Neuroplasticity is an important term that explains how the benefits of counseling can change the brain. Neuroplasticity describes our brain’s ability to change itself through new experiences. Every experience we have creates neuropathways in our brains. The more similar experiences we have, the more our neuropathways develop and become stronger. For instance, if a dog bites me, I might be surprised. If it happens again, I may start to feel scared of dogs. As these negative experiences with dogs occur, my neuropathways are being strengthened in areas of the brain that keep me on high alert. It will then take many positive encounters with dogs in order to reverse all the negative experiences.
Neuroscience explains what happens in our brains as we encounter new experiences. Research has found that behaviors can actually not only change the physiology (function) of the brain but also its anatomy (structure). The concept of neuroplasticity is linked to the idea of synaptic pruning, which states connections between the neurons in the brain are changing in a constant manner. Previous connections are broken to make the new ones. Multiple stimuli, such as behavioral changes with respect to the environment, thinking processes in some specific way, emotions, etc., are needed for such changes in the brain. Similarly, changes at multiple levels are noted, ranging from cellular and synaptic levels to cortical remapping in response to stimulus.
The development of certain behaviors through neuroplasticity can also influence our relationships. Counseling facilitates new experiences for clients. Of course, it depeneds on the counseling style, here at core counseling we work with the client in highlighting new experiences and positive experiences that are often minimized by the client. As negative emotions are processed with a counselor, a client often will feel relief. However, the work does not end there, for new new neuropathways to establish a person needs to stay and experiences the emotion for 30 seconds or more. The plasticity of the brain allows new connections to be made, which then enables us to develop new sets of behaviors, skills, attitudes, beliefs, etc.
How does that affect us in a relationship? When it comes to relationships, there are many factors that contribute to a good relationship. However, neuroplasticity can influence how we feel about our partners, friends, or family. For instance, every time you have a positive encounter with a person, take time to experience both the moment and the feelings. Then share the experience with the person and see how it affects them. These experiences can enhance feelings of safety, joy, love, etc., for that person. Increasing the potential for more positive experiences to be fostered between two people. In order to have a satisfying relationship, it involves continuous input from our partner to alter our brain mapping in order to enhance loving feelings. When we try to avoid people in our relationships or express unexpressed needs and desires of our life partner, we reinforce dislikes in our brain, making deeper neural connections in avoidance. Therefore, focusing on the positive in a relationship allows your brain to develop stronger neural connections to areas where positive experiences are stored.
