Science of Emotion
Sessions: 5
Lecture: 6h 39m
Certificate: 10+ hrs
125 CAD
Emotion, long dismissed as a nuisance factor, is now confirmed to be at the core of development and well-being. Yet little is being taught about the nature of emotion or the implications for parenting, teaching, and treatment. To make sense of emotion is to make sense of us all. There is no better way to glean insight into oneself and others than through a working knowledge of the science of emotion.
As is the case with all our courses, this course features lectures by Dr. Neufeld, carefully curated support for enriched study, study aides, the opportunity to ask questions of trained faculty or course facilitators, a year's access to the campus to enable study at one's own pace, and a certificate of attendance upon completion. For more information, consult the 'about our courses' page.
COURSE SUMMARY
New revelations about the nature of emotion have shed fresh light on the pivotal role of feelings in play, brain development, discipline problems, attention problems, mental health issues and much more. In this course, Dr. Neufeld distils the current scientific knowledge on emotion to three basic laws and discusses the implications of each of these laws for parenting and teaching as well as the treatment of children. Neufeld also outlines five basic steps to emotional health and development so adults can foster emotional well-being and get to the root of such problems as alarm, anxiety, agitation, aggression, impulsiveness, lack of empathy, bullying, and so on. This course is powerful in the insight it provides as well as the changes it inspires.
SUITABILITY/APPLICABILITY
Having a working knowledge of the science of emotion should be a prerequisite for anyone responsible for children or working with adults. While the focus is on children and youth, the content is applicable to individuals of all ages. This course is highly recommended for all helping professionals, educators and parents. This course is designated as part of our foundational studies for those wishing a solid grounding in the attachment-based developmental approach.
SAMPLE TOPICS
- how our basic emotions serve attachment
- the three laws of emotion and why these need to be honoured
- how most problems are emotional at their root
- how the emotional system is meant to develop and what can go wrong
- six signs of a child in emotional trouble
- the construct and purpose of emotional defense
- the meaning of impulsiveness when viewed through the lens of emotion
- the five stages of emotional development and where stuckness occurs
- why emotions can get depressed and how to reverse this problem
- the role of the prefrontal cortex in emotional management and development
- how emotional health and well-being can be restored
- what to do with a child's feelings
COURSE OUTLINE
The course is structured into 5 sessions with each session including approximately one hour of instructional video from Dr. Neufeld. An additional bonus session is included which can serve as a concluding sixth session.
- Session 1 - Expression of Emotion
The first of the three laws of emotion is that emotion seeks expression. The impediments to spontaneous expression are discussed, together with their implications for functioning and development. - Session 2 - Thwarted Expression
The adverse consequences of thwarted expression is discussed under five main topics. The first challenge in dealing with problems rooted in emotion is to facilitate the expression of emotion without repercussion to a child’s working attachments. - Session 3 - Feelings and Hurts
The second law of emotion is that emotion seeks consciousness. The fundamental importance of feeling is explored together with why children many need some help to get their feelings back. - Session 4 - Balance and Self-Control
The third law of emotion is that emotion seeks equilibrium, resulting in balance, stability and self-control. Mixed feelings are explored as the prerequisite to courage, patience, empathy, reflection and self-control. The ultimate challenge for adults is to help children find their mixed feelings. - Session 5 - Five Steps to Emotional Health and Maturity
The five stages in emotional development are outlined, with the challenges for children and adults in each stage. The challenge when children are stuck is always to start at the beginning where root problems exist. Bonus Session - Viewing and treating troubling behaviours as emotional problems Emotion has been eclipsed by such constructs as learning, discipline, disorder and even disease. Emotion has also been eclipsed by our focus on behaviour, reason and self-regulation. Only when we begin to reframe problems in the language of emotion can we find a way through.
Inquiries
If you have questions or require additional information that you cannot find on our website or FAQ page, you may contact our office on our Inquiries page.
Charity & Non-Profit Status
The Neufeld Institute is a registered Canadian charitable organization under the name Neufeld Institute Foundation and is also registered as a NPO in British Columbia. If you would like to make a contribution to us, please go to our donation page.
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Canada