The NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM ™) is an internationally taught clinical professional training program for psychotherapists in the tradition of body-centered psychotherapy and other approaches and for mental health professionals. (NARM Training Institute International). This integrative approach, based on the modern findings of relational neuroscience in the field of psychotraumatology, focuses on developmental relational trauma  and therapeutically addresses the early, implicit patterns of attachment rupture, which, as research shows, seem to have a significant effect on emotions, physiology, behavior and relationships. The NARM  method integrates a humanistic, psychodynamic and somatic oriented perspective, providing a complete theoretical and clinical model for therapeutic work with developmental injuries.

 

The NARM ™ approach draws on psychodynamic models, such as attachment theory and object-relations theory, from Body psychotherapy models and character-structure approaches, while incorporating also the current, neurobiologically informed  conceptualization and understanding of trauma, so as to explore the   multifaceted interaction of psychological issues with the body.

 

In its therapeutic orientation, NARM describes a phenomenological exploration and a relational oriented therapeutic approach in the present moment, which traces and harnesses existing and new supportive resources of the individual, focusing less on regression and ‘catharsis’ and more on cultivating the ability of containment. With a focus on the functional unity and interaction between psychology and neurophysiology, the therapeutic work with psychobiological issues of the Self evolves through a process of form-background, while avoiding pathologization.

 

Based on the practice of mindfulness, reflection and acceptance, the approach also incorporates a spiritual-transpersonal view of the nature of personality. As we learn to work therapeutically simultaneously with these different elements or levels, a fundamental change is encouraged, which has a significant impact on the clinical treatment of complex mental trauma and promotes personal and relational development.

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Course Objectives

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In the NARM Practitioner Training you will learn:

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• The different skills needed to work with developmental versus shock trauma; when and why shock trauma interventions may be contraindicated in working with developmental trauma.

• How to address the complex interplay between nervous system dysregulation and identity distortions, such as toxic shame and guilt, low self-esteem, chronic self-judgment, and other psychobiological symptoms.

• How to work moment-by-moment with early adaptive survival styles that, while once life-saving, distort clients’ current life experience.

• When to work ‘bottom-up’, when to work ‘top-down’, and how to work with both simultaneously to meet the special challenges of developmental trauma.

• How to support clients with a mindful and progressive process of disidentification from identity distortions.

• A new, coherent theory for working with affect and emotions, which aims to support their psychobiological completion.

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Course Structure

 

The NARM Practitioner Training consists of 120 contact hours and is offered in four 5-day live modules (format may vary depending on training location).  The live modules will be held for a total of 18 days over the period of the training.  The training modules are typically spaced 3-4 months apart to allow time for continued study, practice, peer meetings, and training webinars in support of greater integration of the NARM clinical approach.

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The training is conducted by the trainer Michael Mokrus, and a Team of experienced NARM ™ certified  Assistants. During the five-day Μodules Assistants facilitate work in the subgroups. They are also available for NARM ™ individual treatment sessions.

 

The training program will be conducted in English with sequential translation in Greek language. The training will take place in Athens, the venue will be announced soon.

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Teaching Methods

 

Supplementary learning opportunities include: study and practice groups, individual and group consultation, individual NARM sessions, access to library of demonstration videos, and other learning intensives.

 

All modules include a combination of 2 complementary instruction approaches:

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1. Didactic and theoretical learning: including lecture, question and answer periods, class-wide discussion, case consultation, and deconstruction of live NARM demonstration sessions and demonstration videos.

2. Experiential learning: including self-inquiry exercises, small group activities, role-plays, guided skill practice and active coaching on NARM clinical skills and full clinical sessions.

 

       

Trainer