Skip to content

Unveiling the Influence of the Lizard Brain on Behavior and Characteristics

Unconscious processes in the reptilian part of the brain largely control human behavior, influencing feelings, responses, and the formation of traits from childhood onward.

The Role of Reptilian Brain Structures in Shaping Behavior and Character Traits
The Role of Reptilian Brain Structures in Shaping Behavior and Character Traits

Unveiling the Influence of the Lizard Brain on Behavior and Characteristics

In the realm of psychotherapy, a novel approach has emerged, offering a fresh perspective on human behaviour: BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT). This innovative method draws on elements of neuroscience and psychology to delve into the intricacies of the human mind, aiming to understand and influence our automatic responses, which can be rooted in early life experiences and the functioning of the "lizard brain."

### The Lizard Brain: The Cornerstone of Automatic Responses

The "lizard brain," a colloquial term referring to the brainstem and limbic system, is responsible for our most basic survival functions. It prioritizes immediate survival over higher-order functions like reasoning and reflection. In the context of BWRT, the lizard brain is seen as a key component in automatic responses, as it quickly processes threats and triggers defensive mechanisms.

### The Impact of Early Life Experiences

Early life experiences, particularly those involving stress, trauma, or significant emotional events, can shape how the brain processes information and responds to stimuli. These experiences can lead to the development of automatic responses that are meant to protect the individual but may become maladaptive over time.

### BWRT's Unique Approach

BWRT approaches these influences by focusing on the automatic responses that are triggered by early life experiences. It aims to intervene at the level of the lizard brain to change these responses, rather than relying solely on cognitive insight or rational understanding. Key aspects of BWRT's approach include identifying triggers, reframing responses, and using non-cognitive interventions to directly influence the lizard brain's responses.

### The Warrior, Settler, and Nomad: A Model for Understanding Personality Traits

The Warrior, Settler, and Nomad model suggests that children tend to exhibit traits of one of these personality types before life experiences shape them. Each type responds differently to discipline and guidance, with Warriors pushing boundaries, Settlers learning responsibility through understanding the impact of their actions, and Nomads requiring firm interruptions and explanations.

While BWRT offers a promising approach to understanding and influencing human behaviour, it's important to note that there is no definitive proof that these approaches would reduce societal issues. However, the effectiveness of BWRT suggests that similar principles applied to early learning could have a profound impact.

The creator of Brain Working Recursive Therapy, Terence Watts, has provided a unique lens through which to view human behaviour, emphasizing the role of automatic responses in shaping our actions and emotional states. By addressing these automatic responses directly, BWRT aims to provide a more immediate and effective path to change.

  1. BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT), with its innovative approach, seeks to influence automatic responses linked to mental health, drawing on elements from both neuroscience and psychology, focusing particularly on the role of the lizard brain.
  2. In the realm of health-and-wellness, BWRT offers a unique therapies-and-treatments strategy by intervening at the level of the lizard brain, looking to change maladaptive automatic responses formed by early life experiences, rather than solely relying on cognitive understanding or insight.
  3. By understanding early life experiences' impact on the development of automatic responses, BWRT, as part of the mental-health field, offers a fresh perspective on human behaviour, aligning with the Warrior, Settler, and Nomad model, suggesting that similar principles applied to early learning could foster a profound impact on societal issues.

Read also:

    Latest