Neuro-scientific aspects of the therapeutic relationship

Abstract

Recent developments in neuroscience have made a more intensive cooperation with psychotherapy possible. Numerous experimental studies cast a new light on psychotherapeutic models and techniques. Aspects such as school specific therapy techniques have been demonstrated to be less important than was commonly held. In contrast the quality of the therapeutic relationship could be identified as an effective variable in the therapeutic process. However, can neuroscience help with understanding the how and why of the therapeutic relationship. In terms of synergetics, the brain can be interpreted as a self-organizing system whose operating mode follows the primate of self regulating action. Challenges and stresses can lead the system into a state of instability. This phase, which is in part perceived as stress, is at the same time a learning stimulus. Therefore this instability which is a part of every learning process is, in a sense, an organizational transition in order to achieve a new equilibrium. A central task of the therapeutic relationship lies in the creation of a stable, secure framework, which allows exactly these instabilities in the “human system” for constructing new equilibrium conditions. The meaningful social aspects which are so essential for the human state of being and consequently, also in therapy, have been confirmed neuro-biologically in many respects. Insights into structure and functional mode of operation of these substances, networks and areas could help to identify the factors that influence the therapeutic relationship and – in so far it is currently possible – to make it useful for the psychotherapeutic processes.

Keywords: Synergetics, Neurobiological basis of psychotherapy, empathy, mirror neurons, therapeutic relationship