Understanding the Prediction Machine

Morning Workshop: Understanding the Prediction Machine
An Introduction to Predictive Processing for Therapists

Friday, October 16th
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST

Description:

Our brains are not passive observers of the world—they are active prediction machines.

Rather than waiting for complete information, the brain is constantly making its best guess about what is happening, what will happen next, and how to prepare the body to respond. This simple idea has profound implications for understanding emotion, behavior, learning, and therapeutic change.

This workshop is designed to provide an accessible introduction to predictive processing without requiring a background in neuroscience. Through engaging demonstrations, everyday examples, and clinical applications, participants will develop an intuitive understanding of how prediction shapes perception, attention, emotion, and behavior.

Participants will also be introduced to the concept of the body budget and explore how the brain continuously manages energy and physiological resources to support survival and adaptation.

Whether you practice EMDR, IFS, CBT, ACT, attachment-based therapy, or another approach, this workshop provides a foundational framework for understanding how the brain constructs experience.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Explain predictive processing using clear, accessible language.

1. Describe how the brain constructs perception through prediction rather than passively recording reality.
2. Explain the concept of the body budget and its role in emotion, behavior, and decision-making.
3. Recognize how prediction, energy regulation, and learning work together to shape human experience.
4. Begin viewing clinical work through the lens of predictive processing.

Registration: $150

Afternoon Workshop: Predictive Processing as a Clinical Translator
Integrating Attachment, IFS, EMDR, and Neuroscience

Friday, October 16th
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM CST

Therapists are often taught attachment theory, Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and neuroscience as though they are separate ways of understanding human behavior.

What if they were describing many of the same adaptive processes—just using different language?

In this workshop, participants will learn how predictive processing can serve as a common framework that connects the clinical models they already know. Rather than replacing existing theories, predictive processing offers a way to translate between them, leading to clearer case conceptualization and more intentional intervention planning.

This workshop emphasizes integration rather than allegiance to a single modality, helping clinicians organize familiar concepts into one coherent clinical framework.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Translate attachment theory, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR concepts through the lens of predictive processing.
2. Identify common mechanisms shared across therapeutic models despite differences in terminology.
3. Use predictive processing to strengthen case conceptualization and treatment planning.
4. Differentiate between symptoms, protective strategies, and the predictions that organize them.
5. Select interventions based on the client's underlying predictive model rather than the presenting symptom.

Registration: $150

Bundle Option
Attend both workshops for $250 and gain both a foundational understanding of predictive processing and a practical framework for integrating it into your clinical work.

These workshops are designed to stand alone or complement one another, making them ideal for clinicians who are new to predictive processing as well as those seeking a more integrated approach to psychotherapy.

Registration Includes

• Live virtual workshop
• Access to the workshop recording
• Downloadable handouts and resources

Course Policies

Cancellation & Refund Policy
Registration may be canceled up to 7 days prior to the training for a full refund, minus any processing fees. Cancellations made within 7 days of the training are non-refundable.

If the presenter cancels the training for any reason, participants will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to a future offering.

Grievance Policy
If you have a concern or complaint about this training, please contact Alyce Messer at alyce@alycemesser.com. All grievances will be reviewed and responded to within a reasonable timeframe. If a resolution cannot be reached, participants may contact the NBCC for further guidance.

ADA Accommodations
This training is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require accommodations, please contact alyce@alycemesser.com at least 7 days prior to the training so arrangements can be made.

Attendance & CE Credit
Participation is optional. Life time access to the recording is available with registration.

There are currently no CEs being offered with this course.