How Does Neuropsychotherapy Help Anxiety?

According to the International Association of Clinical Neuropsychotherapy: "Neuropsychotherapy is a way taking into account the dynamic interplay between the mind, body, society, and environment upon well-being."

How Does Neuropsychotherapy Help Wellbeing?

Neuropsychotherapy is a way of working with clients who have anxiety, by using effective interventions based on a sound understanding of neurological brain processes.  The therapist may use any number of techniques that are effective in changing neural flow toward well-being.  Basically, the clinician educates the client about the operations of their brain.  The objective is to provide them with a better understanding and management of their wellbeing.  

The therapy uses evidence-based methods which help the client understand the neurobiology of their thoughts, feelings and behavior.  The brain develops from the bottom up. Thus, the primitive or impulsive brain develops before the neocortex or the "smart" brain.

The Primitive Brain Doesn’t Think it Reacts

Your primitive brain manages your heart rate, respiration and other basic functions necessary for your survival. This part of the brain has developed from birth and is essential in your protection.  When you experience fear, it is the primitive brain you are feeling. This part of the brain is a rapid responder and will save your life when real danger is present. It will provide you with strength to fight or energy to flee the danger. Sometimes it will result in a freeze reaction.

Signals from the thalamus or way station in the brain triggers the primitive response. These signals to the thalamus are from senses of sight, sound, smell, taste or touch.  Anxiety develops when these signals are a false alarm or misread.  If this is repeated over time, a neural pathway that is strong and deep may be created in the brain. An anxiety reaction has been created.

Neural Pathways Connect Different Regions of the Brain

Neural pathways are connections formed by axons (the brains wires) to make connections to other neurons in another location.  They send signals from one part of the brain to another. Bundles of these are called nerve tracts.

For example, let's say that once when you were a child there was a thunderstorm. You were startled and your mother told you to hide under the bed. From then onward, you would associate thunder with a reason to hide.  Thereafter, whenever it thundered you would experience fear triggered by the primitive brain. There was created a memory loop that associates thunder with danger. You would need to develop a more healthy and wholesome memory loop in order to overcome fear of thunder.

We now know that you can change the brain and thus your thoughts, feelings and behavior in the face of previously learned triggers.  With the correct treatment you can change the neural pathways and feel more confident and less anxious in many situations.  You can become fearless.

What is required for change to occur?

Well, you must develop a relationship of trust and comfort with your therapist. Equally important you must be willing to actively engage in your treatment and give it time.  Repetition, time, consistency and of course expertise results in change.

As a board-certified clinical psychologist with a re-specialization in neuropsychology, Dr. Wolf is committed to providing a safe and consistent atmosphere for healthy change. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Wolf understands the vital importance of the client and therapist having a good connection.  Consider a Free Initial 20-minute Consultation.

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