Toward Relational Empowerment: Interpersonal Neurobiology, Couples, and the Societal Context

Abstract

In this chapter, we explore how 'news from neuroscience' can enhance clinical work with couples. A socio-neurobiological perspective informs our theories of how relationships work and our techniques for helping couples understand and interrupt processes of emotion dysregulation. Couples can transform their reactive cycles, thanks to the power of neuroplasticity, the ability of the adult brain to change. New relational experiences can change both partners, not only socially, but also neurobiologically, as the couple's enactments of mutuality foster and sustain neural networks for connection. We will follow the relational dynamics of Drew and Nina, a mid-thirties European American heterosexual couple in therapy to address challenges in their marriage. We will examine the powerful social effects of gender socialization in this couple, exploring both neurobiological and social influences on their dance of reactivity. The case example will track socio-neurobiological change processes as the couple and therapist work to foster new interactions and new neuronal networks to support intimate connection. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)