Transcript Healing the Brain - Open Sky Wilderness

Welcome to the
Open Sky
Webinar
We will begin at 6 pm- see
you soon!
Healing the
Brain
Brain Chemistry and Healing
at Open Sky
Dr. Katie Grace MacElveen
Goals of Presentation

Understand how cutting-edge neuroscience
research supports Open Sky as a powerful
intervention

Increase our ability to work together to
support transition from wilderness to next
steps

Share my passion
Typical Challenges for
Students at Open Sky









Depression
Anxiety
Self-harm/suicidal
ideation
Mild eating disorders
Drug/alcohol abuse
Chemical
dependency
Bipolar disorder
Grief/loss
Trauma







Self-esteem issues
Family issues
Relationship issues
Identity issues
School &
employment
problems
Feeling lost, unsure
of the future
History of treatment
failures
Development
Lines of Development
 Cognition
 Self-identify (ego)
 Values
 Emotions
 Morals
 Interpersonal
 Spiritual
 Needs
 Kinesthetic
 Musical
Touched by a
Wild Mountain
Gorilla Video
*Your connection and
computer speeds may vary,
resulting in different play
back experiences.
Gorilla Encounter
 What
was your
experience?
What is Needed for Healthy
Development?




Safety
Tools/skills
Support for learning
New and challenging
experiences in an oxytocin
rich environment:



Positive social interactions
Psychological support
Sensory experiences
(smell, taste)
Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg M.D., Ph.D. of Sweden
Effects of Oxytocin




Reduction in anxiety
symptoms
Reduction of blood
pressure & cortisol
levels
Increase in pain
threshold
Stimulation of
positive social
interactions, overall
growth, and healing
Belonging
Oxytocin & addiction
Disease model of
addiction:
 Brain reward systems
results in compulsive
drug alcohol use
 Brain Healing: 8-12
weeks to increase
dopemine uptake,
create new paths for
stress tolerance
Kevin T. McCauley, M.D.
Connecting to Meaning and Purpose
Simple and Consistent
 Substance-free
 Technology-free
 Distraction-free
 Support
for selfunderstanding
 Support for
applying tools
Teaming for Transition
Preparing for next stage:
 Relapse awareness and support plan
 Tools, skills, and support for transition
 Family quests & graduation

Thank you!
Dr. Katie Grace MacElveen
Clinical Therapist for Young Adults
[email protected]
Please keep this browser window open. When the
presentation is complete, it will take you to a short survey
for today’s webinar.
