Interpersonal Neurobiology: A New Perspective
“The Human Experience is Potent and Can Shape Gene Expression”
Course Description
Interpersonal Neurobiology: A New Perspective provides a framework for understanding the contributions of brain development to human behavior (i.e. cognitive, emotional development, reasoning). Emphasis is placed on neuroplasticity, early vulnerabilities in child brain development, executive functioning, memory recall, interpersonal relationships, and impact of trauma across the life course. Practitioners will be able to consider and appreciate how experiences shape gene expression. Specific emphasis will be placed on how traumatic life events (i.e. abuse, exposure to violence, complicated grief/loss) can be a risk-factor for developing symptoms of psychopathology (anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse). Practitioners will be able to identify methods for ameliorating the long-term effects of trauma.

Learning Objectives
• Identify four quintessential perspectives pertaining to how early experiences contribute to brain development
• Identify the key structures (higher, central, lower, hind) of the brain.
• Define the functions of the key structures (higher, central, lower, hind) of the brain.
• Apply concepts of Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) to how experiences influence Parent-Child Relationships
• Define Neuroplasticity
• Identify the implications of neuroscience and brain development on social work practice.
• Define and identify Epigenetic Factors—the ways in which specific experiences directly influences how genes are expressed.
• Define Susceptibility in the context of how certain early experiences (supportive and neglectful) significantly prepare or deter young children
from developing effective capacities (executive functioning) to regulate their behavior.
• Define Memory recall (implicit/explicit memory) and how this function contributes to human behavior in the context of healthy and traumatic life experiences.
• Identify healthy and maladaptive mechanisms in the context of coping and adapting to life crises.