Creative Strategies to Integrate

Neuroeducation into
Counseling Practice
Whitney McLaughlin, MA, LPCA, NCC
Agenda
• Definition
• Rationale
• Neuroeducation Concepts: Neuroplasticity, Memory
Phenomena, Brain Structures & Functions
• Delivery Methods: Healthy Mind Platter, The Hand Model of the
Brain
• Best Practices
• Resources
• Concluding Thoughts
•Q&A
What is Neuroeducation?
• Term Coined by Fishbane (2013)
• Other terms “internal education”,
“brain talk”
• A form of neurocounseling –
integrating neuroscience research
into clinical practice
• Defined as “a didactic or
experiential-based intervention
that aims to reduce client distress
and improve client outcome by
helping clients understand the
neurological processes underlying
mental functioning” (Miller, 2016)
Why is it important?
• Psychoeducation is an integral part of many evidence-based
counseling interventions (Lukens & McFarlane, 2004)

• Clients are often eager for such information within the context of
counseling (Badenoch, 2008).

• Help modify dysregulated client thoughts & behaviors & promote

client empowerment(Cozolino, 2010; Miller & Barrio Minton, 2016)

• Normalize the ups and downs of the change process (Badenoch,

2008)

• Brain is the most important organ in the body!

Neuroeducation Concepts
 Neuroplasticity
• The brain’s ability to change and reorganize itself

• The brain forms new connections and

pathways and change how its circuits are
wired.

• This process helps the brain adapt to

environmental stressors, physiological
changes, and experiences.

• Several activities enhance neuroplasticity – allow for

greater openness to new learning and reorganization of
neural networks (Siegel, 2012)
Delivery Method: The Healthy Mind Platter
Focus Time: Engaging in goal-directed activities

Play Time: Playfully enjoying novel experiences

Physical Time: Engaging in physical exercise

Down Time: Mind wandering and relaxation

Time-in: Engaging in moments of reflection

focusing on thoughts, feelings, and sensations.

Connecting Time: Connecting with others (ideally

in person)

Sleep Time: Adequately resting to consolidate

learning and recover from the day
Brain Structures & Functions
• Advantages to identifying
“isolated” brain structures &
functions

• Increased understanding of
distress & an ability for clients to
visualize their minds

• Use language and depth that is

developmentally appropriate for
clients
Delivery Method: Hand Model of the Brain
Upstairs Brain
Decision-maker
Problem-solver AKA - Cerebrum
Regulates behavior Sensory & motor
Provides reasoning functions
Impulse control Information processor
Control and Controls speech
organization of Expression of
emotional reactions individuality &
personality
Downstairs Brain
Seat of emotions The Liaison
Flight-or-flight response Controls the messages
Memory Maker between the brain & the
body
Regulates heart rate
breathing, sleeping, and
eating, & reflexes
Memory Phenomena
• Memory is defined as “the process by which
knowledge is acquired, codified, stored, and
retrieved” (Cappas, Andres-Hyman, & Davidson, 2005)

• Memory influences our sense of selves, others, and the

world around us.

• Explicit – requires conscious attention, includes recall

of facts and events

• Implicit – does not require conscious attention,

revealed through perceptions, emotions, sensations,
intuitive reactions, and behavioral impulses
Delivery Method: Iceberg Activity
Known Explicit
Memory

Implicit Memory
“Not Conscious Yet”
Best Practices for
Implementation
Counselor Competence
• Increase mastery of neuroscience-
related topics

• AMHCA Code of Ethics (2015) calls for

counselors to “maintain knowledge of
relevant scientific and professional
information”, be “open to new
counseling approaches…”

• Continuing education opportunities &

workshops

• Consider emerging literature on the

neuroscience of learning

• Peer support and consultation groups

Client Readiness
• Consider clients’ readiness and openness to neuroeducation

• Engage in an information sharing process

• Solicit permission to share information with

clients

• Connect material to clients’ lives as much as

possible

• When topics discussed in session are relevant to neuroscience

principles – think about using neuroeducation!
Resources
Upcoming Publications
• Neuroeducation: 50 Activities to
Communicate Neuroscience
Principles to Clients (Miller &
Beeson, in press - 2020)

• The Women’s Brain Book

(McKay, in press - 2019)
Concluding Thoughts
Concluding Thoughts

"Genes are not your destiny. Culture, language,

climate, nutrition, your memories, your thoughts,
how you move and choose to live sculpt and shape
your brain every day.“

Dr. Sarah McKay

QUESTIONS
wgmclaug@ncsu.edu