Workshop Summary:
Patients with neuroplastic symptoms often present with vigilance, intensity, and persistent self- monitoring—patterns that can interfere with engagement in mindbody treatment. This session explores play as an overlooked but clinically relevant pathway for increasing nervous system flexibility in both patients and clinicians. Through the lens of predictive processing, participants will consider how playful engagement may reduce threat signaling and support the updating of threat-related predictions. Emphasis will be placed on helping clinicians and coaches cultivate lightness and ease, and bring greater flexibility, safety, and spontaneity into their work with patients.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the role of vigilance and predictive processing errors in maintaining neuroplastic symptoms (ie, using tools as weapons)
- Guide participants in experiential practice of recognizing threat-based predictions and increasing lightness
- Develop skills in educating patients about the role of intensity and lightness on the nervous system in clear, validating and compassionate ways
- Empower participants to use play in their clinical practice
