The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy Quotes

“The sustained release of cortisol in states of chronic stress results in the disruption of two things vital for learning: neuroplasticity and hippocampal health (Podgorny & Gulyaeva, 2021; Raffington et al., 2018). It inhibits neuroplasticity by inhibiting protein synthesis, an essential aspect of brain building. At the same time, it results in the death of hippocampal neurons through the disruption of cellular processes of homeostasis. At its core, psychotherapy is a learning process which relies on our clients’ ability to learn new information and practice new ways of being. From specific stress reduction techniques to the soothing effects of a supportive relationship, stress modulation and success in psychotherapy go hand in hand. Thus, stress reduction skills should not be limited only to those complaining of stress disorders, but should be a central part of our work with all clients. While evolution once favored an anxious gene, fitness in our contemporary world may require a state of mind and brain that is open to new learning, mindfulness, and relaxation.”
― Louis Cozolino, The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy: Healing the Social Brain

“When we are able to get over a fear or phobia, or experience a decrease in symptoms of arousal in PTSD, it isn’t because we have erased the memory from the amygdala, it is because we have built descending inhibitory structures down from the cortex to inhibit the output of the amygdala to the autonomic nervous system. Although anxious and intrusive symptoms can be reduced and even stopped, this change relies on the cortex inhibiting the output of the amygdala so that what happens in the amygdala, stays in the amygdala.”
― Louis Cozolino, The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy: Healing the Social Brain

“Solutions come through asking the right questions, because the answers pre-exist. You don’t invent the answer—you reveal the answer. —Jonas Salk”
― Louis Cozolino, The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy: Healing the Social Brain

“Evolution is driven by the physical survival of the species and thus, much of the brain’s functioning is centered on automatic fight-or-flight mechanisms as opposed to conscious and compassionate decision making. Because of this, the conscious and unconscious management of fear and anxiety is a core component of our personalities, attachment relationships, and identities. The considerable degree of postnatal brain development and the critical developmental periods of early childhood experiences in the sculpting of the brain add to our vulnerability to the unresolved trauma of those who raise us.”
― Louis Cozolino, The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy: Healing the Social Brain