December 5, 2008

Understanding the Brain
Emotions which scientists call neurotransmitters make the brain function and create whatever change is needed. Neurotransmitters are miniscule amounts of chemicals that direct the behavior and body functions. The brain is plastic and can reorganise itself. If an individual has a stroke, the rest of the brain can “rescue” the person as long as the invalid is willing to recondition the messages to the brain; In this case the reconditioning would be physical therapy so that another part of the cerebellum can be activated.

The brain also functions on electrical charges which are increased when one has focused interesting or exciting activities.

People who seek counseling for whatever malfunction or improvement they wish in their lives are motivated because they are disgruntled about their present conditions. Stories which highlight their situation work as “Active Listening” (i.e. I understand and reflect your emotions) create the affects which prompt behavioral changes toward making significant life adjustments.

In my day , children were spanked which provided the unhappiness which stimulated change. However, sociologists determined that the direction of change brought about resentment and misconceptions as to the reason for the physical confrontation that sometimes created the opposite reaction than the desired response. Now-a-days the emotional stimulus is one of calm reflection brought about by sending a child to his/her room to consider why the activities are not acceptable. The emotional element is that their fun is interrupted by a time out. In either case the consequences of their actions has brought about an emotional stimulus for change.

Whether an adult or a child needs to redirect their lives, the method is the same. Life consequences creates motivation to find another course of action. The counselor steps into volatile circumstances and detonates the highly charged emotions while rechanneling them with directive advice or suggestions. Whatever the situation, the interruption stimulates a desire to improve. Proper guidance then, directs the person in the correct direction.