NSCSW Lunch & Learn: Neurobiology & GBV/IPV

This session explores the neurobiology of trauma through a trauma-sensitive and relational lens, grounded in neuroscience, trauma and attachment theory, and intersectionality. Together, we will examine how experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) and gender-based violence (GBV) impact the body, brain, and sense of self.

A key focus will be on interoception, our ability to sense and interpret internal bodily signals and how this capacity can become eroded through trauma and violence. We will explore how disrupted interoceptive awareness can shape a survivor’s relationship with themselves, others, and their environment, including impacts on safety, trust, and healing.

This session invites critical reflection on why restoring and supporting interoceptive awareness is essential in trauma and GBV work, both for survivors and for those working alongside them. Survivors’ nervous systems can often become highly attuned to external cues (exteroception). Kristina will share why your body, presence, and regulation as a social worker directly influence relational safety and connection.

Grounded in an intersectional lens, the session will also examine how survivors’ trauma responses are frequently misunderstood, misinterpreted, pathologized or weaponized within systems and services. This includes exploring dynamics of institutional betrayal and system-induced trauma, and how these experiences can compound harm.

Participants will be invited into a critical and embodied inquiry into care practices for sustaining their own bodies while engaging in trauma-exposed work. This session positions self-attunement and care for our own bodies as an ethical and necessary foundation for trauma- and violence-informed practice with survivors.

Objectives

• Knowledge: Understand key terms, concepts, and language related to neurobiology and GBV/IPV; understand embodied practice of co-creating trauma sensitive relationships with survivors of gender-based violence, and what it means to be a trauma informed through policies and practices in organizations that work with survivors, and introducing self-inquiry practice to critically analyze and understand forces of oppression, power dynamics and coercion used in practice with survivors of gender-based violence.
• Skills: Apply concepts and skills related to neurobiology and GBV/IPV in critical social work practice; apply resources and approaches to embodied advocacy and becoming a trauma steward in GBV work.
• Values: Shifts in worldviews, values, assumptions, and beliefs related to the oppressive factors of GBV/IPV & neurobiology in social work practice.

Facilitator

Kristina Fifield (she/her), MSW, RSW, CCTP, Certified EMDR Trauma Therapist, TCTSY-F

Kristina is an intersectional feminist social worker who walks alongside survivors and families impacted by gender-based and family violence. She embodies a deep commitment to equity, trauma-sensitive care, and social justice–driven community healing in every relationship she builds.

Her practice is grounded in the understanding that survivors are the experts of their own bodies, stories, and experiences. Kristina centers choice, consent, and collaboration, and is intentional about sharing power in ways that feel meaningful and respectful.

She works from anti-pathologizing, body-first approaches to healing trauma, and is committed to decolonizing her practice through non-coercion, transparency, and relational accountability. Kristina honours each person’s autonomy and supports them in moving at their own pace, in ways that feel safe enough and supportive.

At the heart of her work is a belief that healing happens in relationship, through being seen, heard, and met with care, compassion, dignity, and respect.

Kristina participated in the Mass Casualty Commission Public Inquiry and co-authored a report for the commission highlighting systemic issues related to GBV for marginalized survivors. In 2023, she was appointed to the Progress and Monitoring Committee to represent the gender-based violence and advocacy sector.

Her work on the advisory committee for the LEAF’s Accountability Project and co-leading the GBV Advocacy Coalition in Nova Scotia underscores her commitment to promoting accountability for GBV.

"Thank you to all the survivors who have invited me to be a part of your journey. I am so grateful for everything I continue to learn from each of you."

Eligibility

NSCSW Members

All active, associate, retired associate, and student members of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers are welcome to attend; our professional development programming is part of our member services funded by annual registration fees.

Community Partners

All allied health practitioners in Nova Scotia/Mi'kma'ki interested in learning more about this topic are eligible to sign up for a $5 partner ticket; just let us know which profession you are a part of when you register.

Foundations

This session is relevant to several sections of the NSCSW Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice:

Value 1: Respecting the Dignity and Worth of All People

• Guiding Principle 1.1: Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of all people.
• Guiding Principle 1.2: Social workers promote the self-determination and autonomy of all people.
• Guiding Principle 1.3: Social workers uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people consistent with applicable rights and legislation.
• Guiding Principle 1.6: Social workers uphold the dignity of all people by recognizing the worth of individuals with disabilities by upholding their rights, fostering inclusion and ensuring equal opportunities in society.
• Guiding Principle 1.7: Social workers uphold the rights of all people to receive services in a manner that considers intersecting factors of exclusion and respects all manner of diversity.
• Guiding Principle 1.8: Social workers respect the rights of service users to make decisions based on voluntary consent when possible.
• Guiding Principle 1.9: Social workers uphold the rights of every person, group, and community to be free from violence or threat of violence.

Value 2: Promoting Social Justice

• Guiding Principle 2.1: Social workers uphold the principles of social justice related to the rights of individuals, families, groups, and communities to receive fair and equitable access to services, resources, and opportunities and to be free of oppression, racism, and discrimination.
• Guiding Principle 2.4: Social workers advocate for the rights of all individuals, families, groups, and communities to be free from oppression, exclusion, racism, and discrimination.

Value 7: Providing Culturally Responsive Competent Professional Services

• Guiding Principle 7.1: Social workers are committed to the ongoing development of their professional abilities and knowledge, aiming to ensure the delivery of culturally responsive professional services.
• Guiding Principle 7.2: Social workers practise within their level of competence and seek appropriate guidance when services required are beyond their competence.
• Guiding Principle 7.3: Social workers contribute to the ongoing development of the social work profession and current and future social workers.

Professional development tracking

Members of NSCSW may choose to track this as formal professional development, and use the registration confirmation email or PDF ticket as a verification document.

Visit nscsw.org/pd for more information about the updated professional development requirements for Nova Scotia social workers.

Questions?

If you have questions about our professional development program content, please contact the College's Professional Development Consultant, Tyler Colbourne, at tyler.colbourne@nscsw.org.