A neuroscience agenda for counseling psychology research.

Abstract

Recent advances in the field of neuroscience have dramatically changed our understanding of brain-behavior relationships. In this article, we illustrate how neuroscience can provide a conceptual and methodological framework to understand our clients within a transdiagnostic developmental perspective. We provide directions for integrating neuroscience into future process and outcome research. We present examples on how neuroscience can be integrated into researching the effects of contextual counseling interventions. We posit that interpersonal and environmental factors, such as neurotoxic factors (e.g., emotional neglect, stress), positive neurodevelopmental factors (e.g., nurturing and caring, environmental enrichment), and therapeutic interventions influence psychological processes (executive control, behavioral flexibility, reinforcement learning and approach motivation, emotional expression and regulation, self-representation and theory of mind). These psychological processes influence brain networks (attention, motivational, emotional regulation, social cognition), which influence cognitive, social, emotional, identity, and vocational development.

Integrating Neuroscience Into Counseling Psychology

“…There were also two other articles published later in the 1990s that focused on this integration (Lopez, Ryan, & Sumerall, 1998;Ryan, Lopez, & Lichtenberg, 1999). The second distinct period consisted of six articles that were published in 2014, all in a special section of the Journal of Counseling Psychology, focusing on the integration of counseling psychology and neuroscience (Coutinho et al, 2014;Fine & Sung, 2014;Gonçalves & Perrone-McGovern, 2014;Sampaio & Lifter, 2014;Simon-Dack & Marmarosh, 2014;Wright & Díaz, 2014). Only two articles (Goss, 2015;Rizq, 2007) provided a similar level of discussion to the previous publications released in 1992 and 2014.…”

“…In turn these topics could be integrated into personal, doctoral, and continual professional development training. Learning about concepts such as neuroplasticity and neurogenesis can be of benefit to counseling psychologists (Coutinho et al, 2014;Fine & Sung, 2014;Gonçalves & Perrone-McGovern, 2014;Sampaio & Lifter, 2014;Simon-Dack & Marmarosh, 2014;Wright & Díaz, 2014). However, this further level of analysis was beyond the scope of the present work.…”

Using event-related potentials to explore processes of change in counseling psychology.

“…In recent years, counseling psychologists have begun to consider the benefits of adopting neuroimaging techniques alongside more traditional research methodologies in the field (Gonçalves & Perrone-McGovern, 2014). Coutinho, Perrone-McGovern, and Gonçalves (2017) discussed advantages of neuroimaging methods for counseling psychologists.…”

Integrating interpersonal neurobiology with play therapy.

“…Neuroscience research continues to generate knowledge of the processes and structures of the brain. Application of this knowledge may be relevant to counseling and therapy (Ivey & Zalaquett, 2011; Gonçalves & Perrone-McGovern, 2014; Montes, 2013). In fact, according to the latest Delphi poll, the influence of neuroscience on the counseling profession is predicted to increase over time (Norcross, Pfund, & Prochaska, 2013).…”

“…In fact, according to the latest Delphi poll, the influence of neuroscience on the counseling profession is predicted to increase over time (Norcross, Pfund, & Prochaska, 2013). Preliminary investigations have demonstrated counseling effectiveness for interventions that promote positive brain plasticity and neural growth (Gonçalves & Perrone-McGovern, 2014). Although the capacity for neuroplasticity continues across the life span, brain development occurs at astounding rates during early childhood (e.g., ages 0−6) laying the foundation for neural pathways and related future functioning (National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 2010; Siegel, 2012).…”