Build a Connected Brain

A course designed to revolutionize your practice using science and ingenuity.

Build A Connected Brain” is a CE approved, self-paced course that includes hours of guided education and video demonstrations with and without our beloved horses.

These videos are part of our popular Essential Connection Kits, and were created to give you a science-based approach to building a more regulated and connected brain.

Developed by our team of mental health professionals, and based on Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model, this course helps you to incorporate what Dr. Perry refers to as “bottom-up regulation” through activities that engage and organize each functional region of the brain in a sequential fashion.

While this course does not include the downloads and tools used in the videos, you will gain a deep understanding of how and why each tool is used to regulate different parts of the brain. You can then decide to choose which tools to purchase or create on your own.

These videos are part of the very popular Essential Connection Kits and are now available without the downloads or any of the physical tools. For your convenience. . . pocketbook. Etc. They can decide which tools to purchase, but the learning will also help them to be all kinds of creative as they purchase other tools because they will understand the rationale behind HOW to use these tools in a brain friendly manner and with an awareness of which area of the brain is dysregulated.

What does a connected brain mean?

Research has shown us for years that toxic stress and trauma impact the prefrontal cortex and other parts of the brain responsible for emotions, cognition, memory, action, and more. What we are learning more recently, however, is the impact a dysregulated brain has on the rest of the body.

The brain is connected to the heart, the gut, and other organs. Therefore, when a person experiences dysregulation due to high levels of stress, those connections are affected. This can show up as a simple stomach ache, a faster heart rate, or a more serious illness. This can also show up in unhealthy relationships with other beings.

When we speak of activities and techniques for building a connected brain, we are referring to all connections. This includes healthy neural connections within the brain itself, healthy connections throughout the body, and healthy connections with other beings.

How does this impact your work with clients?

When confronting and processing trauma and increased stress, regulation of the brain, body, and nervous system is compromised. This is the case for both children and adults. Neurologically, the lower regions of the brain must be regulated first in order for a person to regain a sense of calm connection and move toward healing.

The contents in this course include science-based processes and activities for calming and connecting the entire brain and body—so the healing work begins sooner, goes deeper, and lasts longer.

Details

  • What: Build a Connected Brain (11.5 CE credits available)

  • Where: Online, self-paced course

  • Why: Regulation is essential to supporting clients in healing from the effects of stress and trauma.

  • Cost: $175 ($69 for members)

Practical Instruction Grounded in Science

”I have been a therapist for over ten years. Natural Lifemanship is the best therapeutic model that I have integrated into my practice. The Essential Connection Kit provided me with the science and practical instruction to immediately improve my skills as a therapist with an equine partner or without.”

~Christi Lundby, LPC-S, LCDC
Purchase the Course

This course is for you if...

  • You work with clients in overcoming the effects of stress and trauma

  • You want to learn more about bottom-up regulation and how to apply it

  • You want to learn more about the neurological components to healing

  • You prefer a self-paced learning experience

Here's what you can expect

  • Video Demonstrations

    11. 5 hours of Video demonstrations where our seasoned professionals, at times, use horses to teach you “bottom-up regulation” techniques and activities to help you regulate your clients and strengthen your connection.

  • Educational Material

    Educational resources including illustrated guides to promote bottom-up regulation and neural integration—to help your clients go from a reactive, disconnected state to a state that is calm and connected.

  • Suggestions for Incorporating ToolsLearn about science-based tools that you can make yourself to enhance your work with clients.

    Learn about science-based tools that you can make yourself to enhance your work with clients.

  • No Travel Required

    With our video lessons, you avoid the expense and time it takes to travel to an in-person training.

  • Earn CE credits

    Earn 11.5 CE credits through NBCC and NAADAC.

What Will I Learn?

  1. 1

    • READ THIS FIRST

    • Trauma-Informed Care: An Overview

    • Bottom-Up Regulation and Neural Integration

    • Bottom-Up Regulation: Where it Starts and Why it's Hard

    • Regulation Schedules

    • Left and Right Brain Hemispheres

    • Left Brain - Right Brain in the Horse World

    • Foundations QUIZ
  2. 2

    • Brainstem Review

    • Words for Body Sensations

    • Visual Rhythm

    • Auditory Rhythm

    • Touch or Tactile Rhythm

    • Olfactory Rhythm

    • Regulation through Rhythmic Passive Movement

    • Brainstem QUIZ
  3. 3

    • Diencephalon Review

    • Objects that Don't Make Sound

    • Objects that Do Make Sound

    • Touch with Movement

    • Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Basics

    • Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Presentation

    • Diencephalon QUIZ
  4. 4

    • Limbic System Review

    • Music

    • Poetry and Children's Books

    • Storytelling and Shared Experience

    • Connection with Others

    • Touch

    • Bandana

    • Limbic System QUIZ
  5. 5

    • Neocortex Review

    • Breathing

    • Eyesight

    • More Deeply Engaging the Neocortex

    • Buzz Ring for Integration

    • Skill Cards

    • emWave

    • Neocortex QUIZ
  6. 6

    • Sample Session 1 - Process set-up and introduction

    • Regulation and grounding prior to engaging more intentionally with Aries

    • A little cognitive work! Learning about breathing and the lung model.

    • Demonstration of essential oils and bubble gum

    • Preparing to go into the round pen

    • Asking for connection and "bringing connection in"

    • Bringing connection in even more prior to mounted work

    • Mounted work and demonstration of roller ball, story cards, essential oils, weighted wrap, and shape and color cards

    • Sample Session 2 - Beginning of session

    • Tanner prepares Aries for mounted work

    • Laura connects with Aries on the ground

    • Connection through touch and massage

    • Connected body scan

    • Brain Gym® and mindful stretching

    • Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) while mounted

    • Feeling and counting steps

    • Weighted wraps and cards

    • Demonstration with Horses QUIZ
  7. 7

    • Complete the Course Evaluation

Essential for Trauma Work

“These are fundamental tools that give clients a 'language' (sound, movement) that makes sense of their world. These tools help me see, without the pressure of words, the client's trauma. Essential for trauma work!!”

~ Jan Stump, MSW PEACE Ranch