Workshop Summary:
Loneliness and disconnection amplify threat physiology and can keep neuroplastic symptoms persistent. This session expands standard fear-reduction models by teaching connection as a trainable safety signal and strategic joy as a trainable recovery catalyst. We define joy not as “toxic positivity” but as a set of practical skills (e.g., connection-building, savoring, gratitude, kindness, strengths, attainable goals, positive reappraisal) that broaden attention, support approach behavior, and strengthen safety learning across neuroplastic symptom presentations.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to -
- Sescribe how loneliness and social disconnection can function as a threat amplifier relevant to neuroplastic symptom persistence
- Recognize common clinical presentations of loneliness/disconnection in patients/clients with persistent symptoms (life-narrowing, avoidance, shame, reduced co-regulation)
- Experience connecting to own inner loving adult for a constant available resource
- Integrate strategic joy skills into neuroplastic recovery work in a way that is capacity-matched and realistic—especially for patients/clients with pain flares, fatigue, fear of symptoms, or high levels of shame
- Outline a practical strategy set that integrates feeling connected, connection-building, and joy skills to support neuroplastic recovery across varied presentations
