Being a Brain-Wise Therapist: A Practical Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology

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.

After introducing the neurobiological bases of brain development and functioning, marriage and family therapist Badenoch (Center for Hope and Healing, Irvine, CA) explains practical issues and applications of the interpersonal neurobiological (IPNB) counseling model for re-structuring the mind-brain-body. The book includes an introduction by the co-director of the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center, case examples, family history questions, "inner community" diagrams and art made by patients in the process of developing "brain-wise narratives." Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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.

Client-centered exercises that accompany the concepts put forward in Being a Brain-Wise Therapistand make the theoretical practical.

[A] powerful review of the basics on brain structure, function, and neurobiological theories.

In easy-to-understand prose, Being a Brain-Wise Therapistreviews 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.

This book translates current advances in neuroscience into useful clinical applications for the practitioner. Linking science with clinical material, the author persuasively argues for more scientifically based long-term psychotherapy. Written for couples therapists, family therapists, and those working with individuals, it effectively brings neuroscience to the on-the-ground counselor.

Bonnie Badenoch, MA, LMFT, is executive director of the Center for Hope and Healing. She lives in Irvine, California.