and couple therapy experience. His question was “Why do couples stay together when there is bickering?” You fall in love. Without dopamine you cannot fall in love. Affective psychotherapy. Baboons court like we do. The more dopamine - the more love. The Hippocampus - usually first affected in Alzheimer’s. If partner doesn’t remember - look for stress. 2nd session Linda M. Rio, MA states that religion is sometimes repressed from childhood. The hormone factor in mental health: Bridging the money - body Gap. is a recommended book. One person had all the symptoms of bi polar but it was the pituitary gland. What is common is social isolation. Endocrine disorders. Third session - Child abuse and neglect: A Comprehension Approach to Trauma Informed Care. Recommend book. The report of abuse is very under reported. One in seven experienced child abuse or neglect in the US. 1750 children died of abuse and neglect. Regarding sexual assault - one in four girls and 1 in 13 boys. Poverty - There is 5 times the higher rate of abuse and neglect. Latino and the Black community have higher rates. During COVID, Children have been isolated and at home. Families were trapped with perpetrators. Abuse was more severe when it came to the attention of the police or hospital. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Adverse Childhood Experiences. The highest ACE score - the worse health outcomes, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, obesity, depression, substance usage, smoking, poor academics/achievements and early death. You can check out utube: 95OV/J3DsNK, Nadine Burke Harris: ACE’S Study. Developmental Impact of Child Abuse Trauma: neurobiology; emotional psychological; self concept etc… Trauma changes the brain functions - smaller hippocampus (learning and memory). Smaller corpus callosum (integrating info); Over activity in the amygdala (fight and flight etc). PTSD - increased norepinephrine - fight and flight, anxiety, irritability, highly startled responsive. Increased dopamine, paranoia, perception distortions when under stress, social withdrawal, increased cortisol, short term memory deficit, decreased serotonin, increased endogenous/endorphins. Sexual Abuse - Disturbed body - feelings of dirtiness. Always showering or not at all; low self esteem, shame; guilt. A book of interest is : Healing The Social Brain Trauma Informed Care - How to avoid re-traumatizing? Collaboration with survivors and their families. I am here to support you. Children can display laziness, no motivation and disinterest. Check out Echotraining.org Remember how trust is broken. Build up and maintain. Peer support, collaboration and mutuality. Empowerment and choice. They are in control. We support and empower. Treatment one to six sessions in a safe place. Trustworthy and transparency. Book: The body keeps the store - Bessel van der Kolk. PTSD for adults of trauma HTTPS://HPELCPRTG TF - CBT on line course. Grounding is better, if mindfulness triggers. Grounding - eyes stay open - external world. Scan of environment and state all that is seen. Trauma informed yoga, dance, and drama - way of reconnecting. I gave you mainly tidbits because there is so much which I can get from slides. I am always available to answer questions. I want to catch up with the conferences/workshops from 2022 since I have already booked sessions for this year.