1. Welcome to the Open Sky Webinar We will begin at 6 pm- see you soon!

2. Healing the Brain Brain Chemistry and Healing at Open Sky Dr. Katie Grace MacElveen

3. Goals of Presentation  Understand how cutting-edge neuroscience research supports Open Sky as a powerful intervention  Increase our ability to work together to support transition from wilderness to next steps  Share my passion

4. Typical Challenges for Students at Open Sky  Depression  Anxiety  Self-harm/suicidal ideation  Mild eating disorders  Drug/alcohol abuse  Chemical dependency  Bipolar disorder  Grief/loss  Trauma  Self-esteem issues  Family issues  Relationship issues  Identity issues  School & employment problems  Feeling lost, unsure of the future  History of treatment failures

5. Development Lines of Development  Cognition  Self-identify (ego)  Values  Emotions  Morals  Interpersonal  Spiritual  Needs  Kinesthetic  Musical

6. Touched by a Wild Mountain Gorilla Video *Your connection and computer speeds may vary, resulting in different play back experiences.

7. Gorilla Encounter  What was your experience?

8. What is Needed for Healthy Development?  Safety  Tools/skills  Support for learning  New and challenging experiences in an oxytocin rich environment:  Positive social interactions  Psychological support  Sensory experiences (smell, taste) Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg M.D., Ph.D. of Sweden

9. Effects of Oxytocin  Reduction in anxiety symptoms  Reduction of blood pressure & cortisol levels  Increase in pain threshold  Stimulation of positive social interactions, overall growth, and healing

10. Belonging

11. Oxytocin & addiction Disease model of addiction:  Brain reward systems results in compulsive drug alcohol use  Brain Healing: 8-12 weeks to increase dopemine uptake, create new paths for stress tolerance Kevin T. McCauley, M.D.

12. Connecting to Meaning and Purpose

13. Simple and Consistent  Substance-free  Technology-free  Distraction-free  Support for self- understanding  Support for applying tools

14. Teaming for Transition Preparing for next stage:  Relapse awareness and support plan  Tools, skills, and support for transition  Family quests & graduation

15.  Thank you! Dr. Katie Grace MacElveen Clinical Therapist for Young Adults drkategrace@openskywilderness.com drkategrace@openskywilderness.com  Please keep this browser window open. When the presentation is complete, it will take you to a short survey for today’s webinar.