Neural Desensitization to Accelerate Trauma Recovery: NDIT Start-to-Finish (Level 1)

Date course created: January 2023

Evidence-informed therapies for PTSD can be either rigid and prescriptive, making it difficult to stay client-centered, or largely theoretical, sometimes lacking in practical application. Developed by a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist, Neural Desensitization and Integration Training (NDIT) is a flexible, module-based, trauma-focused approach to PTSD that integrates elements from EMDR, multichannel eye movement integration, prolonged exposure, IFS, and cognitive behavioral therapies. NDIT helps clients recover from post-trauma symptoms by specifically targeting and restoring the healthy functioning of these five key brain regions impacted by trauma:

1. Amygdala,
2. Hippocampus,
3. Insula,
4. Cingulate cortex, and
5. Prefrontal cortex.

Grounded in decades of both brain science and empirical clinical research, NDIT is the first approach of its kind to bridge the gap between neuroscience and clinical practice.

NDIT consists of five distinct modules, each of which focuses on key skills associated with healthy brain change in specific brain regions. NDIT facilitates therapeutic brain change by teaching clients how to……

• enhance attunement and connection with others (using techniques targeting multiple brain regions),
• safely reconnect with their bodies (using insula-targeted techniques),
• regulate their nervous system (using amygdala-targeted techniques),
• strengthen their cognitive abilities (using cingulate and prefrontal cortex-targeted techniques), and
• gently process trauma in a titrated manner, minimizing retraumatization (using hippocampus and prefrontal cortex-targeted techniques).

Additionally, NDIT focuses on what clients can do outside of therapy sessions to facilitate faster progress in therapy. NDIT modules are strategically sequenced to accelerate neuroplasticity, helping clients move with natural brain change, not against it.

This comprehensive, Level I NDIT course teaches clinicians basic NDIT skills from start to finish, equipping them to immediately begin using NDIT skills in their own practice. Registration includes detailed NDIT slides, handouts, worksheets, and scripts.

**This is a 12.25-CE noninteractive, self-paced online video course delivered in home study format via an industry-standard online learning platform**

Agenda:

Video 1
00:00 – 00:55: Intro; NDIT and Trauma Treatment Roadmap; Amygdala; The Stress Response Mechanism
00:55 – 01:54: Case Study; Hippocampus; Insula’s Role; Strengthening the Cingulate Post-Trauma
01:54 – 02:44: Cognitive Work; Neuroplasticity; Repetition in Brain Change; Prep for Trauma Processing
02:44 – 04:03: Module One- Building the Alliance; Neuroscience; Mirror Neurons
04:03 – 04:53: Transition to Module Two; Grounding Techniques; Expanding Awareness; Pulse Exercise
04:53 – 06:20: Mapping Emotions; Autonomic Nervous System; The Fawn and Diving Responses; Deep Breathing
06:20 – 06:59: Overview of Module Three; Targeting Brain Areas with Cognitive Techniques

Video 2
00:00 – 00:46: Trust Issues Post-Trauma; Challenges of Generalized Anxiety Disorder; Cognitive Diffusion
00:46 – 01:48: Memory Reconsolidation and Exposure Therapy; Addressing Challenges; Avoidance; Neural Networks
01:48 – 02:47: Memory Reconsolidation; Healing; Flexibility; Client Trauma Disclosure; Titration Techniques
02:47 – 04:06: Freezing Point Concept; Trauma Profile Creation; Emotional Targets; Exploring Travel Anxiety
04:06 – 04:43: Desensitization Techniques; Balancing Distraction Techniques; MEMI; Trauma Processing Plan
04:43 – 05:28: Bilateral Movement in Healing; Importance of Verbal Processing; Adapting Techniques for Children

Objectives:

This training will provide participants clinical knowledge and tools to:

a). After completing this training, participants will be able to state at least three components of neural networks.

b). After completing this training, participants will be able to name one brain region associated with social connection.

c). After completing this training, participants will be able to learn and practice two techniques for building the alliance.

d). After completing this training, participants will be able to discuss the role of coordinated movements in alliance-building.

e). After completing this training, participants will be able to describe the function of the insula.

f). After completing this training, participants will be able to state at least three techniques for reconnecting with the body.

g). After completing this training, participants will be able to name two types of grounding exercises.

h). After completing this training, participants will be able to describe the neuroscience of stress regulation.

i). After completing this training, participants will be able to practice at least one technique for regulating the stress response.

j). After completing this training, participants will be able to list at least three therapeutic approaches that can be integrated with Module 3 of NDIT.

k). After completing this training, participants will be able to explain one function of the prefrontal cortex.

l). After completing this training, participants will be able to practice one cognitive defusion technique.

m). After completing this training, participants will be able to describe why bilateral movement can facilitate desensitization to distressing thoughts or memories.

n). After completing this training, participants will be able to identify two ways to alter visual or auditory memory components that decreases their intensity during imaginal exposure.

o). After completing this training, participants will be able to name at least two brain regions involved in processing trauma.

p). After completing this training, participants will be able to identify one way to select a target for processing.

q). After completing this training, participants will be able to state the three steps of memory reconsolidation.

r). After completing this training, participants will be able to list the main modules of NDIT.

Target Audience:

The target audience for this live webinar event includes psychologists, social workers, counselors, MFT’s, and other clinical mental health professionals.

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Instructor(s): Jennifer Sweeton, PsyD, MS, MA

Material Author(s): Jennifer Sweeton, PsyD, MS, MA

Originally trained as a neuroscientist, Dr. Jennifer Sweeton is a clinical and forensic psychologist, Amazon #1 best-selling author, and internationally-recognized expert on trauma, anxiety, and the neuroscience of mental health. She is the author of the book, Trauma Treatment Toolbox, published by PESI Publishing & Media. Dr. Sweeton completed her doctoral training at the Stanford University School of Medicine, the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, and the National Center for PTSD. Additionally, she holds a master’s degree in affective neuroscience from Stanford University, and studied behavioral genetics at Harvard University. Dr. Sweeton resides in the greater Kansas City area, where she owns a group private practice, Kansas City Mental Health Associates, and co-owns Mind Works Professional Education, Inc., a continuing education company. She holds an adjunct faculty appointment at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, and is a former President of the Greater Kansas City Psychological Association. Dr. Sweeton offers clinical and forensic psychological services, and is a sought-after trauma and neuroscience expert who has trained more than 15,000 mental health professionals in all 50 US states and over 20 countries.

For additional information about this course, the instructors, or the material authors, please contact Content Assistance at content@onlinececredits.com.

Course Materials & Delivery Method:

• Course materials – The course is composed of a recorded presentation and written materials (e.g. a slide deck and/or other worksheets, manuals, or handouts as provided by the instructor). The slide deck and any additional worksheets or handouts (as provided by the instructor) are made available inside the Lesson module after a course is purchased.
• Delivery Method – this course is a recorded asynchronous, self-paced webinar training, and there is no access time limit or due date to complete it once enrolled. The enrolled learner will stream the recorded presentation and view the materials from their internet connected device via an industry-standard online learning platform.

CE Approvals:

Online CE Credits has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6795. Programs that do not quality for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Online CE Credits is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Mind Works Professional Education, Inc. DBA Online CE Credits, #1974, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: July 23, 2024 – July 23, 2025. Social workers completing this course receive [see advertisement] asynchronous distance learning continuing education credits.

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