Regulation Theory and Affect Regulation Psychotherapy: A Clinical Primer

Abstract

This article offers an essay on the influence of advances in developmental neuroscience and neuropsychoanalysis for our understanding of the interpersonal neurobiological change mechanisms embedded in the mother–infant and client–therapist relationship. Regulation theory and affect regulation therapy are reviewed, along with attachment, affect regulation, and the development of the right brain. Right-brain communications within the therapeutic alliance are described, leading to the conclusion that the right brain is dominant in psychotherapy. Changes in not only the client’s but also the clinician’s brain over long-term clinical experiences are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• regulation theory
• affect regulation therapy
• right brain
• unconscious
• psychotherapy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Judith R. Schore

Judith R. Schore, PhD, is a clinical social worker in private practice, dean of students and core faculty at the Sanville Institute, associate director of Clinical Training and Curriculum Development at Reiss-Davis Child Study Center, and faculty at The Graduate Center for Child Development and Psychotherapy.

Allan N. Schore

Allan N. Schore, PhD, is on the clinical faculty of the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, editor of the Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology, and the recipient of a number of awards from the American Psychological Association and the American Psychoanalytic Association. He is the cochair of the child section of the upcoming Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (2nd edition).