Badenoch, B. (2008). Being a brain-wise therapist. New York, NY: W. W. Norton.

Reviewer:
Katie Purswell

Curricular Areas:
Non-Fiction

Subject Headings:
Adult

Review:
With the National Institute of Mental Health's new initiative that focuses on brain research, it is more important than ever that counselors have at least a minimal understanding of how the brain develops, particularly with regard to interpersonal relationships. Badenoch's (2008) book, Being a Brainwise Therapist, is one of the more accessible books that accomplishes this goal.

Badenoch integrates attachment style research with neurobiology in a way that requires no special scientific knowledge and has significant implications for clinical work. Additionally, Badenoch conceptualizes mood and personality disorders through an interpersonal neurobiology framework, emphasizing the ways the brain organizes the relational experiences of individuals with these diagnoses. Finally, Badenoch provides some practical guidelines for working with individuals, families, parents, and children from an interpersonal neurobiology perspective. Throughout her book, Badenoch focuses on the power of the therapeutic relationship in helping individuals with traumatic interpersonal histories heal. She explains how counselors can help clients literally rewire their brains through providing an attuned, responsive relationship that "disconfirms" many of the client's previous detrimental relational experiences. Badenoch's ability to clearly explain complex neurobiology concepts and apply them in practical ways makes this book a valuable asset to any counselor's bookshelf.