Discovering Interpersonal Neurobiology with Dan Siegel

According to Siegel, traditional medicalised thinking has led psychotherapists into a blind alley, where the mind is conceived solely as a mechanical property of the brain. Siegel argues that therapists attach too much importance to diagnoses, psychopharmacology and 'turf battles' in the clinical setting. Instead, according to his research, the mind is a process that emerges from - and then returns to - subjective experiences, consciousness, information processing and relationships. His therapeutic tool, the Wheel of Awarenessshows clinicians how to integrate the inner and outer experiences of their clients, helping them to become more aware (mind-full) and to live their lives in a way mindful.

Understanding Siegel's thought does not imply the need to become a scientist, let alone an expert in physics or mathematics. However, his teachings allow one to develop a scientific understanding of behaviour, mood and relationships. Siegel's objective is not to lead therapists to abandon their favourite theories and techniques in favour of Interpersonal Neurobiology. Therapy and the somatic approaches to guide therapeutic work, regardless of the specific clinical models and techniques used.

Differentiation and integration are some of the most prominent concepts in Siegel's work. As the clients' neural centres mature and create new interconnections through the application of the so-called "Nine Domains of Integration", clinicians can facilitate their growth by helping them develop full self-awareness and openness to relationships. Siegel also teaches how to help clients overcome invalidating experiences and inner narratives related to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and trauma, which affect what he defines as relationships within the self (within-ness) and between the self and the other (between-ness). In the process, therapists can support their clients in creating more effective inner and relational systems.

To fully benefit from this pioneering treatment model, clinicians may have to (but will probably want to) watch this interview again and again. Just like its passionate creator and the brain-mind connection so admired by him, Interpersonal Neurobiology is incredibly complex and, at the same time, elegantly simple, clinically clear and very useful.