The right brain is emotional and the left brain is rational is one of the pillars of current neuroscience-infused psychotherapy wisdom. But to what extent is this claim true? Ana (a psychotherapist) and Mike (a neuroscientist) will be locking horns with this narrative that runs deep in therapy. Is this view supported by modern neuroscience? If not, what are the implications for therapy? If this view is not fully accurate, what evidence supports the functional lateralization of the two hemispheres and how can it be useful for psychotherapy
More broadly, we will discuss the usefulness of simplified narratives and shortcuts but also dangers and perils of oversimplifications of neuroscience concepts. We will teach you how to avoid these dangers and sharpen your critical eye for spotting them.
There will be plenty of time to bring questions for Mike and Ana will answer them through the lens of modern neuroscience and in a way that is useful for the practice of psychotherapy.
Join us in this unique talk-debate-discussion where the two worlds collide – psychotherapy and neuroscience.
The star of the show will be the Right Brain/Left Brain debate but if time allows, we will visit some other interesting points of intersection between psychotherapy and neuroscience.
The references for the studies that we discuss will be shared with the audience so that you can make up your own mind about this crucial question.
We will also be giving you exclusive access to free chapters from Mike’s bestselling neuroscience book, which makes learning neuroscience easy and fun. One person will also be chosen to win a signed copy of the book (A Million Things To Ask A Neuroscientist: The Brain Made Easy).
Course Content
Presenter
Ana is a psychotherapist working in private practice in the picturesque town of Ramsbottom, north of Manchester. Ana is passionate about combining neuroscience and psychotherapy. She spends much time pondering and discussing related topics with her colleagues.
Ana has a background in science and holds a PhD in Computational Biology from INRA/Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France. Before transitioning to psychotherapy, she was a scientist in a research lab at Manchester University.
In her free time, if she is not geeking out on the latest affective neuroscience book or podcast while running in the hills, Ana is probably spending time with her little boy or trying to reach the inner peace using mindful meditation.
Mike, originally from the UK, is neuroscientist and best-selling author, who now resides in San Diego, California. His research interests focus on decision making in the brain, particularly in mental illness. His passion for science communication and encouraging scientists and non-scientists alike, to follow their curiosity, is a constant source of energy and joy, along with his dog/best friend.
More about Mike’s work can be found on his website.
