Interpersonal Neurobiology:​ A New Perspective​

Course Description

Interpersonal Neurobiology: A New Perspective provides a framework for understanding the contributions of brain development to human behavior (i.e. cognitive, emotional development, reasoning). Emphasis is placed on neuroplasticity, early vulnerabilities in child brain development, executive functioning, memory recall, interpersonal relationships, and impact of trauma across the life course. Practitioners will be able to consider and appreciate how experiences shape gene expression. Specific emphasis will be placed on how traumatic life and medical events (i.e. abuse, exposure to violence, stroke, neurodegenerative disorders, accidents) can be a risk-factor for developing symptoms of psychopathology (anxiety, depression, PTSD. Practitioners will be able to identify methods for ameliorating the long-term effects of trauma.

Course Outline

Course Title: Interpersonal Neurobiology: A New Perspective

Instructor: Trélan Nicole Holder, MS, LCSW

Contact Hours/CEUs: 4-Hours

Format: Online Self-Study Course (Text-based Readings and Videos)

Process: Register and pay for course. Read content online. Pass online posttest and print certificate of completion. Registrants can access course for 2 years from date of registration.

Learning Objectives

• Identify four quintessential perspectives pertaining to how early experiences contribute to brain development

• Identify the key structures (higher, central, lower, hind) of the brain.

• Define the functions of the key structures (higher, central, lower, hind) of the brain.

• Apply concepts of Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) to how experiences influence Parent-Child Relationships

• Define Neuroplasticity

• Identify the implications of neuroscience and brain development on social work practice.

• Define and identify Epigenetic Factors—the ways in which specific experiences directly influences how genes are expressed.
• Define Susceptibility in the context of how certain early experiences (supportive and neglectful) significantly prepare or deter young children from developing effective capacities (executive functioning) to regulate their behavior.
• Define Memory recall (implicit/explicit memory) and how this function contributes to human behavior in the context of healthy and traumatic life experiences.
• Identify healthy and maladaptive mechanisms in the context of coping and adapting to life crises.