Siegel tells us that traditional medicalized thinking has led psychotherapists into blind alleys, where mind is seen simply as a mechanical property of brain. We have become over-reliant, he argues, on diagnosis, psychopharmacology and clinical turf wars. Instead, his research suggests that mind emerges from and then turns back around to govern subjective experience, consciousness, information processing and relationships. His therapeutic tool, the Wheel of Awareness shows clinicians how to integrate their client’s inner and outer experiences by being mind-full and living mindfully.
Siegel is not asking us to become scientists or even masters of physics and mathematics. However, he guides us to think scientifically about behavior, mood and relationships. He does not ask us to surrender our favorite theories and techniques in favor of IPNB. Instead, he explains how its somatic and mindfulness-oriented premises and methods can inform our therapeutic work, regardless of the clinical models and techniques we use.
The concepts of differentiation and integration feature prominently in Siegel’s work. As our client’s brain centers mature and interconnect through application of his “Nine Domains of Integration”, clinicians will facilitate their growth into full self-awareness and relationship readiness. Finally, he teaches therapists how their clients may overcome disabling experiences and narratives related to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and trauma affecting what he calls “within-ness” and “between-ness.” In the process therapists will assist clients in forming stronger and more effective internal and relational systems.
You may have to, but will more than likely want to, watch this interview several times to gain full benefit from a pioneering model of treatment. Like its passionate originator and the brain-mind connection he so admires, IPNB is at the same time incredibly complex, but elegantly simple, clinically straightforward and very useful.
By watching this interview, you will:
1. critique misguided principles of diagnosis, assessment and treatment
2. appreciate the basic tenets of Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB)
3. apply IPNB principles of integration to enhance your psychotherapy with a wide range of clients
Length of video: 1:36:05
English subtitles available
Group ISBN-10 #: 1-60124-546-7
Group ISBN-13 #: 978-1-60124-546-5
Dan Siegel, MD, is a Harvard trained physician and researcher as well as a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA. Dr. Siegel is the Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute, an educational organization which focuses on the study and application of Interpersonal Neurobiology, the interface of human relationships and basic biological processes. Dr. Siegel is a practicing clinician and prolific author whose
The Developing Mind: How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are (2nd. Ed., Guilford, 2012) introduces the field of interpersonal neurobiology. His work has been extensively utilized by a number of clinical and research organizations worldwide and as such has been translated into over forty languages. His upcoming book
Aware: The Science and Practice of Presence (Tarcher/Perigee, August 2018) will introduce readers to his Wheel of Awareness, a powerful and pioneering tool for self-enhancement.
Relevant Websites and Readings:
Comprehensive Resources
Mindsight Institute
CE credits: 1.5
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the misguided principles of diagnosis, assessment, and treatment
- List the basic tenets of Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB)
- Apply IPNB principles in your own clinical practice
Bibliography available upon request
This course is offered for ASWB ACE credit for social workers. See complete list of CE approvals here
© 2018
Course Reviewed January 2023