We are inbuilt biologically to be social, in whatever way we can be. Relating to others, in a good way, is good for us and our brains and bodies too!
If you are having problems relating to others, having a relational therapy approach is a good way forward – see our webpages at the end of this article.
“…attachment is as important for survival as any other fundamental biological need” (like food and water) 1 social neuroscientist Dr Vrticka
Research on social and relational neuroscience on attachment looks like backing this. Social Neuroscience looks at the connection between the brain’s neural processes and social behaviour, “…to understand how the mind and behaviour are influenced by social factors”
Research is finding out that
- how we are with one another actually affects our bodies as well as how we feel
- our life experience can actually switch some of our genes on or off!
What and how are they researching? Research into our bodies and hormones, and our behaviour, and scanning 2 or more people’s brains simultaneously, are all helping us learn how we can actually affect each other’s bodies and brains.
“…attachment is one of those psychological and behavioural characteristics of humans that are so strong that … produce their distinct neurobiological signals” (in the body and brain)
People with different attachment styles show different ways their brains process attachment related information!
Having someone to support you in your life helps you to regulate your emotions (biologically) and has even been shown to increase your energy levels!
Interested in therapy to improve your ways of relating to others? See our web pages here on Cognitive Analytic Therapy or Psychodynamic work.
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a powerful, relational therapy. CAT uses the collaborative process between a therapist and a person, working together to look particularly at problems you might have between you and others.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a helpful treatment for people who just find it hard to understand why they are experiencing certain difficulties within their relationships and perhaps other symptoms too.
