Appalachian Psychoanalytic Society

presents

Kristie Nies and Carol Ann Coyle

Journey to the Center of the Mind: The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy

Saturday, December 9, 2006
9:15 AM - 12:45 PM

Medical Conference Room #1
Fort Sanders Medical Center
19th Street and Clinch Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37919

A Local Chapter of the Division of Psychoanalysis of the
American Psychological Association

Welcoming Mental Health
Professionals of All Disciplines

SCHEDULE

• There is evidence that early experience builds the brain.
• Favorable circumstances lead to optimal functioning, Unfavorable circumstances lead to maladaptive functioning.
• We know therapy works.
• We hypothesize that therapy works by re-building the brain
• Rebuilding occurs through neural growth and integration

OVERVIEW

In this seminar, the relevance of neuroscience to psychotherapy will be considered. As an enriching environment, psychotherapy and the therapeutic alliance encourage growth, integration, and rewiring of neural networks that can promote healthier functioning. In this presentation, the aesthetic sensibilities of psychotherapy and clinical practice will be blended with the bricks and mortar of anatomy and the most relevant current research in neuroscience.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of the seminar, attendees will be able to verbalize an understanding of:
1) General knowledge of brain structures and processes relevant to psychotherapy.
2) Specific brain processes relevant to psychotherapy.
3) Neural plasticity and how psychotherapy changes the brain.
4) Neurobiological assumptions of different models of psychotherapy.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

Dr. Nies received her Ph.D. from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in 1990, followed by her internship at the West Haven VA in Connecticut and Post Doctoral Fellowship at Evanston Hospital Illinois. She is ABPP certified in Clinical Neuropsychology. Currently, she is Clinical Assistant Professor at East Tennessee State University and in private practice in Kingsport TN.

Dr. Coyle received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Texas Tech University in 1982, followed by a clinical/counseling internship at Duke University. She completed a residency in Clinical Psychology and has a postdoctoral degree in Behavioral Health Psychology. She is currently a consulting psychologist for the Department of Energy and is in private practice in Knoxville, TN.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION