Pocket Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology: An Integrative Handbook of the Mind

by Daniel J. Siegel

Many fields have explored the nature of mental life from psychology to psychiatry, literature to linguistics. Yet no common “framework” where each of these important perspectives can be honored and integrated with one another has been created in which a person seeking their collective wisdom can find answers to some basic questions, such as, What is the purpose of life? Why are we here? How do we know things, how are we conscious of ourselves? What is the mind? What makes a mind healthy or unwell? And, perhaps most importantly: What is the connection among the mind, the brain, and our relationships with one another?
Our mental lives are profoundly relational. The interactions we have with one another shape our mental world. Yet as any neuroscientist will tell you, the mind is shaped by the firing patterns in the brain. And so how can we reconcile this tension—that the mind is both embodied and relational? Interpersonal Neurobiology is a way of thinking across this apparent conceptual divide.

This Pocket Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology is designed to aid in your personal and professional application of the interpersonal neurobiology approach to developing a healthy mind, an integrated brain, and empathic relationships. It is also designed to assist you in seeing the intricate foundations of interpersonal neurobiology as you read other books.

Praise for Daniel J. Siegel's books:

“Siegel is a must-read author for anyone interested in the science of the mind.” —Daniel Goleman, author of Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships

“[S]tands out for its skillful weaving together of the interpersonal, the inner world, the latest science, and practical applications.” —Jack Kornfield, PhD, founding teacher of the Insight Meditation Society and Spirit Rock Center, and author of A Path With Heart

“Siegel has both a meticulous understanding of the roles of different parts of the brain and an intimate relationship with mindfulness . . . [A]n exciting glimpse of an uncharted territory of neuroscience.” —Scientific American Mind

“Dr. Daniel Siegel is one of the most thoughtful, eloquent, scientifically solid and reputable exponents of mind/body/brain integration in the world today.” —Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, author of Wherever You Go, There You Are, Full Catastrophe Living, and Coming to Our Senses

Genres: Psychology, Neuroscience, Nonfiction, Science, Brain, Counselling, Health

560 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2012

About the author

Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., is an internationally acclaimed author, award-winning educator, and child psychiatrist. Dr. Siegel received his medical degree from Harvard University and completed his postgraduate medical education at UCLA with training in pediatrics and child, adolescent and adult psychiatry. He is currently a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, where he also serves as a co-investigator at the Center for Culture, Brain, and Development, and is a founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center. In addition, Dr. Siegel is the Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute.

Dr. Siegel has the unique ability to convey complicated scientific concepts in a concise and comprehensible way that all readers can enjoy. He has become known for his research in Interpersonal Neurobiology – an interdisciplinary view that creates a framework for the understanding of our subjective and interpersonal lives. In his most recent works, Dr. Siegel explores how mindfulness practices can aid the process of interpersonal and intrapersonal attunement, leading to personal growth and well-being.

Published author of several highly acclaimed works, Dr. Siegel’s books include the New York Times’ bestseller “Brainstorm”, along with "Mindsight," "The Developing Mind," "The Mindful Brain," "The Mindful Therapist," in addition to co-authoring "Parenting From the Inside Out," with Mary Hartzell and "The Whole-Brain Child," with Tina Bryson. He is also the Founding Editor of the Norton Professional Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology, which includes "Healing Trauma," "The Power of Emotion," and "Trauma and the Body." Dr. Siegel currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife.

For more information on Dr. Siegel's work, please visit DrDanSiegel.com.

Reviews

[David Teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some books that grab you, twist you about and change the fundamental structure of your worldview. This is one of those. It's taken me a year to get through the entirety, putting it down on many occasions to let the different paradigm sink in. The result is I'll never be the same, which I realize sounds melodramatic and it's meant to be, but this doesn't take away from the truth, taking in the science-based lessons of this book will alter the way you consider yourself, those around you and the world in which you live. To truly see the inter-connected relational reality of not only our own minds but the context in which our "decisions" are made is to note that relationships are at the core of everything. We are never alone even in our own minds and to see relationships this way is to be humbled and deeply connected to humanity.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This actually sounds more boring than it is - I swear it! As a psychologist, I am loving what the current edge of neuroscience and the neurobiology of social relationships, is bringing to our field of psychotherapy, as well as its implications for parenting. Yes, In January, I read Daniel Siegel's book for parents, the Whole Brain Child. Right now however, I am writing a paper, so I am pulling from the book to make it intelligible and teachable, and might I say the author himself does a very good job of this. Not sure its meant for the lay reader, but hey - maybe? If this kind of thing floats your boat.

My favorite part of the book, which also totally highlights my thesis: "Synaptic Shadows of early life experience which affect ones neural architecture." Can you get better than PTSD explained by synaptic shadows? Its totally going in my paper with credit to the author.

I have two more neurobiology books to read this weekend, but my guess is that this one just encapsulated it so well and so thoroughly, I just might not need them. Nice job Dr. Siegel. And thank you for this important work.

[Shea Levy]

Read through the intro and first three chapters, was completely inundated with meaningless woo and vague generalities. Concepts such as energy, information, and flow, an emphasis on the relational nature of the mind, a view of integration as fundamental to mental well being, etc. all seem like very promising possibilities for understanding this subject, but Siegel presents them here these just come off as buzzwords strung along one after the other. If there is actual content to these theories, this is a book with no good audience: those familiar with the ideas seem likely to be bored by the clearly introductory nature of the text, and those unfamiliar need much more in the way of specific examples and extended explanation to bridge the gap.

One specific gripe: In chapter 3, Siegel points out that the brain is part of a larger nervous system and a body that contains it and that it can be a mistake to consider the brain in isolation from this larger picture. As far as that goes, I agree and think that's a very important point a lot of people seem to miss, but he goes on to say that in interpersonal neurobiology "brain" refers to the entire system and later uses terms like "skull-based brain". We already have words for these things, Dr. Siegel! The whole network is called the "nervous system" and the portion of it inside the skull is called the "brain". Going against the normal conventions here is bad enough, but the fact that you feel the need to say things like "skull-based brain" multiple times shows that even you think that particular sub-classification is important!

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author received his medical degree from Harvard University and is currently clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA. His impressive credentials are important as he is not carrying on the mental health/psychiatry status quo (fortunately). He is instead contributing to an important and awaited step forward in the mental health field. Dan Siegel has done a fantastic job simplifying mental health and contributing much needed clarity.
I appreciated the unique layout and especially liked it on Kindle because I could move to the glossary with the tap of a finger. Despite the book’s title as a pocket guide it is dense and can be challenging. For those that do not want to read the guidebook format try Siegel’s Mindsight or The Neurobiology of We. Judging by other reviews these are accessible introductions to interpersonal neurobiology. I recommend his work for those that don’t feel satisfied with the customary issuance of diagnoses and symptom treatment. For anyone working in therapy, mental health or for those looking for a greater quality of life I strongly suggest maintaining an open mind and familiarizing yourself with this approach.

[Steffan Bard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Hard to get started, and I skimmed some of the areas which got bogged down in the more biological part of it (which is not my cup of tea), but the majority of it is profound and profoundly practical.

I agree with the other reviewers, this book has the potential to really change your worldview.

It's a book you can't digest and interact with and not see life, yourself and other people differently.

My main take away's:
-The concept of mindsight
-The importance of "time-in" to health
-The concept of integration as health and dis-ease and un-health being chaos or rigidity - the lack of integration
-Overall, just how important relationships are and how our attention and choices matter
-The difference between the mind and brain ad how his definition of the mind has great practical implications
-The healthy mind platter and the wheel of awareness exercise

Etc. etc. I could go on. This book has concepts I think I'll end up coming back to again and again throughout my life.

On an academic basis, this is also a profound book which offers answers to complex questions and also leaves room for ignorance and mystery while holding a scientific grounding. His "conciliatory" approach to answering these tough psychological am philosophical questions is very insightful.

My critique of the book - it could be shorter or easier to read - but it is meant to be a pocket guide. If you read it cover to cover like I did, you'll find a lot of info repeats. However that's not totally a bad thing because I didn't often fully grasp what he was saying and the implications the first time a concept would be introduced.

[Astroretro · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had this book recommended to me by a clinical psychologist friend but as a ley reader I found it rather disappointing. My friend admitted that they had not read it fully because it was so dense, but were in awe of the scientific rigour and depth of it. Indeed it was hard to read, having all the flow and style of a dictionary. As for the rigour and depth, I came away dubious and sceptical. The book seems to be little more than a glossary of 'Siegelisms'. Dr Siegel seems to delight in unnecessarily coining (and trademarking) new terms of his own but also in spinning his own unique definitions for words and concepts that are already well defined. After struggling through the jungle of uncomfortably re-defined terms I found very few useful ideas or therapeutic guidance. While he seems convinced of the power of his own ideas, he did a poor job of conveying it to me. The figures are also too simplistic to be informative or revealing. Sadly, after reading this book I have a diminished view of the author as a slick self-promoter, the egotistically proud leader of a 'field' of which he is the creator, and someone who misuses unrelated scientific disciplines (physics and mathematics) to add false substance to his own sales pitch. There is some fact and substance in it, but none important or rewarding enough to justify the discomfort of this read.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This "pocket guide" reads like an undergraduate textbook for clinical psychologists, but it's wonderfully organized and satisfyingly comprehensive. What Siegel has done is impressive; bringing together the research of neurologists, psychologists, psychotherapists, philosophers, etc. and demonstrating consilience, to bring them under the umbrella term "interpersonal neurobiology". I would recommend this book to anyone interested in defining and understanding the "mind", especially my fellow educators. Our job is to help develop minds, we better understand what they do!

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good information. Clear and understandable. Not the kind of book you read cover to cover. More like a reference book. Great perspective that incorporates mindfulness, health, self and relationships.

[Anna]

interesting psychobabble so far; the hows and whys of the benefits of mindfulness. no clues yet on how to get there or concrete results of actual studies. stay tuned for more!

[Tien Manh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mind is a complex, self regulating system, that is both embodied and relational: we are our brains, body, and relationship with others. To optimize for mental health, we have to pay attention to all three of these aspects.

The "integration" stuff...I kind of get what the author is trying to say. The idea is to maximize "choice", by mastering awareness of self, emotional/narrative interpretation, being able to stop, reflect and actively choose the "best" sequence of actions. Seems like free will? Or...probabilistic maximization of potential actions (instead of "forced moves", where somebody simply reacts to stimuli with p = 1).

I don't know whether our brains were evolved to really support this "integrated" state. For most of history, most of us lived horribly short lives in disease/poverty stricken conditions. Our parents, having never received any "interpersonal neurobiological training", probably didn't treat us that well as kids. So maybe the "integrated" state is only a luxury of the modern world, where at least we aren't constantly worried about survival (?). Or maybe I'm wrong, maybe there has always been integrated monks, amidst the world of constant chaos.

I really liked the concepts in this book, although sometimes I feel the technicality could probably been explained with simpler words. Didn't agree with everything in it (it does feel too "optimistic"), could use more references to human evolutionary needs. But all in all, a great guide to improving anyone's health, and overall a highly illuminating book.

[Kenzie Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Siegel made an incredibly comprehensive book on, you guessed it! Neurobiology and how to integrate it into your everyday life. I'm completely hooked.

Dan has an incredibly diverse and beautiful background which make this work seem multidisciplinary, when its really only coming from a neurobio background. Because of that I find that the information has been looked at in different directions to make sure its succinct, correct and applicable to all.

By teaching you about the workings of the all the different parts of your brain and the cacophony or symphony that they play, he hopes to give you a type of insight into the inner workings of your skull that will able you to engage in being more present, more cognitively apt and more sound with your emotions.

The book includes slight musings on consciousness as well as techniques and definitions that are to be used by the reader in hopes of gaining a sense of control with how they see the world through their mind/brain.

But please note, this book is very difficult for ESL readers. I have posted about this book on social media only to find that they have told me it was difficult for them to continue reading and the book is not yet offered in all languages, its sad because it completely changed my awareness on my own consciousness and cognitive processes.

Highly recommend, don't be shy on highlighting all your favourite parts either.

[Mareto]

This book is about the author Daniel J Siegel going through and exploring the function of the brain and how they relate to mental well-being and the connection of minds. The author of this book Daniel J Seigel In his college days researched studying family interactions with an emphasis on how attachment experiences influence emotions, behavior, autobiographical memory, and narrative. Honestly, this book was difficult to understand and other were lots of vocabularies that I didn't understand. Although this book may be challenging to a lot of readers, the topic and the context of this book is very interesting to know and it is also important for us to know about this book so truly recommend this book to many reader.

[Jeremy Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

While successful in its endeavor in describing how the self is developed through the process of internal development and external inputs, I think that the author did not give a cogent enough definition of "mind," which he seemed hesitant to define to begin with, and sort of re-purposed the colloquial meaning of the word for his own practical purposes. Not that there is anything wrong with this but the label itself seemed a misnomer. That or I'm just a big dumby and it went over my head. I'm not an expert.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

This has to be the worst book on neuroscience that I have ever read. The language and writing style makes no sense and is rather confusing. He asks the most obscure questions and leaves you more confused than when you started. I would describe his writing style as WEIRD. I honestly kind of "cheated" in that I skipped some chapters and pages. I really tried to make myself read it in its entirety, but I just couldn't.

There wasn't really anything for me to take away from this book. I definitely wouldn't recommend it.

[Jason Kanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tried reading this book several times, but the way it is organized is not the way I typically read--in left mode processing, logical, linear, linguistic. However, once I found my rhythm, I thought this was a very good and important contribution to the field of Interpersonal Neurobiology. I suspect I will keep this volume close at hand as I continue to explore this field.

[Shannon Anastasiadis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fascinating yet difficult to follow. Although he details his system for tracking concepts -it is unbelievably detailed which felt confusing in itself.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

An approachable exploration of the intersections of research in a variety of neurobiology-related fields. The organization of the wide breadth of topics is a work of art.

[Elin Ahlstrand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for basic overview!

[Ulrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing. It's science that sounds spiritual.

[Carol D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A *must read* for all Clinicians. Loved it.

[Hannah Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in your life, you should read this book.

[Merz · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of school Text books . Spectacular.