
FOUNDATIONS IN APPLIED NEUROSCIENCE
Â
KCI's 12-week program: giving you access to the ins-and-outs of Unlearning and the Neuroscience of how to intentionally navigate, facilitate, and guide your clients through their internal transformation journey.
​
Consider the difference between the following two questions:
​
-
What are effective practices when it comes to_________ (fill in the blank: communication, leadership, decision making, innovation, inclusion...)?
-
How do we support people who use less effective such practices to adopt more effective ways of thinking or responding?
​
These questions are fundamentally different and so their answers are also completely different.
​
The first answer will focus on identifying what people who use effective practices do:
-
What do people who communicate effectively do well?
-
How do people who lead effectively, make decisions effectively (and so on) think and respond?
​
This is important and a very valuable traditional approach to change.
Neuroscience comes in to add an answer to another important and valuable question:
-
How do we best support people to get from point A to point B?
​
If you've ever tried to get people to grow or change by providing them with effective practices, you may have noticed this is often not enough. Without knowing how to guide people through a change or transformation process, these wonderful practices (more effective ways of leading, innovating, including etc.) will often not be adopted.
​
This program is about what it takes to support people to transform. It is about understanding the Neuroscience of guiding people from point A to point B:
​
-
What are the stages of transformation (and Unlearning in particular)?
-
What are the obstacles along the way and how do we overcome them?
Outline
Have you ever wanted to learn how to navigate, facilitate, and guide people through the stages of their internal transformation process?
This is an advanced program. It gives experienced coaches and change facilitators access to:
-
The Neuroscience of transformation - the ability to identify the obstacles and the stages along your clients' internal transformation journey (Unlearning).
-
The know-how to deliberately and consistently guide people to adopt change in meaningful and sustainable ways.
​
Since this program focuses on the science of transformation, it applies to numerous change areas such as:
-
Effective communication
-
Empathy
-
Conflict resolution
-
Resilience
-
DE&I related topics
-
Empowerment
-
Growth-Mindset
-
Curiosity and creativity
-
Decision-making
-
Psychological safety
​
Over the past 17 years KCI certified and trained hundreds of coaches, consultants, and HR leaders to use Neuroscience-based models and support their clients through difficult change (see clients and referrals).
​
This 12 week, intensive, small group program (limited to 6 participants per cohort) will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the top 10+ most critical neuroscience-based models for guiding people through difficult change. It will position you with a unique value proposition and allow you to support powerful transformation.

​Some of the neuroscientists and change experts involved in developing these models include (but are not limited to):
-
Dr. Robert Kegan and Dr. Lisa Lahey (out of Harvard University, Graduate School of Education).
-
Dr. Maite Balda, Dr. of Neuroscience (out of the Neuroleadership Institute).
-
Prof. Stephen W. Porges psychologist and neuroscientist (out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill).
-
Prof. Daniel J. Siegel founder of the field of Interpersonal Neurobiology (out of UCLA).
This program can be taken as a stand-alone, but it is also a prerequisite for the Certification in Applied Neuroscience. It includes:
​​
Neuroscience-based models:
-
Unlearning Model
-
Immunity to Change Model
-
A.G.E.S Model
-
Vertical & Bilateral Integration
-
Neurolinguistic Programing (NLP)
-
Explicit vs. Implicit Systems Model
-
Memory Re-Consolidation
-
LNHP Sustainability Model
-
SCARF Model
-
Polyvagal Theory (Neuroception)
-
Neural Integration Model
-
+ Neuroscience-based diagnostic tools.
-
+ Using Storytelling as a Transformation Tool
​​
(seeing the chart on your phone and would appreciate a PDF - let us know)

​​
What will I get from this program?
Coaches, change facilitators, and other change leaders who completed the Foundations in Applied Neuroscience program often describe it as:
-
"On the forefront of neuroscience topics..."
-
"Phenomenal"
-
"...The knowledge on the neuroscience of change and its practical applications to difficult change problems is unique and incredibly effective"
-
"Intensive with A LOT of great content to digest"
-
"Provides deep input and brilliantly insightful"
-
"Makes you stop, pause and really think...a lot"
-
"Impactful"
-
"This course digs deeper and explains how the brain works and how to engage the neurology for deeper and lasting transformation."
​
For an inside view, ask us for full reviews or to talk to past participants, and please see what our past clients say by visiting Reut's recommendations tab
​​

​​
​​This excellent, cutting-edge, small group program focuses on the intersection of Neuroscience & Difficult Change and is not right for everyone. It is unique in scope, depth, and complexity:
​
-
Combines critical Neuroscience research with application - you'll learn about brain parts and systems like the Hippocampus, Amygdala, BNST, Insula, and Anterior Cingluate Cortex (just to name a few) and understand how to best align change with the way the brain works.
-
Highly results-oriented and designed for facilitators who want to make a difference.
-
Requires deep reflection and vulnerability.
-
Based on a kind, caring, open, and compassionate approach but is improvement and growth-focused which means being comfortable with the discomfort required to hold people accountable.
-
Adds new techniques to your toolkit, focuses on principles for guiding people through difficult change, and leads to tremendously positive impact.
-
Covers more than just one or two models because difficult change is complex and different models are needed to support different aspects of difficult change.​
​
Comparing Programs: Group size and scope
To best compare this Foundations program with other programs, you may want to consider (seeing the chart on your phone and would appreciate a PDF - let us know):
​
​
How can I sign up?
This small group program is only offered twice a year and limited to 6 spots only (first-come-first-serve). To sign up and save your spot or with any question, please send an email to: Reut@KeyChangeNow.com
FAQ
​
Time commitment?
-
90 minute - weekly live group discussions (optional but recommended).
-
2-3 hours of self-study preparing for sessions per week.
-
Bonus: Group members will also have access to 1-on-1 Q&A sessions with a KCI Certifying Partner to explore specific questions and applications.
-
Includes 1 year of access to the modules and recordings so if you wish to go through the program at a slower pace, or review the modules, you’re welcome to do that.
​​
Schedule?
Participants can choose between two times: Thursdays at 8:00am PT/11:00am ET (Thursday afternoons for our clients in Europe and similar time zones) OR Thursdays at 2:00pm PT/5:00pm ET (Friday mornings for our clients in NZ and Australia).
OK to miss sessions?
Although participation in live sessions is highly encouraged, all calls are recorded and available for later review (typically made available the day-of). If you can't attend a call, you can always submit your questions in advance.
​
Location?
Virtual - using Zoom.​
​​
Prior knowledge in Neuroscience?
Although this program is very much relevant for people with a background in neuroscience, no prior neuroscience background is necessary.
​
Prerequisites?
Suitable for coaches, consultants, HR professionals, and other change leaders with prior experience in change facilitation. Please let us know if you have specific questions about the level of necessary prior experience.
​​
Instruction?
Taught by leading experts in the area of Neuroscience Applications to Difficult Change.​​
​​
Accreditation
This program has been approved by the International Coaching Federation for 30 CCE units (17 Core Competencies and 13 Resource Development). In many cases we can help you receive SHRM or NHRA credit independently.

Comparing Programs: Focus
​
What is the difference between this program and other coaching programs (seeing the chart on your phone and would appreciate a PDF - let us know)?

​​
Questions?
​
We believe there are many excellent programs out there and that the best approach is to give you all the information you need in order to make the decision that is right for you. We try to be very transparent about what this program does and does not focus on. If it would be nice to gain greater clarity (including how Positive Intelligence, Somatic, Trauma-Informed, NLP, and other methods fit within these 3 types), please reach out to Reut at Reut@KeyChangeNow.com or click here to contact us.
Cost: The Foundations program can be completed as a stand alone program or taken as a prerequisite of the Certification in Applied Neuroscience. For those interested only in gaining access to the top10 Neuroscience-based models, the cost of completing the 12 week Foundations program is $1,750 (2.9% processing fee applies if paid online ).
Money Back Guarantee: KCI offers a risk-free 14 day money back guarantee. However, please take the time to talk to one of KCI's Certifying Partners, review the content, talk to previously certified coaches, consultants, and HR leaders, and ask us any questions you may have, to ensure (as much as possible) that you are comfortable with your choice up front.

Upcoming start dates: This program is offered only twice per year. Sessions are held weekly for 12 weeks (see specific dates above). Please note that access to materials is provided two weeks prior to the start date to allow participants to prepare for the first session. Next start dates are currently tentatively scheduled for (two times to choose from): Thursdays, October 5th, 2023 at 8:00am PDT and at 2:00pm PDT (pick the time of day that works best for you - please note skip dates: Nov.23rd, December 21st, and Dec. 28th). Offered next in April 2024 (exact date TBD).
Want to learn more about what past certified coaches, consultants, and HR leaders say about this Foundations program? For referrals and recommendations please click here.
​
How can I sign up?
To sign up or with any question, please contact us or send an email to: Reut@KeyChangeNow.com
Curriculum
​
-
Sessions 1-2: Introduction to the Neuroscience of change
Explore the added value of neuroscience-based models to coaching, which 5 factors make change difficult from a neuroscience-perspective, and which neuroscience-model best supports overcoming each challenge. Introduction to concepts like Unlearning, engaging the right systems in the brain, overcoming resistance to change, adopting deep effective emotional skills for dealing with change-related discomfort, and creating a healthy accountability coaching structure. Introduction to Neuroplasticity and neurosynaptic activity in the brain.
​
-
Sessions 3-4: The Neuroscience of Resistance and Accountability
​Explore the important role of internal resistance as a mechanism for engaging emotional attention, identifying and overcoming less obvious (often invisible) forms of resistance to change, the chemical nature of resistance, Neuroception, how to better support vulnerability and emotional regulation during change from a Neuroscience perspective, the role of the Amygdala in threat detection and its dynamic with the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), the neuroscience of building courage and resilience, how to assess and support the development of vulnerability, how to build ownership and enhance commitment for change, and a step-by-step process for building an effective accountability structure.
​
-
Sessions 5-6: Change-Readiness Skills (CRS)
​Explore what makes some skills Neuroscience-based, why certain skills increase brain integration and support our ability to increase tolerance to discomfort and ambiguity, and how to use conscious vs. subconscious skills. Learn about the 8 families of Change-Readiness Skills and how they:
- Improve Bilateral Integration and use mirror neurons in the context of optimizing performance and developing empathy.
- Allow us to overcome dissociation and integrate connections between the body and the brain as a way to develop awareness and mindfulness (Vertical Integration).
- Provide us with deep emotional skills to overcome bias.
- Facilitate empathetic and inclusive responses without losing boundaries.
- Support us in developing compassion, resilience, growth-mindset, effective decision making, effective communication, and inclusion, among other things.
​​
-
Session 7: Neuroscience-Based Diagnostics
Explore the Science of Neuroscience-based assessments (brain parts and chemical activity), understanding 3 specific neuroscience-based tools (Prism Brain Mapping, Leadership Index, and the Solution Assessment), and how to use Neuro-assessments as a first step for improving performance, collaboration, empathy, vulnerability and other key abilities.
​
-
Session 8: Intro to Unlearning and Defining Unlearning Goals
​Explore which situations require Unlearning, the 5 stages of the Unlearning-relearning process, how to overcome obstacles between stages, 3 ways to facilitate re-wiring in the brain, identifying 3 types of goals (End goals, Task-Oriented goals, and Unlearning goals), deep motivations for Unlearning goals, and how to define Unlearning goals in a way that takes into account the whole person (using Immunity to Change model, deep motivations chart, and Neuro-linguistic Programing techniques).
​​​
-
Session 9: Creating the Conditions for Change Acquisition
Explore how to break past disruptive patterns clients are unaware of (because past filters make them blind to those patterns), use repetition and surprises to tap into role of the Hippocampus, get old cognitive and emotional patterns "unstuck", correctly engage both the Implicit System and the Explicit System, use the link between experiences and meaning to affect responses and thinking patterns, without depending on the limits of insight, awareness, and understanding when it comes to sustainable transformation, use Polyvagal Theory principles to establish an integrated brain-state, use Neuro-Linguistic Programing (NLP) techniques to support change adoption, and how to engage ​autobiographic memory to change behavior patterns and thinking habits by using memory re-consolidation.
​
-
​​Sessions 10-11: The Last 3 Stages of the Unlearning-Relearning Process
​Explore how to bypass communicating solely with the explicit PFC (logically and rationally) and start communicating with the implicit Limbic System in its language, use Polyvagal Theory principles in the context of overcoming fight, flight, freeze responses, use SCARF Model principles to ​create a safe environment and reduce perception of external threat, use the systems in the brain in a way that leads to sustainable change acquisition (LNHP Sustainability Model and A.G.E.S Model), resolve the Knowing-Doing Gap, increase client independence, self-compassion, and ownership, putting in place sustainability mechanisms.
​​​
-
Session 12: Integration and Application
Integrating everything we discussed, learned, and explored in this program - putting it all together, as a step-by-step process, into different application contexts such as: effective communication, decision making, problem solving, resilience, conflict resolution, inclusion, and other specific application areas.
Bonus
Participants are encouraged to take advantage of a complimentary 1-on-1 session with a KCI Certifying Partner to explore a specific application area they are interested in.
​​​
​​
Why you may not like this program
​
Neuroscience-based change models are highly effective but they are often fundamentally different from traditional models. They allow us to stretch our reach and offer solutions to difficult change we didn't have access to before. At the same time, they are new and different - and new can be uncomfortable.
Please note: if you are not too keen on exploring where Neuroscience-based models deviate from traditional models and looking bravely at new ways of approaching difficult change challenges, you may find this program frustrating!
​
This Foundations program is a good fit for Coaches, consultants, HR professionals, and other change leaders interested in how to apply Neuroscience-based models to coaching (please note: from a Neuroscience perspective, all change happens first and foremost at the individual level - so this is a stand-alone program and also the foundation for higher certification levels in team development and organizational change).​
If you are unsure if this program is right for you, please don't hesitate to ask for more information. We'll be more than happy to be very transparent about the experience so you can make a fully informed decision.
Quick Summary
​
Cost: $1750 (USD)
Upcoming start date: October 5th
Number of sessions: 12 (90 minutes each)
Skip dates: Nov.23rd, December 21st, and Dec. 28th
End date: January 11th
Time options:
-
Thursdays at 8:00am PT/11:00am ET (Thursday afternoons for our clients in Europe and similar time zones).
-
Thursdays at 2:00pm PT/5:00pm ET (Friday mornings for our clients in NZ and Australia).
Next future start date: Late March/Early April 2024 (TBD)
​
​​
How can I sign up?
This small group program is limited to 6 spots only (first-come-first-serve). To sign up (we'll send you an online registration form) please reach out to Reut at Reut@KeyChangeNow.com. If you'd like to get more information to find out if this program is right for you, to find out about this program's next start date, if you have questions about the scope or content of the program, or to be placed on the wait list, please click here to contact us.
​
Learn more about the Certification In Applied Neuroscience page
​
​
You are welcome to reach out with any additional questions. Please contact us or reach us to directly to: Reut@KeyChangeNow.com
​