"Right brain-to-right brain communication": Using the neurobiology of attachment to build therapeutic alliance: A workshop for counseling trainees

This workshop addresses counseling trainees' need for specific and practical tools in strengthening therapeutic relationship with clients by providing an instrument that helps to reduce counseling trainees' initial anxiety often experienced during the first year of client contact. Building upon the documented relationship between power of therapeutic alliance and treatment outcomes, regardless of therapeutic model, this workshop attempts to educate trainees in constructing and maintaining strong bonds with clients using a framework of attachment theory and interpersonal neurobiology, specifically defined by the use of the phrase "right brain-to-right brain communication" coined by Schore and Schore (2008). This workshop will present experiential activities using mindfulness and other nonverbal communication skill development exercises to help develop trainees' practiced and disciplined sensitivity and ability to be fully present with their clients. Using PowerPoint slides to facilitate mini-lectures interspersed with self-examination and interactive activities to encourage process-oriented learning, trainees will gain confidence in developing "self' as a primary therapeutic tool in client sessions