August 29, 2016
Article Review: Integrating Neurocounseling into the Counseling Profession: An Introduction
By: Heather Barnett Wilkes, LPC (NC, GA), LMHC (FL), NCC
The Journal of Mental Health Counseling (April 2016) published a special issue on the topic of neurocounseling which featured six articles that illustrate how different concepts of neuroscience may be incorporated into counseling practice.
The introductory article, written by Lori A. Russell-Chapin (2016), defined neurocounseling as “the integration of neuroscience into the practice of counseling by teaching and illustrating the physiological underpinnings of our many mental health concerns” (p. 93). Russell-Chapin has incorporated neuroscience into both her teachings at Bradley University and her clinical practice. Although she is Board Certified in Neurofeedback (BCN), she clearly stated that she does not believe all clinicians need to be trained in neurofeedback in order to integrate neuroscience into their counseling practice but, rather, it is important to be “neuro wise and not neuro naïve” (p. 94).
Russell-Chapin described the importance of providing psychoeducation to clients regarding the connection between brain and body to promote health and wellness and how dysregulation between the brain and body may result in both physical and mental health concerns. She explained how she encourages her clients to notice their own breathing patterns, heart rate and skin temperature and how she uses techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and guided imagery to allow clients to “begin the goal of self-regulation” (p. 94). She explained that psychoeducation and self-regulation help to improve clients’ internal locus of control and that, in turn, helps clients in other areas of their lives.
Neurotherapy, defined as “any mechanism that neuromodulates neurons,” is another concept of neuroscience that may be incorporated into clinical practice (p. 96). Russell-Chapin explained that the process of counseling is an example of neurotherapy because there is evidence to show that counseling changes the brain in positive ways, specifically through positive plasticity and neuromodulation. Therapeutic life changes (“TLCs”) are also examples of neurotherapy and ways to promote self-regulation. Russell-Chapin detailed the evidence for five TLCs that she, not only encourages her clients to implement, but also challenges readers to implement, including: 1) engaging in exercise; 2) practicing good nutrition and weight management; 3) engaging in social relationships; 4) challenging the brain; and 5) practicing good sleep hygiene. One final example of neurotherapy discussed in the article is neurofeedback. Russell-Chapin described how neurofeedback sessions are designed to work and also described the research outcomes associated with neurofeedback training.
Russell-Chapin crossed over to a brief introduction of the other five articles, all with titles and topics relating to neurocounseling, which are featured in the April 2016 issue of the Journal of Mental Health Counseling and emphasized that neurocounseling is not only changing the counseling profession, but also “how we view the world” (p. 101).
Primary Reference: Russell-Chapin, L.A. (2016). Integrating Neurocounseling into the Counseling Profession: An Introduction. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 38, 93-101.