What Is Neuroplasticity
Hannah Grove, Masters Level Clinician
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt in response to experiences. It is a lifelong process that allows us to create new neural pathways and change the way our brains function.
Many people seek therapy because they want to change something in their lives. Maybe they want to understand why they respond to others in a certain way, want to process a certain experience, want to gain insight into their family and childhood experiences, or want to change their perspective on something.
In essence, they want to use their brain’s ability to reprogram itself in a way that helps them move toward strategies that align with where they currently want to grow in life.
This ability to create neural pathways is a neutral process that occurs throughout our life. There is often an emphasis on how trauma and difficult experiences change our brain programming in unhelpful ways.
We develop coping skills that keep us safe at that time.These same strategies can become unhelpful as we continue through life. The good news is that the reverse is also true. Healing changes the brain too.
Healing relationships and experiences also affect our brain programming allowing us to create new neural pathways that do support the life we want.
Categories of Neuroplasticity
These changes generally come about in one of two ways: Synaptic plasticity and Structural plasticity.
Synaptic Plasticity refers to the strength of the connection between neurons. Changing this may involve weakening a connection to a belief that no longer resonates for your current place in life and strengthening the connection between a different truth that does reflect where you want to go in life.
Structural Plasticity refers to physical changes in the structure of neurons and their connections, including growing new synapses and neurons in certain regions of the brain. This may involve growing new synapses that allow you to respond to stress in ways that you have never previously tried but that allow you to stay present in the experience.
Neuroplasticity and Therapy
Therapy can help when you are not living the life you want and are not sure how to get there. A lot of times that is because of an experience that hasn’t been processed, a belief that is outdated, or you looking for new ways to interact with life that you have never seen before.
By working with a therapist, you can explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and identify patterns that may be holding you back.
Once you become aware of these patterns, you can start to challenge them and create new neural pathways that better align with your current needs.
In addition to therapy, there are many other ways to support your brain's ability to reprogram itself. Engaging in activities that challenge your mind, such as reading, learning a new skill or language, taking a class, can promote the growth of new neural pathways. Physical exercise and movement can also support neuroplasticity by promoting the growth of new neurons and synapses.
Conclusion
The process of neuroplasticity highlights the potential for growth and change within each of us. While it is true that our brains can become stuck in patterns that no longer serve us, there is beauty and hope in the fact that they are also malleable and adaptable.
Through therapy and other means, we can harness the power of synaptic and structural plasticity to reshape our neural landscape, paving the way for personal transformation and fulfillment.
The process of creating new neural pathways takes time and effort, but with patience and small consistent steps, you can develop new habits, beliefs, and ways of being that better align with the life you want to live.
By embracing this journey of self-discovery and actively engaging in activities that stimulate our minds and bodies, we can unlock new possibilities and cultivate a life that deeply resonates with our authentic selves.
