The Transparent Brain in Couple and Family Therapy: Mindful Integrations with Neuroscience

"The serious practitioner of psychotherapy will find this book a remarkable 'game-changer' in terms of therapeutic practice. Hanna uses her outstanding skills as a synthesizer of approaches to help us not only understand the implications of the new science of how the brain works, but more importantly helps us use this information in approaches that get therapeutic results. This book is going to be a whole new conversation starter in the field." - Terry D. Hargrave, PhD, Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy, Fuller Theological Seminary; Co-author of Restoration Therapy:  Understanding and Guiding Healing in Marriage and Family Therapy

"With artful clarity Hanna illuminates how social process is biological process. Using a straightforward, de-jargoned approach she demystifies the science of the brain and explains how what happens in the brain is inextricably tied to emotional, psychological, and interpersonal dynamics. Best of all, she masterfully demonstrates how therapists can use basic principles of neuroscience to foster interpersonal change. This book is a must-read for those who are committed to fostering healing and health from a truly systemic perspective. - Tracey A. Laszloffy, PhD, Director, Center for Relationship Healing; Co-author of Teens Who Hurt; Couples and Family Therapist in Private Practice, Norwich, Connecticut

Why should family therapists care about brain research? Are there invisible connections between the breakdown of our relationships and the breakdown of our cells? To answer these questions, author Suzanne Hanna paints pictures of ancient principles coming together with contemporary research as a context for why basic concepts of neuroscience are relevant to couple and family therapy. She illustrates the reciprocal nature of the body and relationships in a book that simplifies and demystifies brain science for therapists.  Using the latest findings from affective and cognitive neuroscience, she highlights 6 brain-friendly family therapy approaches and introduces the concept of biological empathy. This analysis enables practitioners to harness the power of mindfulness toward brain development and interpersonal healing. Client-friendly language allows busy therapists to educate without jargon. Applications of family therapy begin with the self of the therapist and advance through the interpersonal layers of attachment, pair-bonding, and community. Chapters include topics on:
· Whole body awareness
· A narrative approach to neuroanatomy and physiology
· 5 basic principles of neuroscience
· Basics of trauma treatment
· Male/female brain differences in couples therapy
· The ancient concept of tribe and a community frontal lobe
Each chapter summarizes with principles and guidelines for clinicians. Numerous illustrations make the brain transparent, while surveys, worksheets, and tables make therapeutic process transparent. The last chapter illustrates concepts and interventions through a full-length case story and applies addiction treatment as a case study for program development.  The Transparent Brain includes case examples from all walks of life, highlighting heroic acts of survival. Clinicians can use 5 basic principles of neuroscience to bring relief more quickly, for more people from more diverse backgrounds. It is a revolutionary read and a must-have reference for any mental health professional.