CIMBS Neurobiological Foundations
Neurobiological Foundation of Multiple Brain Systems Paradigm
Multiple neurobiological brain systems enable all mammals to function in a wide range of environments and in constantly changing situations. Each of these systems evolved over millennia to enable mammals, primates and humans to meet different physical and emotional needs. The greater diversity and flexibility of these systems enable greater complexity and
adaptive capacities. Think of these multiple neurobiological systems as resources of energy, highly evolved nonconscious wisdom and processing capacity for dynamic situations and environments.
The advantages of having multiple resources helping us meet our needs is clearly adaptive. Often the different emotional systems can synergize with each other to enable unique, creative and powerful responses to stressful situations. However sometimes the striving of one emotional brain system could be in opposition with the striving of another emotional brain system leading to maladaptive reactions or adverse symptoms. [see pp. 66-69 and pp. 77-79]
Neuroscientists such as Panksepp, Damasio, Davidson, LeDoux, and Siegel have identified and studied a large array of nonconscious emotional brain systems. The neurobiological knowledge of these emotional systems enable us to better understand ourselves, other people and the nature of human relationships. This knowledge can empower us to harness the energy, wisdom and processing capacity of multiple systems simultaneously. Imagine your computer having 21 powerful distinct processors operating simultaneously and in parallel.
There are three levels of emotional processing in the central nervous system. Primary level in the brainstem, Secondary level within the amygdala, hippocampus and other basal nuclei, and Tertiary level in the neocortex. As you can see most of the emotional brain systems are nonconscious. We naturally tend to focus on the emotional brain systems that are conscious because they are more familiar and accessible. However the majority of our emotional brain system are nonconscious and the emotional brain systems located in the brainstem are the powerhouses [Panksepp]. Practical applications of this neurobiological knowledge enables psychotherapists and other care providers to be more precise, specific, efficient and effective and with their treatments.