Relational Therapy Meets Neuroscience

As a relational therapist, my approach is based in the understanding that secure relationships with ourselves and others are essential to our emotional well-being. In my practice, I use the framework provided by the field of interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB) to explain how our brain, body and relationships work together to create our mind – or lived experience. Because these three systems are different for every one of us, they interact – or integrate – differently, providing us with our own unique take on the world – and on ourselves and our relationships with others. 

Pathways to Neuroplasticity

As we make our way through life, the neural circuitry in our brain changes according to our experiences. Both our internal (intrapersonal) experiences as well as our external (interpersonal) experiences literally change our wiring. While both positive and negative experiences have an impact on the way we feel, the impact of being left alone with overwhelming feelings (trauma), may lead to persistent anxiety and depression, dysfunctional relationships, or other issues that hold us back from healing and living our lives to the fullest.

My approach to therapy helps you make sense of why your brain works the way it does in the first place, so you can get to work reframing and rewiring your neural circuitry. When you learn to observe yourself, you can see your thinking in action and meet yourself with greater acceptance and compassion. Our triggers are often unconscious. An important function of therapy is to bring those triggers fully into your awareness so you can change them. Through a process of mindful attention, you’ll learn to identify your triggers and find ways to integrate them differently. 

My goal is to give you tools that promote flexible and adaptive ways of thinking – what’s called neuroplasticity – so that you become aware, open and capable of creating lasting change.

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