Instructor: Penijean Gracefire, LMHC, BCN

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 Fisher’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 subject’s brain, I designed a z-scored sLORETA feedback protocol intended to support “romantic resiliency”, the capacity to adapt to abrupt or painful changes in one’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*.

 
*This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 1 continuing education credit. R. Cassidy Seminars is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to offer continuing education for psychologists. R. Cassidy Seminars maintains responsibility for this program. 1 CE hours.

This activity qualifies for 60 minutes of instructional content as required by many national, state and local licensing boards and professional organizations. Save your course outline and certificate of completion, and contact your own board or organization for specific requirements.

Satisfactory Completion: Participants must have paid tuition fee, signed in, attended the entire seminar, completed an evaluation, and signed out in order to receive a certificate. Failure to sign in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates available after satisfactory course completion at www.ceuregistration.com.

Refund policy: If you sign up and pay for a webinar but are unable to attend the live presentation, you will be provided with access to the recorded webinar, Refunds will not be issued.
 
ISNR is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. ISNR is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to bring their concerns up during the question and discussion period, typically held at the end of the presentation. A moderator will be available during the presentation. If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to Susan Alvarez, ISNR Executive Administrator.
ISNR 13876 SW 56th Street Miami, FL 33175
Tel: 703-848-1994
Fax: 703-738-7340
office@isnr.net
 
Because these presentations will be done online, it will be the responsibility of the participant to provide adequate and appropriate computer availability as well as Internet connections that will support this webinar. All efforts and reasonable accommodations will be made to make the information accessible to persons with disabilities.
 
While this presentation offers no risk in and of itself, it is the responsibility of the individual attendee to determine any risks involved in the implementation of the contents of this presentation.

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. Penijean’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

Financial disclosure: none