Heartbreak

Can We Heal Heartbreak with Neuroscience? Latest Webinar

Instructor: Penijean Gracefire, LMHC, BCN

Friday, February 15, 2019 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (EST)

REGISTER HERE: https://buff.ly/2MYnFik

In this first case study of its kind, we examine the neurophysiological underpinnings of romantic love and attachment and discuss how emerging biomedical technology is changing the conversation around whether we can measure and interact with the more elusive elements of human emotion.

This project brought together an fMRI researcher, a mental health clinician, and a professional rapper with the intent to explore recent developments in real time 3D brain imaging and neuromodulation techniques.

Our question: is it possible to use science to fall out of love?

The initial idea was inspired by Dr. Helen Fisherโ€™s work using fMRI to identify the neural correlates of romantic rejection, so we replicated this study with our rapper as the subject, and confirmed that her fMRI scans registered activity in the same brain regions indicated by Dr. Fisher as engaged when the subject was experiencing unrequited affection or the distressing end of a romantic relationship (Fisher, 2006, Baumeister, 1993).

Informed by both peer-reviewed publications, and a quantitative EEG analysis of our subjectโ€™s brain, I designed a z-scored sLORETA feedback protocol intended to support โ€œromantic resiliencyโ€, the capacity to adapt to abrupt or painful changes in oneโ€™s emotional landscape in ways which optimize the possibility of experiencing healthy romantic connections. After nine feedback sessions, she went back in the fMRI machine for a follow up scan.

Join us to learn how her brain changed, what role neurofeedback played, and discuss the clinical implications of using neurotechnology to support romantic resiliency.

Who is the Audience: Psychologists, MD’s, Social Workers, Counselors, Addiction Counselors, Nurses, other Mental Health Professionals and Neurofeedback Providers

Level: Introductory, Intermediate

Specific Learning objectives:

Identify which regions in the brain, indicated by current published research, are recruited when a person is experiencing heartbreak as a result of a disrupted romantic relationship.

Evaluate the utility of qEEG assessment and sLORETA imaging in determining whether neurofeedback could potentially facilitate a post-relationship recovery arc for a client having difficulty resolving residual romantic feelings.

Select regions to include in an sLORETA z-score neurofeedback training protocol intended to increase romantic resiliency.

Fees: Webinar fee is $45.00 for all ISNR members. The fee for non-members is $55.00. Space is limited, so register early!

Credits: CE credit is a separate fee of $10.00 for 1 CE credit hour.

BCIA will issue 1 credit towards BCIA re-certification for full attendance at this webinar.

1 hour of APA approved credit will be offered*.

Penijean Gracefire, LMHC, BCN, is a neural frequency analyst and published author who rides motorcycles, drinks tea, and designs therapeutic interventions using 3D brain imaging technology. As a licensed mental health clinician, she integrates emotional experience with electrophysiology to alter neural dynamics in real time, helping people recover from trauma or improve brain flexibility and resiliency. Penijeanโ€™s ground-breaking work has led to industry-wide changes in neurotherapy and is the basis for current standards in international certification. Her passions include spectral analysis, donuts, and taking things apart to see how they work.

2018 Qualified Supervisor for Mental Health Counseling Interns in the State of Florida

2018 Diplomate Certification in QEEG

2010 Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida

2009 BCIA Certified in EEG Neurofeedback

2007 M.A., Mental Health and Rehabilitation, University of South Florida

REGISTER HERE: https://buff.ly/2MYnFik

Scroll to Top