In 2012 I was still on the hunt for a deeper understanding of what was really going on in the kids and families I was working with…and what I could do to help! I had been learning more about attachment and trauma, and things were beginning to make sense. Then I went to a local presentation about bringing the brain into our therapy practice with Jonathan Baylin, Ph.D. 
 
THIS. WAS. IT.

THE history

What if all behavior is adaptive? What if we are all acting exactly as our brains have been designed to act for our survival? And what if that’s not the end of the story?

Dr. Baylin mentioned that he had been doing a little brain study group for several years with local mental health professionals. Um…yes, please! 

In 2014, we launched a fresh group so the brain novices among us could dive in. We gathered at his house that first year, and I often had my infant son in tow. It was a powerful experience learning about interpersonal neurobiology and early development with my chubby bundle of joy providing in vivo object lessons. I was hooked.

In 2015, we continued, inviting a few more local professionals in. With the support of A Better Chance for Our Children, we were able to expand in 2016, offering a unique opportunity to study the fantastic new book, The Neurobiology of Attachment-Focused Therapy with the author himself!!

I think it was at that point that I not-so-casually mentioned to Jon that I had glommed onto him as my mentor in all things brainy. I continued to be really curious about the application of all the fascinating research we were discussing. In 2017 I had this little idea about a bear cub being parented by elephants that turned into the Riley the Brave books and resources, and Jon and I realized we had something special as co-facilitators.

After several years of virtual book studies, we are getting back to our roots with more of a case consultation format, sprinkled with fascinating neuroscience thanks to brain nerd extraordinaire, Jon Baylin.