Dr. Arthur Janov's Primal Center
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Full Description of Online Continuing Education Course  OL102

The Three Levels of Consciousness

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Text by Dr. Arthur Janov

Outline • Content Description • Overall Objective • Practical Outcome Objectives

Outline

1. The three levels of consciousness as defined by neuro-biological evolution

2. The key brain structures of each level of consciousness and their function

3. The interaction of brain levels: making a diagnosis based on levels of consciousness. How trauma leads to overload and creates dislocation of function as it relates to hormones, biology, neurology and behavior

4. Case studies of the effects of trauma as relates to the different levels of consciousness

5. Differential elements of illness as manifested on separate levels of consciousness. A discussion of dreams, nightmares and various ailments as they reflect different levels
 

 
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Content Description

1. As relates to the first level of consciousness, a description of the primitive brain, its primary function in dealing with hardwired instincts and basic needs. As relates to the second level of consciousness, a description of the Limbic system as the "feeling" system. How it is placed in evolution phylogenetically and ontogenetically. As relates to the third level of consciousness, a description of the neo- cortical-left brain system, as the "thinking" brain. The relationship of left and right brain, how they interact and how the corpus callosum functions to block connection.

2. Within each brain system a description of the key structures and their function as to the flow of feeling information through the overall brain system (amygdala, the hypothalamus and the neocortex).

3. Description of the basic process of overload, the inhibitory system and gating. The basic effects of overload on hormone production, biology and behavior.

4. Case studies identifying and relating behavioral and biological effect of trauma relative to the various levels of consciousness. How trauma on each of the three levels is acted out. The issue of the "degree of arousal" is discussed as pertains to "trauma in/trauma out."

5. A discussion of how the imprint works and how it affects the neuro-biologic system.
 

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Overall Objective

To provide evolutionary perspective of the maturation of the brain, both in the history of mankind and in the history of single humans. To teach therapists the value of a historical perspective in order to enhance clinical effectiveness.
 

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Practical Outcome Objectives

1. The student will be able to identify the three levels of consciousness as defined by neuro-biological evolution, the key brain structures of each level, their function, and the effects of trauma as relates to each level, toward greater clinical treatment effectiveness. Also the student will understand how neural circuits are rerouted and diverted.

2. The student will be able to identify how trauma on each level is acted out, and the relationship of trauma to biologic function, hormones and behavior, allowing clearer and more specific diagnosis and treatment.
 

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PRIMAL TREATMENT, TRAINING & RESEARCH CENTER
209 Ashland Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: (310) 392-2003
Fax: (310) 392-8554
E-mail:  primalctr@earthlink.net