Category Archives: Neurobiology
IPNB: A Superior Theoretical Model of Trauma, Chronic Pain, and Complex Stress
Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) serves as a theoretical model in a very different way than most biomedical models, and that difference is the point. IPNB does not try to explain outcomes by isolating a single structure, pathway, or intervention and assigning … Continue reading
Posted in Neurobiology
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Announcing My First Book!
Of all the things I could have predicted for my life, becoming a watercolor graphic medicine artist who uses cartoon ladybugs to teach Relational Neuroscience was not one of them. But here I am. My “Della the IPNB Ladybug™” books … Continue reading
What Are Our Core Biological Needs?
From an Interpersonal Neurobiology perspective, the core biological needs that are chronically unmet in people with severe CPTSD involve safety, connection, and regulation. These needs are not abstract, but embodied. 1. Co-regulation. Human nervous systems are designed to settle in … Continue reading
Big Ways to Support Your Nervous System With Tiny Actions
You can support your nervous system by building small, regular practices into your daily life to support your system’s ability to find steadiness over time. These practices don’t have to be complicated or take much time; consistency is what matters … Continue reading
Posted in Neurobiology
Tagged coregulation, Nervous System, Regulation, repair, safety, support
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The Real Zone of Growth is Not Outside the Comfort Zone But Inside the Window of Tolerance
A whiteboard at a local gym promotes the idea that “growth only happens outside the comfort zone,” which is popular in our “push through” culture. Stagnation can happen when there’s no challenge and no novelty. But if pushed too far, … Continue reading
Posted in Neurobiology, Uncategorized
Tagged comfort zone, growth, gym, IPNB, learning, mindset, neurobiology, progress, pushing through, Regulation, sweet discomfort, zone of growth
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The Cost of “Positive Vibes Only”: How Denying Reality Shuts Down the Human System
The Cultural Demand to Stay Positive Harms Us Every day we’re told to “think happy thoughts,” to “focus on the good,” to keep our “vibration high.” It’s the cultural chant of a society terrified of pain and truth, and addicted … Continue reading
Posted in Neurobiology
Tagged adaptation, awe, congruence, culture, Empathy, numbness, positive vibes only, survival adaptations
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Top 10 Reasons Everyday People Should Learn About Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB)
Most people hear the word “neurobiology” and think it’s something only scientists or therapists need to understand. But Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB)–also called Relational Neuroscience–includes much more than knowing brain parts and how they work; it enhances our human experience and … Continue reading
Posted in Neurobiology
Tagged conflict, connection, human, IPNB, Mental Health, relationships, science, well-being
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The Societal is the Cellular: The Biology of a Sick Culture
Everywhere we look, people are unwell. Nearly ¼ of US adults live with a diagnosed mental illness, and over ¾ of adults have at least one chronic health condition. More than ½ have multiple chronic conditions. This is most of … Continue reading
Posted in Neurobiology
Tagged biology, cellular, chronic stress, connection, culture, distress, exploitation, IPNB, Neuroplasticity, safety, social, societal, society, suffering, Trauma
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Foundations of Regulation: Interpersonal Neurobiology Made Easy!
The Foundations of Regulation course helps you understand and experience your internal responses, without pressure, judgment, or performance. Everything is optional, and every practice is designed for you to explore at your own pace. You learn the key Interpersonal Neurobiology … Continue reading
Posted in Neurobiology
Tagged Foundations of Regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, IPNB, Nervous System, relationships, self, therapy
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The Neuroscience of Being Believed: A Biology Nerd’s Journey to Evidence-Based Self-Advocacy In Medicine
I’m such a biology nerd and consider my life one long experiment that I have done things like this. In the past 7 years, I have tracked large quantities of personal bio data. It quantifies my struggles and progress as … Continue reading