Community
Providers
“It’s a Brain Thing!”
The exploding field of developmental neuroscience is demystifying “bad behavior” and illuminating the path to healing. Pioneers in our field including Karyn Purvis, Bruce Perry, Bessel van der Kolk, Pamela Cantor, Daniel Hughes and Nim Tottenham are teaching us that understanding the power of human relationship on the brain can change the trajectory for our clients. Dr. Dan Siegel, in particular, has been instrumental in bringing science to light with his “house model of the brain,” which he and Tina Payne Bryson made accessible for parents in The Whole Brain Child (for a cliff notes version, see the afterword of Riley the Brave). At BraveBrains, we have seen the power of this framework for understanding behavior, changing brains, and improving lives.
BraveBrains has been powerfully impacted by Dr. Jonathan Baylin’s efforts to help mental health and other community professionals “put the brain in treatment.” BraveBrains continues that mission, helping “upstairs brain” and “downstairs brain” become common language everywhere.
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Well-Connected Brains
When we help families reduce behaviors like defiance, irritability, aggression and running away, we are really trying to help them develop super-speed highways to their “upstairs brain.” In other words, we are trying to help them develop a well-connected brain that stops defaulting to fight/flight/freeze. And it’s no surprise to all of us in the social sciences that the process is relationship-dependent.
Healthy brain development requires connection to a well-connected brain. Babies and children need a safe caregiver or parent in order to develop a brain wired for positive relationships, connection, joy and peace. Struggling parents need a safe person too! We are perfectly positioned as social workers, therapists, counselors and other community providers to help parents and caregivers become the safe place that their children need.
Brain-Based Supports for Your Organization
BraveBrains resources and training have been helping professionals across nearly every discipline involved with children and families. After seeing the impact of founder Jessica Sinarski, LPCMH, staff and directors at camps, foster care & adoption agencies, grief support organizations, incarcerated parent programs, Child Life hospital departments, parenting groups, and all facets of mental health services have reached out for more. Browse our upcoming events here or email us to bring Jessica’s signature mix of wit, wisdom, and practical application to your next event.
Here’s a quick 6-minute video you can use and share: bit.ly/BBquick. This understanding of brain architecture has profoundly impacted every area of my life. I hope it helps you too!
Moving Beyond Trauma-Informed is a 18-credit CEU virtual training series, especially beneficial for professionals who work with families impacted by foster care, adoption, and other early life trauma. Participants in past years have found it both paradigm shifting and applicable to daily life.
Very practical information that can be used in day to day work, especially with parents.
One of the best parts of MBTI was having Jessica and her wealth of knowledge at our fingertips. She provided a comfortable space for growth and I am very grateful for this experience.
It completely informs the way I conceptualize and work with my cases. This course and the book have been so helpful in my career.
2023 cohorts are now open for registration! This course has sold out every year, so be sure to sign up soon to reserve your spot.
Bring BraveBrains to Your Next Event
“Your training on trauma and the developing brain was a game changer for me and how I work with my families — and it is really helping!! I am always keeping this in mind, looking and understanding through that lens. I have also used the information I learned from you in talking with adoptive parents when they are not understanding the effects on the brain and development, and they are starting to understand. Words cannot express my level of gratitude.” – Social Worker (MN)
Client Testimonials
“Such a great interactive presentation!!!”
Adoption Worker(FL)
“Jessica was very energetic and provided a novel and very useful model for understanding the brain.”
Trauma Specialist(DE)
“Best workshop of the weekend. Very organized, flowed well. Good discussion and work with the audience. Excellent!”
Clinical Director(Canada)