Understanding the adolescent brain
- Date: February 06, 2026
- Time: 13:30 – 15:30
- Cost: HIEDA/BSA Member Rate: £135, Non-member Rate: £270*
- Audience: All Boarding staff and those who wish to have an understanding of teenagers brain development and the impact of these changes on their mental health, learning and relationships
- Platform: Zoom (online) – half day seminar
Course outline:
We know that, other than during the first three years of life, the brain goes through the biggest change in its development during adolescence. This is a critical time in teens’ lives and as adults, we have a crucial role to play in supporting them to develop into healthy successful adults.
This workshop combines the latest understanding of neuroscience and developmental psychology with practical strategies to help attendees understand the changes teenagers are going through, and what adults can do to support them.
Training topics will include:
The session covers the main changes in the brain during the teenage years:
- Hormones
- Risky behaviour
- The social brain
- Sleep
- The role of adults in supporting healthy brain development
Learning outcomes:
- To have a better understanding of the developmental changes in the teenage brain
- To explore the links with these changes and the vulnerability to developing mental health issues.
- Practical, evidence based strategies to support healthy brain development.
- To understand the importance of relationships in a healthy boarding environment.
Speaker:
Lisa Jones, Lisa Jones Coaching
Lisa Jones is a multi-award-winning, science-driven therapist, coach, and trainer who believes prevention is key to positive mental health. She works across the corporate and education sectors, delivering training on brain health, resilience, stress management, and emotional wellbeing, alongside running a busy private practice. Lisa is a fully qualified and insured Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Wellbeing Coach, and Mental Health Consultant, registered with BACP and a senior accredited member of the National Counselling Society. Her work is underpinned by neuroscience, with a particular focus on the mind–body connection, neuroplasticity, and building resilience through evidence-based, practical approaches.
