 If necessity is the mother of invention, then what necessities gave rise to the invention of psychotherapy? The answer to this question lies in our evolutionary history and how it is expressed in our biology, relationships, and day-to-day experiences. While evolution is a process of adaptation, each adaptation leads to new challenges for which new adaptations need to arise. As most of us have experienced, things that seemed like a good idea initially can have unforeseen consequences and prove to be problematic down the road…
In this article Louis Cozolino talks about why therapy works by looking at three fundamental mechanisms of brain, mind, and relationships: 1. The brain is a social organ of adaptation, shaped by evolution to connect with and change through interactions with others. Psychotherapy leverages the ability of brains to attune and learn from one another in the service of adaptive change. This intimate interaction between human connection and learning has been forged over the eons in the crucible of social evolution. 2. Change depends upon the activation of neurplastic processes. For any change to occur, our brains have to undergo structural changes that will be reflected in our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Thus, the success of psychotherapy depends upon the therapist’s ability to stimulate neuroplasticity in the brains of clients—to make new connections, inhibit others, and link previously dissociated neural networks. 3. Together, we co-create narratives that support neural and psychic integration while creating a template to guide experience into the future. Through the co-construction of coherent self-stories, we are able to enhance our self-reflective capacity, creativity, and maturation. It is especially valuable in coming to understand our past, for the consolidation of identity, and to heal from trauma. by Lou Cozolino | Jan 6, 2016 |The Neuropsychotherapist, The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy  Abductive reasoning is a form of logical reasoning used to generate hypotheses or explanations based on a set of observations. Unlike deductive reasoning, which draws conclusions from established premises, or inductive reasoning, which identifies patterns to form generalizations, abductive reasoning seeks the most likely explanation for observed phenomena. It begins with observations and works backward to identify the explanation that best fits the evidence.
The clues paradigm refers to the process of analyzing clues or pieces of evidence to arrive at a deeper understanding or explanation of a situation. In psychodynamic psychotherapy, this paradigm plays a crucial role in helping therapists and patients uncover the underlying causes of psychological symptoms or challenges. By examining patterns, themes, and recurring dynamics in the patient’s life, as well as exploring relationships and past experiences, therapists can piece together insights into the root causes of the patient’s struggles. Both abductive reasoning and the clues paradigm are highly relevant to psychodynamic psychotherapy because they facilitate the identification and exploration of unconscious thoughts, feelings, and motivations that may be driving psychological distress. These approaches encourage collaboration between therapist and patient, fostering a shared journey toward uncovering hidden aspects of the patient’s psyche. By employing abductive reasoning and the clues paradigm, therapists and patients can develop a nuanced understanding of the patient’s inner world. This deeper insight can guide the treatment process, enabling the patient to address the underlying issues more effectively and make meaningful, positive changes in their life. Enzo Finore, Psy.D.  Psychodermatology is a specialized field of psychology that focuses on the intricate relationship between psychological and emotional well-being and skin conditions. Psychodermatologists are psychologists with additional training in dermatology, making them uniquely equipped to address the psychological and emotional aspects of skin-related issues.
This subspecialty offers valuable support to dermatology patients in several key ways:
Enzo Finore, Psy.D.  Biofeedback is a powerful technique that uses electronic or other monitoring devices to measure and provide feedback on various physiological functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and skin temperature. By gaining insight into these physiological processes, individuals can learn to consciously control and regulate them, achieving desired outcomes like reducing anxiety or promoting relaxation.
In psychotherapy, biofeedback serves as an effective adjunctive treatment, helping individuals manage their physiological responses to stress and emotional challenges. For instance, through biofeedback, a person can learn to lower their heart rate or blood pressure, enabling them to feel calmer and more equipped to handle difficult situations. This technique is often combined with other therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapy to enhance its effectiveness. Biofeedback can be especially beneficial for individuals struggling with conditions like anxiety, hypertension, migraines, or chronic pain. It’s also highly effective for teaching self-regulation in high-stakes situations, such as academic exams, public speaking, or sports performances, where managing psychophysiological activation is critical. By providing real-time insight into physiological patterns, biofeedback empowers individuals to take control of their physical and emotional responses. This can lead to improved emotional resilience, better stress management, and enhanced overall well-being. Whether used on its own or integrated into a broader therapeutic plan, biofeedback is a versatile tool that supports individuals in achieving greater balance and health. Enzo Finore, Psy.D.  Hypnosis is a psychological and physiological state that we frequently experience in our daily lives, often without realizing it. This state occurs naturally multiple times a day for everyone. For instance, when we are deeply engrossed in a movie, absorbed in a conversation with a dear friend, lost in the pages of a book, or daydreaming to the point of losing awareness of time or our surroundings, we are in a hypnotic state. In these moments, our expectations and desires can surpass rational limitations, allowing us to solve problems creatively or embrace ideas we might dismiss in a fully alert state.
The term "hypnosis" comes from the Greek word “hypnos”, meaning sleep. However, hypnosis is not the same as sleep; it is better described as a state of deep relaxation, both mental and physical, combined with intensely focused attention. In this state, we become highly suggestible, meaning that our usual rational filters are more relaxed. For example, when watching a movie, we may momentarily believe the story is real, leading us to laugh, cry, or feel fear in response to the scenes. This natural ability to immerse ourselves emotionally can be harnessed in clinical hypnosis to bring about positive changes. Hypnosis can help overcome habits, manage pain, boost self-esteem, or improve aspects of our lives that we find challenging or undesirable. By tapping into mental resources that already exist within us, hypnosis becomes a powerful tool to complement psychotherapy. Trained professionals, such as psychologists or other healthcare providers, guide the hypnotic process in a safe and structured way. They help reorganize elements of the mind-body connection, promoting emotional well-being and fostering a new sense of balance. Hypnosis, when used skillfully, unlocks our innate potential for growth, healing, and transformation. Enzo Finore, PsyD |