Background: There is much to gain from research on brain and mind interface. This presentation explores neuroscience research, the gut-brain axis, and how research supports the use of mindfulness/body awareness. Clear meaningful techniques will be provided to guide the therapist and dietitian in teaching clients to utilize these discoveries towards recovery.
Content Outline:
“Minding the Mind. Training the Brain: How Therapists and Dietitians Can Bring Neuroscience and Mindfulness Based Research into the Practice Setting”
Presenters: Anita Johnston PhD CEDS and Pamela Kelle RD LDN CEDRD
1. Modern Neuroscience
Recent Studies and new tools
Discoveries in Brain Function
Emotional Brain
Executive Functioning of the Prefrontal Cortex
2. Consciousness Studies and Quantum Mechanics
An Explanation of Research and Theory
How it Relates to Psychology and Nutrition
3. Mindfulness Research
Science meets the Philosopher
The Convergence of theories
4. The Gut Brain Axis
The Inner Ecosystem
The Stress and the Gut Brain
5. Neurotransmitters
Brain and Gut
6. Putting it into Practice
Intentional Nutrition
Habituation and the plastic brain
7. Experiential and Practice
This is an exciting time for those interested in how the mind and the brain interface. The new tools of modern neuroscience (PET scans, fMRIs) that can study the neurocircuitry of the brain and the shifts in brain activity, combined with EEGs that measure the waves of electricity produced by the brain, have brought to the forefront a myriad of discoveries with regard to brain function. On other fronts, the study of quantum mechanics, the science of consciousness and mindfulness research have introduced the idea that the mind may not be solely contained in the cranium. Scientists and philosophers are now exploring the existence of the “gut brain” and the functioning of the enteric nervous system- as distinguished from the sympathetic and parasympathetic aspects of the central nervous system. This includes the role of microbiomes in the digestive system and its effect on the psyche, and nonverbal consciousness or "visceral thinking".
In the field of eating disorders, which requires treatment approaches that address both the pysche, as well as eating behaviors and nutrition, there is a great deal to gain from these new discoveries. By exploring the brain gut axis, understanding brain functioning, and recognizing how research supports the practices of mindfulness and consciousness, practitioners can deliver clear messages in meaningful ways to clients with eating disorders. In this presentation, practical techniques will be provided to guide the therapist and dietitian in helping clients to utilize these discoveries in service of their recovery process.
Anita Johnston, PhD, CEDS, is Clinical Director of ‘Ai Pono Eating Disorder Treatment Programs in Honolulu and Maui, Clinical Advisor to Focus Treatment Centers in Tennessee, and Consultant to the EATFED Eating Disorder Program in Sydney, Australia. She is the author of Eating in the Light of the Moon, which has been published in 6 languages, book chapters in Eating Disorders: Bridging the Research Gap, the Psychospiritual Clinician's Handbook, and co-creator of the Light of the Moon Café online workbook and support circle.
Owner and Founder of Pamela Kelle Nutrition Consultants. Speaker, writer, and sought-after frequent guest on local TV, radio and print media. Serves as a consultant and maintains a private practice for almost 20 years as a nutritionist/registered dietitian. Certified as an Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian through International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. Serves on Certification Committee for IAEDP, previous co-owner of Solace IOP, developed Solace nutrition programs, serves on the board for MCR foundation for the prevention of eating disorders, has been Certified Diabetes Educator and holds Certificate in Adult Weight Management through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
