Chicago, IL (PRWEB) February 27, 2014

From March 6 through 8, renowned nutrition expert Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP and internationally recognized trauma specialist Christine Courtois, PhD, will join more than a dozen leading behavioral health experts in Chicago for The Ben Franklin Institutes Summit for Clinical Excellence. Themed Freud Meets Buddha: Mindfulness, Trauma and Process Addictions, the conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza Hotel.

Dr. Peeke, Senior Science Advisor for Elements Behavioral Health and the creator of innovative healthy lifestyle and nutrition programs for addiction recovery at Lucida Treatment Center and Promises Malibu, will present Slipping Into Your Genes: How the Science of Epigenetics Will Reshape Your Mind and Body, on March 6 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The keynote address explores the complex interactions between DNA, genes, lifestyle, environment, nutrition and mental state.

While inherited genes exert a significant influence on health, reported Dr. Peeke, DNA is not necessarily destiny. The emergence of the new science of epigenetics suggests that its the genetic expression, or what message the gene is sharing with the brain and body, that determines our mental and physical well-being. This is enormously empowering. Well explore practical ways to achieve the genetic expression to optimize longevity and quality of life.

Dr. Peekes presentation that same day, Shame, Blame and Guilt: Solutions for Healing the Triad of Pain, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., examines how the regeneration of shame fuels the compulsive-addictive cycle. She will also detail the effect of these emotional conditions on the brain and body, including how they impact gene expression.

Dr. Courtois, National Clinical Trauma Consultant for Promises Treatment Centers, will lead three presentations about treating complex trauma on March 8:

Collectively, the presentations cover the challenges of the therapeutic relationship, the sequence of treatment, and the unique spiritual issues that arise with trauma, said Dr. Courtois. My hope is that participants come away from the sessions with more context and information about the nature and treatment of complex post-traumatic conditions.

Attendees may earn six continuing education credits per session (18 total). For an agenda or to register for the conference, which is co-hosted by Promises and The Ranch, visit the BFI website. To learn about other speaking engagements in the behavioral health care field, visit the Elements Behavioral Health events or contact Jeanette Lisalda at jlisalda(at)theelements(dot)com.

About Dr. Courtois

Christine Courtois, PhD, ABPP, is a leading authority in the treatment of trauma, having worked in this area for over 30 years. She is a Board Certified Counseling Psychologist who directs the development of guidelines for the treatment of complex trauma for three professional organizations and has been appointed to the American Psychological Associations Guideline Development Panel for post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Courtois has written or co-edited eight books on healing from incest, child sexual abuse, complex traumatic stress disorders and other types of trauma, and on spirituality and trauma.

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Elements Behavioral Health Experts Speak at BFI Summit for Clinical Excellence in Chicago