Restoring the Mind–Body Unity: A New Alliance Between Neurosciences and Psychotherapy

ABSTRACT

A “new alliance” between neuroscience and psychotherapy is currently taking place, with important European contributions reviewed in this article. Recent neuroscientific developments are attempting to re-integrate the mind–body unity by proposing that the mind is linked not only to the body but to specific neuronal brain structures. Neuroscientific explorations are contributing concepts such as the relational mind, implicit memory, and mirror neurons. Related concepts and findings confirm experimental and clinical issues tied to developmental psychology and psychotherapy. Key themes emerge from the intersection of these fields, including the importance of implicit relational knowledge, analogic and metaphoric languages, the empathic underpinning of therapeutic relationships, and the dynamics of therapeutic change. This new mind–body alliance opens up new doors for inquiry and for understanding for both theory and practice of the psychotherapeutic process.

KEYWORDS:

• Mind–body unity
• neurosciences
• systemic psychotherapy
• therapeutic relationship

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Luigi Onnis

Carlos Sluzki, M.D., served as Action Editor for the article. Dr. Sluzki is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, George Washington University, Washington, DC; and Professor Emeritus, Global and Community Health and Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.