Neuroscience Foundations of ncbt
So much to know! Informed by several neuroscience findings related to: Brain terminology, location, and function Brain development Memory formulation and reconsolidation Left-right hemispheric and cortical-subcortical communication Dynamic interaction of the conscious and subconscious HPA-axis Emotional decision making Interpersonal neurobiology Genetic and epigenetic influences Neuroplasticity Attachment theory Emotional generation and regulation Polyvagal theory Threat based responding Priming
Defining the Brain A highly interconnected electro-chemical network Malleable communication network where the patterns of connections within and between brain regions are as important as the chemical that serve the impulses travelling these routes Neurons, networks, neurochemicals... Oh my! Neurons rely on neurochemicals to communicate energy and information from cell to cell. The space between cells, called synapses, begin to form in utero. Groups of neurons, linked by synaptic connections, are called neural networks.
Is the mind the same thing as the brain? Or just an output of brain activity? Defining the Mind
Adaptive Survival: Move towards (APPROACH) perceived pleasure; away (AVOID) from perceived danger Belonging and connection essential for survival A brain did not evolve for rationality, happiness, or accurate perception. Rather, to ensure resources for physiological systems for growth and survival Lisa Feldman Barrett Behaviors are purposeful (protective, adaptive) Priority given to prediction and efficiency Negativity bias (negative experiences are more salient) (Davidson & McEwen, 2012; Siegel, 2012)
Development Trajectories Bottom-up Inside-out Right before left Implicit before explicit
Neuroplasticity Neuroplasticity- the way the brain changes in response to experiences Use it or lose it Importance of repetition and timing (Klein & Jones, 2008; Siegel, 2012)
Nonverbal and inaccessible to conscious reflection Memories we do not consciously remember, but never forget Influence perceptions, bodily sensations, core thoughts and emotions ( background music ) Largely automatic brain s way of being efficient, allowing past experiences through anticipations and expectations Implicit Memory
Key Brain Structures/Regions
Hindbrain Well developed at birth Controls automatic process (e.g., instincts, reflexes, basic physical functioning - - sleep/wake, appetite, temperature, etc.) Functions precedence over other brain activity Most important need is safety
5 Limbic Functions Emotional responsiveness Motivation Evaluation of safety Memory formation and integration Olfaction Attachment Seen Safe Soothe Security Midbrain (Limbic Systems)
Scans the environment (safe/ not safe) Receives incoming sensory information... processes for emotional response Responds to various perceived stimuli based on its reference to implicit memory activates the release of hormones (neuromodulators) that can alter cognitive processing and prepare the body for action Rapidly processes social cues (e.g., evaluating faces) Particularly activated by surprising, ambiguous, and uncertain situations or stimuli Processes information milliseconds earlier than the neocortex acts before any possible direction for the neocortex can be received. Its efficient, but not always accurate Amygdala
Hippocampus Involved in the formation of declarative memories processed and transferred to neocortical areas through the process of memory consolidation and contextual anchoring of experience in time and space. The brain s google search engine allows fast and efficient searching of established memories in the neocortex to help assess and plan http://www.neuropsychotherapist.com/bwlknowledge-base/the-hippocampus/
Hypothalamus Links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary glad, for the regulation and coordination of basic life functions Receives direct sensory inputs (smell, taste, visual, somatosensory, blood sugar, mineral levels, etc.) Synthesizes and secretes certain neurohormones that stimulate or inhibit the secretion of pituitary hormones http://www.neuropsychotherapist.com/b wl-knowledge-base/the-hypothalamus/
Responsible for high level/complex cognitions (i.e., executive functioning) Differentiating among conflicting thoughts Determining future consequences of current actions Working toward a defined goal Social control (suppress urges) Map making area Me (e.g., self-awareness) You (e.g., other awareness) We (e.g., interpersonal awareness) Forebrain
Hand Model of the Brain A way to visualize broadly defined regions of the brain, enhancing understanding and promoting regulation Spinal cord Brainstem Limbic region Neo-cortex (Miller, 2016; Siegel, 2012)
Hemispheric Asymmetry Both hemispheres participate in most brain activity Differences exist in the role each hemisphere plays RH develops before LH
Role Differences Left Sees the parts (text) focused on details Linguistic gives words to felt sense Individuated doing More linear (categorizes perceptions based on prior experience) Right Sees the whole (context) focused on overall meaning and patterns Nonverbal aspects of language communication; felt sense; integrates information from the body Relational being (affiliation) Visual/spatial processing (sensations and images) Factual/sematic memory (explicit) Lists Autobiographical/ procedural memory (implicit) Metaphor Critical role in affect regulation
Optimal brain functioning= vertical and horizontal integration Working Together
Top Down/ Bottom Up Bottom-up Top-down
Low Road/ High Road
Brain Functioning in Safety Sensory Input Thalamus Cortical and Limbic Regions Messages sent out to motor cortex and out to the body From the body and the outside world Information filtered through past experiences and memories
Prefrontal cortex High road (top-down) is Slower, More repetitions needed, More processes, Do with intention Explicit Stop Thalamus
Stress (i.e., Threat) A physiological and psychological reaction of the body toward an event or situation perceived as challenging or threatening (i.e., stressor ) Adaptive by nature (in bursts) Eustress Toxic Stress Allostatic load Physiological and psychological consequences of repeated chronic exposure to heightened neuroendocrine responses (Osorio et al., 2016)
Brain Functioning Under Threat Sensory Input Thalamus Amygdala Body prepares for action From the body and the outside world Immediate release of powerful hormones (e.g., epinephrine, cortisol, etc.)
Prefrontal cortex Low road (bottom-up) is Faster, Learned more quickly, Fewer repetitions needed, Do without thinking Implicit Go Thalamus
Who likes cookies?
Debriefing What was that experience like? Which road was faster? Which road would you take, assuming that you wanted more cookies? What the heck does this have to do with counseling?
John s Low Road Prefrontal cortex Prepares to get ready for work Implicit memory associate with previous mugging leads to increased cortisol and adrenaline functioning that bypasses the PFC Thalamus Increased heart rate (7/10), sweaty palms (6/10), shallow breaths (10/10), anxiety (9/10), and freeze response (9/10)
John s High Road Oh my gosh, I can t believe this is happening again. I am never going to be able to work again. Prefrontal cortex Becomes aware of consequences, sending information to the PFC Thalamus Increased heart rate (5/10), shallow breaths (2/10), anxiety (9/10), shame/guilt (9/10), tearfulness (9/10), stays home from work
Interoception Perception of sensitivity to stimuli originating from within the body
Vagal Nerve System Effect on Body Arousal Level Associated Response Sympathetic Nervous System Increased heart rate; Increased respiration; Dilated Pupils; Decreased digestion; Increased glucose production Hyperarousal Fight or Flight Ventral Vagal Branch of the Parasympathetic Nervous System Decreased heart rate; decreased respiration; constricted pupils; facilitates digestion; slows glucose production; facilitates social engagement Optimal Autonomic Arousal Social Engagement System - Engaged, Rest, Digest, and Relax Dorsal Vagal Branch of the Parasympathetic Nervous System Significant decrease in respiration and heart rate; dissociative collapse, immobility Extreme Hypoarousal Freeze
Pruning Brain is becoming more specialized; unneeded or unused circuits die Decreases in gray matter -- synaptic connections by 7-10%; peaks in girls by age 11, boys age 14 Between 13 and 18, adolescents lose approximately 1% gay matter per year Myelination Insulation around nerve fibers that increase speed of communication between neurons Important synaptic connections strengthened Adolescent Remodeling
Developmental Progression 1. Limbic system more easily aroused heightened emotionality, sensitivity to evaluation, and sensation seeking. 2. Prefrontal cortex more organized improved decision making, problem solving, and planning, 3. Increased interconnection between limbic and cortex regions - - improved self-regulation, inhibition of impulses, and long-term thinking.
Adolescent Brain Sensitivities More sensitive to rewards Dopamine receptors (that play a critical role in affective and motivational regulation) increase during adolescence when engaging in pleasurable activities (peaking around the age of 16) nothing will ever feel as good as it did when you were a teenager (Steinberg, 2014) Dopamine levels are actually lower at base level leading to increased feelings of boredom, drive to experience new activities (Siegel, 2013) More sensitive to stress Stress impacts us all; however the impact is greater when the brain structures required for self-control and regulation are under construction Average age of onset for serious mental health problems (e.g., mood, anxiety, substance use, eating disorders, schizophrenia), is 14 (Steinberg, 2014) HPA axis goes through a second sensitive period of development during adolescence (Gunnar et al., 2009; Spear, 2000). Adolescents experience higher levels of cortisol in response to both psychological and social stressors.
Summarizing and Linking Brains are unique and complex Principles of development are relevant The way the brain learns and remembers has implications for counseling The way the brain processes and responds to information has implications for counseling