Being a brain-wise therapist : a practical guide to interpersonal neurobiology

Description

This book, part of the acclaimed Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology, brings interpersonal neurobiology into the counseling room, weaving the concepts of neurobiology into the ever-changing flow of therapy. Neuroscientific discoveries have begun to illuminate the workings of the active brain in intricate detail. In fact, sometimes it seems that in order to be a cutting-edge therapist, not only do you need knowledge of traditional psychotherapeutic models, but a solid understanding of the role the brain plays as well. But theory is never enough. You also need to know how to apply the theories to work with actual clients during sessions. In easy-to-understand prose, Being a Brain-Wise Therapist reviews the basic principles about brain structure, function, and development, and explains the neurobiological correlates of some familiar diagnostic categories. You will learn how to make theory come to life in the midst of clinical work, so that the principles of interpersonal neurobiology can be applied to a range of patients and issues, such as couples, teens, and children, and those dealing with depression, anxiety, and other disorders. Liberal use of exercises and case histories enliven the material and make this an essential guide for seamlessly integrating the latest neuroscientific research into your therapeutic practice Content: Preliminary thoughts -- The brain's building blocks -- The brain's flow -- The relationship between brain and mind attaching -- Picturing the inner community -- The mutuality of the therapeutic relationship -- An application: embracing shame -- Preliminary thoughts through the lens of diagnosis: depression, anxiety, dissociation, and addiction -- Fostering neural integration and empathic inner communities -- Grounding therapy in the right brain -- Listening to family histories -- The three faces of mindfulness -- Getting comfortable with the brain -- Brain-wise narratives -- Patterning the internal work -- The integrating power of sandplay -- Sand stories -- Doing art -- Adam: substantiation -- Hannah: giving form to fragments -- Working with couples, teens and children with the brain in mind -- Keeping balanced with couples -- Meeting teens with their brains in mind -- Playing with children, supporting their parents -- An application: Rachel rewired.