16 / 22
Page 47
conferenceseries
.com
Volume 6
Journal of Child and Adolescent Behavior
Psychiatry Neuro 2018
November 12-13, 2018
November 12-13, 2018 Dubai, UAE
30
th
International Conference on
&
Joint Meeting on
Psychiatry and Mental Health
25
th
Cognitive Neuroscience Congress
Understanding the Unseen: The Impact of complex trauma on cognitive development approach
Malak Kamel
Zayed University College of Natural and Health Sciences, U.A.E
C
omplex trauma is defined as the experience of multiple, chronic, and adverse traumatic events that are of an interpersonal
nature and most often occur in early development. When exposed to repeated traumatic experiences, a great amount of
emotional and mental energy is expanded to deal with the event(s). The brain becomes wired for survival, altering patterns
of neural connections in the limbic system or emotional brain, thus derailing normal neurocognitive development. Research
also shows that the early years of children’s lives are crucial to their development; and that exposure to chronic neglect and to
maladaptive attachment styles can contribute to complex trauma. Working in parallel during this crucial period is the brain’s
ability to change its own structure in response to experiences and the eniviornment (known as brain plasticity), continuing
throughout childhood and well into adulthood. This makes it imperative that practitioners act swiftly in assessing trauma and
providing the necessary supports at the earliest possible. Research shows that building on empowerment and resilience with
a strong focus on self-concept can foster brain plasticity and thwart the effects of complex trauma. During this brief talk Ms.
Kamel will discuss the primary types of child neglect and maladaptive attachment styles, reviewing their impacts on cognitive
development and touch upon various tools used to assess for complex trauma. Most importantly Ms. Kamel will discuss
implications in practice and ways to foster empowerment and resilience, providing examples from her years of practice in
Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Egypt, and the U.A.E.
Biography
Malak Kamel is a licensed psychotherapist, university instructor, and frequently sought after government advisor in child development and youth mental health.
She served the Canadian government in child and family services, has developed international child protection trainings and welfare policies, and has collaborated
in research ventures with McGill University, Columbia University, and Harvard University. Ms. Kamel is a member of the American Psychological Association, the
Canadian Psychological Association, and the Middle East Psychological Association. She enjoys balancing her contributions to the field between private practice
therapy, university teaching, and community engagement in psychology and social work.
malakamel@gmail.comMalak Kamel, J Child Adolesc Behav 2018, Volume 6
DOI: 10.4172/2375-4494-C2-008