August 29th, 2011 |
What does therapy actually do? How does it work? Does anyone really ever change? The field of neuroscience has exploded in recent years, revealing a number of findings about the human brain; how it develops, how it operates, and how it changes. Neuroplasticity explains that the brain is not a rigid organ, but is malleable, and changes throughout life, both in structure and function. This change happens through our experience. We actively change our brains by the way we respond to our environment.
The brain and nervous system are made up of millions of neurons and hold the capacity to connect... Read More
June 9th, 2011 |
Over the course of the last year I have had the pleasure of being around a group of people that have a genuine sense of kindness and respect for one other and for others, and a positive attitude even in extremely trying situations. So much so that I have wondered ‘how do they do it”? Abigail Washburn and the Village is a new band from Nashville. Abigail has had several other successful bands including Uncle Earl and Abigail Washburn... Read More
May 12th, 2010 |
A client just recently told me of how he very often hears things as criticism when they are not meant to be critical. For instance he and his wife had a disagreement about buying snack bars. When at the store he had agreed that he would eat the raisin filled bars since she and son did not like them. And when it came time to fill lunch bags he also wanted one of the other variety and she said," Oh no, you wanted the raisin ones, you cannot have these." This innocent interaction between two people who love each other became a "big deal" and they both left the house in a fowl mood, holding animosity... Read More
April 7th, 2010 |
It has only been in the past 10+ years that researchers have discovered "experience" changes the way neurons fire in our bodies. Just in the past few months, it has been revealed that the genes of infants are altered by trauma. This leads to the possibility that if trauma experience can change our neurons and genes, then why not "positive" experiences can restore our bodies to emotional and physical health. I know as an Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) therapist that my clients, as a result of new emotional experiences, often make substantial changes in their feelings, moods, and behaviors.
Implicit... Read More
March 8th, 2010 |
In my first IPNB article two months ago, I went into detail about the significance of starting the therapy with our advertising and our first phone contact, email, or voicemail. Our intentions need to be clear and of the upmost integrity as these greatly influence the client even if they do not attend a session. Our kindness and helpfulness also beneficially impact ourselves.
"Mutual empathy occurs when two people relate to each other in a context of interest in the other, emotional availability and responsiveness, cognitive... Read More
January 28th, 2010 |
There is nothing more satisfying for me than hearing, "I have been in therapy for years talking about this and today with you is the first time I felt like someone really believed me." The client comes to this relief when she senses my intention and ability to hear her story, be emotionally present, and be impacted emotionally by her. Possibly for the first time, she is "seen" without judgment. And I let her know that I appreciate that she is willing to let me in on something that is so personal and sacred.
People occasionally ask me,"How can you stand to listen to problems and complaints all... Read More
December 22nd, 2009 |
The most important question concerning Psychotherapy is, "What has to happen in therapy for it to work, for it to be effective and really help the client?" The simple answer is "the client has to experience positive changes in the brain, in the neurological system". When we are in distress, anxious, depressed, or just plain unhappy, our neurons are firing in a certain way. In "fight, flight or freeze"... Read More
