Converging perspectives of dynamic theory and evolving neurobiological knowledge

Abstract

Exciting findings in recent research in neurobiology do not regularly appear in the social and psychological sciences literature. Yet, there is neurobiological evidence that variously supports, qualifies, and elaborates on the understanding of dynamic treatment. Early in his career, Freud lamented that the science necessary to support and advance his theorizing in the psychological realm would only become available to future generations. A case in point is that recent findings reveal that neurobiological transformations in the brain can result from specific and focused relationship interactions. Addressed here are some biological phenomena which seem to lend support for the following analytic hypotheses: structural theory (id, ego, super-ego), defense mechanisms, object relations, free association, transference, countertransference, the therapeutic alliance, and working through.

Sexual Abuse in the Preschool Years: Blending Ideas from Object Relations Theory, Ego Psychology, and Biology

“…Recent findings from neurobiology (Applegate and Shapiro 2005, p. 76) suggest that the developmental tasks which can more easily be rehabilitated in a proper environment are those that are not relational in nature. However, according to Montgomery (2002) relational skills are amenable to change through ongoing psychodynamic psychotherapy. This is because psychotherapy is essentially a right brain to right brain interaction.…”

The Neurobiology of Affective Interventions: A Cross-Theoretical Model

“…The orbitofrontal lobes are situated above the eye sockets and the right orbitofrontal lobe, which has strong links to the limbic system (the emotional centre of the brain), is specifically associated with affect regulation (Bremner, 2002). It is involved in the processing of affective information and remains expanded within the cortex throughout typical development (Montgomery, 2002;Schore, 2001a). The emotional valence of social information is attended to through the involvement of the right orbitofrontal lobe, which then plays a significant role interpreting and responding to such information.…”

“…It highlights the exquisite interplay between a developing organism, its genetic make-up, and its environment (Bremner, 2002;Bronfenbrenner & Ceci, 1 1994; Gabbard, 2000;Maturana & Varela, 1987). Still, much of the information from neuroscience has yet to be integrated into the daily practice of mental health services and psychotherapy (Balick, 2001;Montgomery, 2002;Siegel, 1999;Vaughan, 1997). The integration of this information is challenging and presents with numerous concerns, the least of which is the imposition of the language of neuroscience.…”

Psychodynamic Perspectives on Relationship: Implications of New Findings From Human Attachment and the Neurosciences for Social Work Education

“…It is only in the last few years, however, that neurobiological research has become sufficiently advanced to provide the scientific underpinning to these earlier psychodynamic concepts. In the last couple of years, these scientific advances have found a receptive audience among social work clinicians and academics, as demonstrated by very recent publications in several social work journals in which the authors apply neurobiological findings to social work education and practice (e.g., Applegate, 2004;Montgomery, 2002;Shapiro & Applegate, 2000).…”

“…Psychodynamic theories and treatment principles have been marginalized in social work practice education for better than a generation, although current attachment research, infant studies, feminist theories, postmodernism, and neurobiological findings have led to a resurgence of interest in these ideas (LeDoux, 1996;Montgomery, 2002;Schore, 1997Schore, , 2003aSchore, , 2003b. In the remainder of this article, we will examine the significance of this recent research, whether it lends support to some of the historical and contemporary ideas about the treatment relationship that we have summarized, and how it may enhance social work professionals' understanding of relational phenomena in a clinical context.…”