The Science of Connection: Gladstone Champions Brain-Based Approach to Youth Mental Health
- Oct 10
- 3 min read
Seventeen local professionals from child-and youth-focused organisations in the Gladstone Region came together through a community-led collective training initiative, to learn from internationally recognised psychologist and neuroscience educator, Karen Young. The training explored how neuroscience can be used to strengthen the mental health of young people in our region.
This was the first time this training had been offered locally, improving access to high-quality professional development. Many participants had long sought the opportunity to upskill in the latest neuroscience to advance practice and approaches supporting the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.
One participant shared, "I’ve had my eye on Karen Young’s neuroscience seminars for a few years, but the travel to attend this training (outside of Gladstone) has always been a deterrent."
Karen Young introduced participants to Neuro-Nurtured – a framework grounded in connection, trust and felt safety. Designed to help professionals respond more effectively and compassionately to behaviour, it offered practical strategies to support regulation when young people are overwhelmed. Exploring the science behind the framework empowered those working with young people to foster more meaningful and supportive relationships.
Participants learnt how the nervous system strengthens through practice - like a muscle – by moving from dysregulation to regulation to build neural pathways. They explored practical, real-time tools to facilitate emotional regulation. Music for example, can be used to:
• create predictability for young people using familiar playlists
• teach regulation through rhythm with games that alternate between slow and fast music, to safely guide young people through transition between calm and active states.
Teaching young people to self-regulate is a protective factor for lifelong wellbeing. While risk-taking is a natural and important part of a young person’s development, building self-regulation skills helps them navigate challenges with confidence, make safer choices, and develop resilience.
One participant shared, "Since the training, I have been using 'The House Model' every day from Karen’s ‘Ups and Downs’ book to talk to young people in schools about strong emotions.”
The training focused on the science of why building brains and bodies takes time, repetition, and relational safety. It emphasised the role of parents and caregivers, showing how boundaries, when guided by love and leadership, create the safety children need to thrive.
Participants deepened their understanding of co-regulation and how early bonds and attachments shape a person’s ability to manage emotions. They also considered how a parent or caregiver’s own childhood experiences can influence their role as emotional regulators in family life today.
Karen explained how the systems surrounding families can positively support this, and demonstrated how trauma-aware, shame-free support helps parents better understand their own experiences and respond with greater compassion. With the right support, families can grow, heal, and thrive together.
One participant reflected how training participation supported their confidence, saying: “I feel more confident to approach difficult conversations.”
A community partnership with Rio Tinto, Here for Gladstone enabled this training through the Sector Capacity Building Initiative. Practitioners from the Human Service Sector identified priority collective training needs to improve outcomes for children and families in the Gladstone Region.
To learn more about the Sector Capacity Building Initiative and the community partnership with Rio Tinto, Here for Gladstone, read Collective Buying Power and Community Partnership Enabling Improved Outcomes for Families and Children, or contact GRT:
P: 07 4970 7382
