Jan 21, 2019
What is neuropsychotherapy? Richard and Matt talk about the
multidisciplinary perspective of neuropsychotherapy and the fact
that this is about being informative and integrative of different
perspectives as opposed to a particular modality of therapy.
After a number of students approaching us and asking for the
evidence base for neuropsychotherapy, it seemed people were looking
at this as a particular modality or technique of therapy, and this
is understandable. We discuss the reasons why this is not the case
and clear up some misunderstandings in the language used and the
intention of neuropsychotherapy.
Recommended course: The Integrative Sciences
Hub https://www.thescienceofpsychotherapy.com/integrative-sciences-hub/
Where can you find Richard presenting? https://www.richardhill.com.au/
How a UT Southwestern doctor stopped the voices in a
University Park man's head last Christmas season -
Richard's case of Psychotherapy With Non-Fatal Bilateral
Thalamic Thrombosis: A Case Study https://www.thescienceofpsychotherapy.com/psychotherapy-with-non-fatal-bilateral-thalamic-thrombosis/
Here's what we have had on our website since 2013 about what
neuropsychotherapy is - which I'd like to read, as clearly the ones
who are looking for evendence based studies on a discrete modality
haven't seen this page:
https://www.thescienceofpsychotherapy.com/about/
What Is It?
Neuropsychotherapy is a meta-framework taking into account the
dynamic interplay between the mind, body, society, and environment
upon well-being. By understanding the mechanisms of our
biology/neurology, the processes of our psychology, and the
influences of social interaction, it is believed a holistic
therapeutic practice can be formulated.
Who Are You?
We are professionals in mental health (either an eclectic
or founded in any number of theoretical schools) who utilises
neurobiological, cognitive, emotional, social, and environmental
information to base or enhance our psychotherapeutic
interventions. We use the term “Neuropsychotherapist” to
identify professionals who are grounded in a sound knowledge of the
neurobiological underpinnings of mental states and behaviours of
their clients.
Is This A School?
No. The Neuropsychotherapist is not proposing a new school of
psychology or psychotherapy, nor a new modality of practice. Rather
we are promoting a greater depth of knowledge in the workings of
the brain, and other aspects of our biology, to enhance the
therapeutic practice of all psychotherapists regardless of their
theoretical orientation.
What may be confusing is Grawe's language around
neuropsychotherapy when he states that...
“Neuropsychotherapy aims to change the brain, but it does not
directly target primarily the brain but focuses on the life
experiences encountered by the person. The brain specializes in the
processing of life experiences. Life experiences are meaningful
with regard to the needs that are embedded within the brain
structures of each human being. Neuropsychotherapy strives to shift
the brain into a state that enables these basic needs to be fully
satisfied. The best method for improving the health of the brain,
then, is to ensure basic need satisfaction.” (Grawe, 2007, p.
424)
The definition of Neuropsychotherapy may seem broad, but that
is precisely the point. Armed, for example, with microscopic
insight into the activity of a particular neural network involved
with a clients fear, as well as a macroscopic view of their
interpersonal relationships and environment, gives the
neuropsychotherapist a thorough grasp of the clients situation.
With the knowledge that there is a dynamic and powerful influence
between the mind, brain, people, and environment, the eclectic
clinician can choose from a large palate of therapeutic practices
to achieve a desired outcome without being philosophically shackled
to one approach. Similarly the therapist who holds dear to a
particular school will find valuable insight into a clients
conditions by understanding with more clarity what’s ‘under the
hood’, so to speak, in the neurology and biology of the client, and
possibly refine the therapeutic approach with this new
understanding. This does mean, however, that the therapist must
have a multidisciplinary approach to study, analysis, and possibly
intervention. It does not mean the therapist need explain to
clients their condition in terms of neurology and chemistry
(although some clients may benefit from such explanations), but
that a depth of understanding does exist by the professional who is
dealing with the extreme complexities of a fellow human. We
would like to propose that the Neuropsychotherapist is one who
works within a biopsychosocial paradigm toward holistic therapy,
with an increasing depth of knowledge of all these levels of our
being.
