Compass

The last decade could rightfully be called the ‘decade of the brain’. Advances in medical science mean we have learnt more about brain development and functioning during this period than all of our collective knowledge up to this point.  Much of the public discussion during this time has related to new knowledge in the area of infant’s brains. However, just as many amazing new discoveries relating to brain development and functioning have also been made relating to the year’s from childhood right through to late adolescence. These findings often contradict many of the long-held practices that helping professionals, teachers and parents have viewed as best practice. The result is that there is now a large gap between how people ‘think’ the developing brain functions and what neuro science research has actually shown to be the case. An understanding of this knowledge will help to guide our practice to better meet the behavioural, developmental and educational needs of the children and adolescents we work with.

Some of the key areas Nathan will discuss include:

• What is known about changes that occur in the frontal cortex and the implications on the biological workings of the brain?
• What the research has shown about the ideal physical, emotional, educational and social conditions under which the developing brain functions at its best.
• What are the implications of this knowledge for our professional practice with children and adolescents? What approaches and interventions work best from a neuro science perspective and how can we guide behaviour change in a way that acknowledges and utilises the unique workings of the developing brain.
• From a neuro science perspective, what are the common mistakes parents, teachers, and helping professionals make when working with adolescents and pre-adolescents and which of our current approaches have been shown to be less helpful then we thought.
• Practice considerations when working with children and adolescents who have experienced early life trauma which may have impacted upon their early brain development.

Nathan Mikaere-Wallis has a masters in Educational psychology and a practice background in teaching and child therapy. Nathan is a trustee for the Brainwave Trust and is a sought after trainer in the area of neuro science research and its implications for practice. He runs a successful training consultancy specialising in this field. Nathan’s vast knowledge in this area, when combined with his interactive and engaging teaching style and thoughtful use of case study material, mean that this seminar will be of interest to anyone who works with, teaches, or supports children and adolescents as part of their work.

"One of the best 1 Day courses I have been on. The content/subject was fascinating but Nathan's delivery style was what made the day so successful"

Teacher

"Excellent workshop! Nathan's presentation was engaging, stimulating, challenging and very informative"

Counsellor

"Dynamic and knowledgeable presenter. The workshop was informative and thought provoking"

Registered Nurse

"Excellent presentation and presentation style, great information and very relevant. The information was presented in a way that was easy to understand and apply"

Psychologist