Neuroscience & Therapy with Children
Understanding how the brain works is essential in therapy, especially in play therapy. Neuroscience shows us that the success of therapy hinges on the relationship between the therapist and the child.
Interpersonal neurobiology highlights how connected we are with each other. When two people interact, they influence each other’s emotions and responses, often without realising it. Knowing the science behind this connection helps us appreciate the therapist's vital role in the process. Ignoring neuroscience means missing out on the full power of the therapeutic relationship, which is crucial for therapists to provide the best support for their clients.
Traumatic experiences can have a lasting impact on the brain. One of the brain's main roles is to assess threats, and when it perceives trauma, it can lead to significant changes. For example, trauma can affect the anterior cingulate cortex, which helps regulate emotions. When this area isn't functioning well, it can result in impulse control issues, anxiety, depression, and even substance abuse later in life.
Recent research, has shown that trauma can lead to observable changes in the brain. Scientists have found that myelin, the fatty coating around neurons that aids communication, is often thinner in the brains of those who experienced childhood trauma. This can disrupt emotional regulation and alter how feelings are processed, which in turn affects behavior.
Despite these challenges, there is hope. Not every child who experiences trauma will become a traumatised adult, and this is where play therapy plays a crucial role. Play therapists understand that it’s not the trauma itself that harms a child, but their perception of that trauma. Helping children process their experiences and change their perceptions can significantly lessen the impact of trauma.
By guiding children through their feelings about past traumas, we can support the brain's natural healing processes. When children integrate their experiences, it helps re-myelination and promotes healing. By changing behaviors, we also help rewire the brain, reducing the risk of lasting damage.
Neuroscience provides valuable insights into the therapeutic process, helping us understand both the therapist's and the child’s experiences. By leveraging this knowledge, therapists can guide children toward deeper healing and foster lasting positive changes. The brain is always open to change—just as it can be affected by trauma, it can also be repaired and transformed through healing and support.
