Rewire the Brain for Resilience

While our brains develop and change at an astonishing speed when we are children, the brain has the ability to continue to evolve throughout our entire lifespan. One area therapists focus on is healing traumatic experiences using positive neuroplasticity—changing for the better (R. Hanson (2017), Positive Neuroplasticity). Simply put, neuroplasticity is ability to change the brain as one responds to physical, emotional and mental challenges and experiences. Rewiring neural networks via positive neuroplasticity drives resilience in individuals.

We understand from research that several things spur changes in our brain pathways. Both body and brain benefit from aerobic exercise; the body releases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which strengthens neuron signals and creates synaptic connections. (Neuroplasticity | Psychology Today). But that isn’t the only way.

We can rewire our brains through:

New experiences: “Oh, that was exciting. I liked it.”

Attention:  Noticing the good and staying focused on it.

Intensity: While staying inside our window of tolerance, we can take in vivid experiences.

Duration: Staying with a feeling longer helps the neural pathway get solidified.

Repetition:  Seeking positive experiences again.

Relationships: Being in relationships creates new—or reinforces old—patterns of behavior.

“When it is a positive experience, we are often left wanting more of it. The body looks for the trigger that will allow the brain to use that pathway again.” (Diana Fosha, p 194, AEDP 2.0). At Our Healing Therapy, our clinicians help our clients create new neuropathways by tuning into and focusing on positive change. Contact us today for more information.