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

by Bonnie Badenoch

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. 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.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Nonfiction, Neuroscience, Mental Health, Science, Social Work

384 pages, Paperback

First published July 17, 2008

About the author

PhD LMFT

Reviews

[Katharine]

I trained with Bonnie for the past year so that brought the book to life even more. I love her attention to the therapist's intrapersonal process and how that impacts and supports the interpersonal process with our clients. I think it's a must-read for any clinician who believes in a relational approach to psychotherapy. A great combination of science and heart.

[Maksym Tkachenko]

Must read for every therapist. Especially if you are attachment oriented. The ending can be boring if you are not interested in art therapy.

[Molly]

Read this for developmental counseling and WOW our brains are wiiiiiiild and therapy is COOL

[Katie]

Too technical for audio book my brain retained nothing 🤪

[Melody]

One of the best books in regard to my work as a therapist that I've read. Utilizing the brain model takes the healing journey of my clients to a new level. I am not an expert in Neurobiology, but using what I feel comfortable with helps greatly. Just knowing that there is an interpersonal firing that is taking place in the therapy room is fascinating. As a Play Therapist, I'm grateful for the chapters on Play Therapy, Sandtray, and the specific chapters on children and adolescents. A book that I will keep close by and refer to often.

[Maureen]

Hard for me to understand in places, but otherwise wonderful. Changed the way I understand emotions and gave me hope for people who have experienced trauma, among other things.

[Jo Hadlock-King]

Excellant description of processes of attachment, wounding and healing. Clearly presented for either therapists or lay folk interested in their own internal process. Full of hope and love.

[Catherine]

excellent book on interpersonal neurobiology and its therapeutic importance in helping people resolve problems by better understanding how their brain functions. full of hope for life after trauma

[Michael Kulyk]

The author writes in an accessible manner and attempts to provide the reader with an integration of neuroscience, attachment theory and psychotherapy. However the attempt is stymied by a lack of visual presentation of the areas of the brain she describes (there are a total of 3 diagrams in the whole book). There is absolutely no point in naming areas of the brain if one doesn't know where they are and some idea of what they look like in relation to other areas, the author might as well as just stated 'a piece of the brain does this'. In the end I stopped reading at the fourth chapter when I came across the author's explanation of free will using a mystifying analogy of quantum theory somehow in connection with fluctuations in calcium brain ions. I can't say anymore only that her explanation was so pathetic that I couldn't take her book seriously. I do believe in free will and am aware of better explanations by people like the sociocultural founder of neuropsychology Alexander Luria who bases his explanation on semiotic verbal self regulation. No doubt if I read further I may have found more believable arguments regarding attachment etc. and then again maybe more of the same level of deteriorated mystifying and baffling argument with the quantum mechanics and calcium ions. Life is too short to waste reading nonsensical explanations.
I'm somewhat baffled by finding that with few exceptions there seems to be a reluctance by authors writing in this area to provide readers with sufficient visual representations of the areas of the brain and nervous system they are writing about. Had I known that the book lacked adequate visual guides and the level of the author's absurdity of explanation for free will I wouldn't have purchased it. I'm disappointed though I admit I've read worse. Thankfully I was able to return the book to Amazon from my Kindle.

[Andrew]

As referenced in We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations that Matter

[Lance Hill]

I think every therapist should own a copy of this book, but it was a bit dry. Took some real effort to get through this one.

[Natalie]

A must read for all therapists

[Barbara S.]

Love! Great reference book and concepts well stated.

[Sammie g]

Very IFS, really good thoughts and science on attachment!! A weeee bit heady

[Kris]

Starting a therapist's book to process this one!

[Rashi Maheshwari]

A beautiful, robust, compassionate, and hope-inducing introduction to working with the mind-brain-body in therapy.

[Laura Vanderslice Ratzel]

Wish I could give it 10 stars! Best clinical reading in a very long time.

[Honeybee]

Outstanding information, easily accessible.

[Elias]

Great book. But the major premise of neuropsychology still remains dodgy to me. I get the concept that our brains can be rewired through therapy, but really?

[Jessica Safley]

Very helpful resource for clinicians. An encouraging reminder of the brain's ability to change and adapt. Nothing must be set in stone; always room for growth.

[Karen]

Meh. I found the science pretty shoddy, but maybe it's better than nothing.

[Olivia]

i liked the simplicity of it. Good resource for interpersonal therapists