The Biology of Loss: The Impact of Trauma on Physical, Mental and Behavioral Health, and the Path to Healing

Plenary 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
The Biology of Loss: The Impact of Trauma on Physical, Mental and Behavioral Health, and the Path to Healing
This presentation outlines the mental health implications of early childhood emotional loss—whether due to abuse in the family or simply of stress on the parents—on the subsequent loss of attunement with the child. Childhood developmental disorders, such as ADHD, ODD, and other mental health problems (anxiety, depression, personality disorders, etc.) can all be traced to either negative childhood experiences or the absence of sufficiently positive ones. Addiction and adult mental health issues also flow from the same source. The impact of the environment on brain development will be discussed, along with ways of recognizing and helping to heal the negative consequences of early loss. Also discussed is the impact of peer orientation, as articulated in the best selling book, Hold On To Your Kids.

Breakout Session 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Diving Deeper into the Biology of Loss: The Impact of Trauma on Physical, Mental and Behavioral Health, and the Path to Healing.
Continuation of plenary session topics

Breakout Sessions – 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Diving Deeper into the Biology of Loss: The Impact of Trauma on Physical, Mental and Behavioral Health, and the Path to Healing.
Continuation of A.M. session topics