Narrative therapy and Neuroplasticity: Rewriting personal stories to reshape the brain
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Stephanie Armes, Ph.D.
Presentation Type
Event
Project Type
Research proposal
Primary Department
Marriage and Family Therapy
Description
With the growing prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders, understanding how these conditions effect people on a neurological level may be important. While much research has explored the emotional and behavioral symptoms of anxiety and depression, less attention has been given to how therapeutic practices might directly impact the brain. Neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt, provides a nice lens for exploring these possibilities. “Gold standard” treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness therapy have already shown significant effects on brain structure and function, mostly in regions linked to emotion regulation and self-awareness. However, one approach that remains unknown in its effects on neuroplasticity is narrative therapy. Narrative therapy is a practice centered around re-authoring personal stories to foster new identity, meaning, and healing. By examining the therapeutic effects of storytelling and self-narrative reconstruction, this research aims to bridge the gap between neuroscience and more novel therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this study it to provide data showing that narrative therapy can not only bring psychological relief, but also contribute to meaningful neurological change in clients.
Copyright Status
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Additional Rights Information
Copyright held by author(s).
Narrative therapy and Neuroplasticity: Rewriting personal stories to reshape the brain
With the growing prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders, understanding how these conditions effect people on a neurological level may be important. While much research has explored the emotional and behavioral symptoms of anxiety and depression, less attention has been given to how therapeutic practices might directly impact the brain. Neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt, provides a nice lens for exploring these possibilities. “Gold standard” treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness therapy have already shown significant effects on brain structure and function, mostly in regions linked to emotion regulation and self-awareness. However, one approach that remains unknown in its effects on neuroplasticity is narrative therapy. Narrative therapy is a practice centered around re-authoring personal stories to foster new identity, meaning, and healing. By examining the therapeutic effects of storytelling and self-narrative reconstruction, this research aims to bridge the gap between neuroscience and more novel therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this study it to provide data showing that narrative therapy can not only bring psychological relief, but also contribute to meaningful neurological change in clients.
Rights Statement
