Neural network approaches to personal change in psychotherapy

Abstract

A neural network theory is proposed for how psychotherapy can move the mind's dynamical system from a less optimal to a more optimal steady state. Parts of the proposed network are analogous to pathways connecting prefrontal cortex and subcortical brain regions.

Angels, Devils, and Censors in the Brain

“…Harmony in and beyond the picture is proper attention to the right subject at the right time, combined with a suitable response [5 , p. 50] The need to be cognizant of both angels and devils -and, just as important, to continually create ever more adaptive angels and devils throughout life -poses challenges for anyone seeking to intervene in his or her own life or another's [85,86] . I next discuss some of these challenges, framing them (for defi niteness) in the context of psychotherapy.…”