Yes, I know...
I have been away for the blog now for some time. :(
However, I have been continuing my exploration of the world of Interpersonal Neurobiology and how it is shaping our view of human development and mental health.
One fantastic source I have stumbled across is Dr. David Van Nuys podcast, Shrink Rap Radio. I have posted a link to his webpage at the bottom of the left sidebar and I recommend it to all, clinicians and non-clinicians alike. Dr. Dave, as he calls himself, is a psychologist who has taken it upon himself to interview thinkers and practicianers in the fields of psychology, psychotherapy, mental health, spirituality and neuroscience. I have been very impressed with his interviews and the selection of his guests. Thank you Dr Dave!
I agree with David's recent musings that we are seeing a grand integration in mental health theory that is being lead by advances in neuroscience. This is very exciting. We may soon see a day where the various theoretical schools of psychology, social work, psychiatry and healers of all disciplines will be able to find scientifically supported common ground and find grand unifying mechanisms in the work of healing and recovery.
I am looking forward the 2nd Annual Interpersonal Neurobiology conference I will be attending in LA. Let me recommend Dr. Dave's interview with Daniel Siegel that I just listened to. This conference is Dr. Siegel's brain child and his grand vision of the workings of the mind is one I certainly ascribe to. Let me quote his definition of the mind for you. "The mind is a relational and embodied process that regulates the flow of energy and information within an organism." It is in the concepts of "relational" and "embodied" that we are making the most headway in developing new understandings in neuroscience in the last decades.
I see that we are entering a new paradigm where neuroscience is escaping the age old trap of reductionism. By understanding the mind and neurobiology as relational and embodied we can understand the transcendant aspects of mind and self. This is the key to great improvements in cooperation and wellbeing.
I look forward to updating all of you on my experiences at the conference.
It is indeed encouraging to see that psychology is moving beyond pathology. I think the study of the mind in the west has been quite limited to reductionism, perhaps rightly so. Neuroscience has allowed us to explore approaches that were once theoretical, and perhaps even spiritual, but had a practical function.
ReplyDeleteI'm rather pleased to see doctors and scientists embracing new technology. I think the mind, body, and brain relationship is just beginning to be understood. In the nineties I recall that you were the product of your genes and there wasn't much else beyond that. This notion has been completely turned upside down. It's an exciting time to be interesting in the field.
Keep writing.
Dear Dr. Ocana, thanks for your positive review of my podcast (www.ShrinkRapRadio.com). I'm very happy to have a professional of your caliber who is equally excited as I am about the promise of neuroscience to integrate and transcend the various "schools of psychotherapy." We are understanding more and more the processes which have led to therapeutic success in the past and what it will take to increase those success in the future. Glad to see you you've been inspired to resume your blogging here. Providing good information is an important curative, too! :-)
ReplyDeleteBest,
"Dr. Dave"
David Van Nuys, PhD