Perhaps I can at least give some theoretical suggestions on this based on the clinical biopsychological approach I use. Based on the Dimensional Systems Model in which the cortical column is the proposed "bit" for processing and memory storage in the cortex, I have suggested how this impacts hemispheric processing. The right cortex processes information in a global manner which allows it to be relatively faster in processing speed than the left, though the right side has less capacity for fine detail in both analysis and response. Global processing results from relatively fewer columns (compared to the left cortex) in the circuit from the time of sensory input to behavioral response on the right side. Of particular relevance to psychotherapy is the fact that interpersonal interactions rely heavily on non-detailed voice intonations and facial expressions that the right cortex is best suited to handle. This means that the non-detailed emotional and interpersonal sensory and motor memories are stored in the right hemisphere. Thus, many of the sights, sounds, and touches associated with negative emotional memories, including traumatic ones, are stored in the right posterior lobes. The right cortex is responsible for our interpersonal “native emotional language” similar to the native spoken language of the left hemisphere. The left cortex involves analytical processing, since it has many more columns involved in its circuits. This means it can handle much more detail in processing, response, and memory storage. I have suggested that the "verbal interpreter" is restricted to the left frontal operculum and verbal awareness ("consciousness" as many consider it) is limited via this areas direct connections which in the right cortex is restricted to the lateral frontal region. Thus, much of the right cortical processing is inaccessible directly and has been considered "unconscious."

During infancy, being held little or roughly, with a distant, cold touch, results in an absence of positive emotions at best, and negative emotions at worst, in the right cortex. If cries of hunger or being wet are ignored or met with a loud, harsh response, the right cortical action columns that form involve escaping and avoiding social interactions. The columns and associated memories formed first are those in closest proximity to the primary sensory and motor areas. Once formed, these basic and foundational right cortical columns are permanent and serve as the basis for new learning which involves more distal columns. The result of such a difficult learning history is that the individual will, for the rest of his or her life, have problems with feeling attached and comfortable in close social interactions. Similarly, there will be problems in the expression of emotional attachment. I suspect the use of experiential and imagery approaches which engage the right hemisphere will have little overall imapct since I cannot see a way to impact the foundational columns formed during the first few years of life.

In relation to loss-grief, it is possible to gain an understanidng based on pponent-process theory (Solomon, 1980). In this case the activation of a primary affective state (e.g., euphoria) leads to the activation and gradual strengthening of an opposing affective state (e.g., dysphoria). The offsetting affective nature of an opponent-process can reduce the initial positive (which one seeks) or negative (which one avoids) value of a stimulus which increases the likelihood that an organism will seek other things. The opponent-process theory has been applied most often to understanding substance abuse, but it equally applies to any ongoing or frequently encountered stimulus leading to an affective state. In relation to psychotherapy, it provides an explanation as to the patterns, degree, and duration of loss-related depression. In reference to loss issues, I suggest using education on the normal patterns associated with this so that a client understands this will dissipate over time, but cannot be eliminated by medications/therapy directly. I have a manuscript under review at this time that details this view and will be glad to email you a copy. I do not feel comfortable positng this yet since it is under review.

In relation to substance abuse, both memory storage in the right hemisphere and opponent-process are involved in urge development. Right hemisphere memories associated with contextual aspects of the substance use can be activated without verbal awareness and lead to a desire. Additionally, failure to use a substance leads to frontal medial column activation whcih connects to the ventral pallidum (nucleus accumbens) and activation of what Panksepp refers to as the appetitive SEEKING system (mesolimbic dopaminergic system). This also leads to the urge to use. If one makes the left hemisphere verbal decision to avoid substances, this does not change the effects of activation of right hemisphere and medial cortical to SEEKING sytem desires to use.

I believe you will also likley find negative emotional memories tied to former and current relationships in most of your cases. I believe these can be directly addressed using an emotional restructuring approach. I have discussed the overall approach in several of my articles, but have not as yet done this in sufficient detail in an article to allow one to learn it. I wrote a manual in 2001 in which this is detailed and would be glad to send you a copy of the relevant chapters.

The articels of relevance are as follows and are posted on RG at this time. Hope this helps. Bob

Moss, R. A. (2006). Of bits and logic: Cortical columns in learning and memory. The Journal of Mind and Behavior, 27, 215-246.

Moss, R. A. (2007). Negative emotional memories in clinical practice: Theoretical considerations. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 17, 209-224.

Moss, R. A., Hunter, B. P., Shah, D., & Havens, T. (2012). A theory of hemispheric specialization based on cortical columns. Journal of Mind and Behavior, 33, 141-172.

Moss, R. A. (2013). Psychotherapy and the brain: The dimensional systems model and clinical biopsychology. Journal of Mind and Behavior, 34, 63-89.

Dear Bob

You have given me much "food for thought". Thank you so much for sharing the information with me. I have downloaded your four papers, but have not read them yet - I will do so tonight. I would appreciate it very much if you could let me have your papers ("loss-grief" & "emotional restructuring"). Please email these to me at RG (or [email protected]).

Questions: What are your thoughts on (1) bilingualism (or multilingualism) and right brain and left brain issues, and (2) hypnosis and emotional restructuring.

I dabbled with hypnosis many years ago (not ever for therapy) and wonder what the RB and LB interaction is when in a hypnotic state.

Regards

John

John, as I recall the last reference I saw in a text (I think this was the Squire et al. Fundamental Neuroscience text) I used when teaching biopsychology, the "critical period" for bilingualism is about 8 years of age. Theoretically, I believe this reflects the final time of lower-order column development at the phoneme level that feed-forward to the word columns in the left temporal cortex and phoneme action frontal columns in the left frontal operculum (similar to what I suggested in relation to the earlier developing fundamental right hemisphere columns in relation to attachment). Theoretically, the lower-order columns of the primary receiving areas are the most fundamental (thalamus to primary receiving cortex) and these feed-forward to create the next level in each of the sensory cortical areas. Once past the critical period, the corresponding frontal columns which allow action (i.e, the motor planning phase of phoneme speech production in the left and prosody in the right) have been formed and later learning the language is done in a top-down fashion such that one can never have the natural intonations/inflections of that learned earlier in life that was a function of bottom-up processing. The prosody apsects of language are largely controlled by the right hemisphere. In relation to hypnosis, my best guess is that the imagery is largely controlled by top-down (i.e., frontal columns involved with posterior cortical columns involved in visualization) right hemisphere processing for what one "sees" in their minds and similar top-down left hemisphere for what one "hears." Please realize these are based on the theoretical interpretations based on the Dimensional Systems Model and have not been shown in any study. I am sending you the other papaers/manuscripts to your other email address. Bob

Bob, thanks very much. Language is an issue in multi-cultural (across culture)counselling when it is done in the client's second language. Your thoughts on multi-cultural counselling? Thanks very much too for your papers/manuscripts. John

John, the place English as a second language has most affected my therapy with patients/clients typically involves dealing with past relationship negative emotional memories that occurred prior to the client learning English. For example, in an emotional restructuring session the client is asked to recall negative situations tied to the the target individual (e.g., parent, peer, sibling). I use one of these situations during therapist-guided imagery for anger release and self-nurturance. Being monolingual, I cannot present this in the client's native laguage and it reduces the degree to which the client can re-experience the situation (i.e., realistically visualizes and hears the scene) since the client must translate back (a left cortical task that reduces efficient involvement of the right cortex) to the native language. Imagery is a major way of addressing the right hemisphere memories and anger experience/release is crtitcal in neutralizing the effects of the memories. Going back to the columnar theory, the new ending tied to the situational memories in which the client expresses the anger and finally "wins" (i.e., feels in control) involves new right frontal action columns being involved with the old memory (currently referred to as "memory reconsolidation"). I have attempted to remedy the language problem in some cases provided there were a few frequently used negative words (the right cortex has limited language ability tied to emotionally charged words, such as profanity) by the target individual toward the client and I can learn these well enough to include them in the visualized scene. I did this 3 weeks ago with an client who was picked on by peers in school. The language was Arabic and there were a couple of derogatory terms used often by the 3 boys who teased him. The client seemed to have some mild improvement afterwards, but this at least served as a demonstration of what to do and he self-administered this at home between sessions on 3 occasions with better effects being reported. I will have to wait to see if this had much impact in relation to his social anxiety with peers. Once you have a chance to review the emotional restructuring chapter I sent I think you will better grasp what I am saying. Hope this answer didn't ramble too badly and get away from the intent of your question. Bob

Bob, thanks for sharing this with me. This has answered my question. I will read your chapter and be in touch. John

This is a fascinating thread. Thank you Bob for all the interesting and thought provoking writing.

In far simpler terms (my apologies!) I think that when attachment related behaviour is triggered by extra stress (in the form of loss and grief this can actually be quite broadly defined, and may relate to loss of home and home language for example, not just to loss of a person), the behaviour will vary according to attachment status. So, an avoidantly attached person would be more likely to seek comfort in substances than a securely attached one, for example, who would theoretically be more inclined to look for a warm and comforting human response. Would you agree?

It would be very interesting to know how different attachment status and substance abuse interrelate, and what alternative strategies to substance abuse might be prevalent in different stressful situations.

Bubba, your approach is interesting. Hopefully a reader or readers of this discussion will be able to participate in the clinical trial you are suggesting. I have never thought of pheromones and addiction. I can understand how pheromones are involved in human (and animal) interaction. Arthur Tomie (he is on RG) has done very interesting work with sign-tracking (see Pavlovian Sign-Tracking Model of Alcohol Abuse) and it would be interesting to get his take on pheromones and sign-tracking. I would be very interested to see where this can go. The behaviourists will be rubbing their hands with glee (or just rubbing their faces!). Who else out there has a thought about this. Thanks Bubba for adding a very interesting angle to this question. Would you say that creating the "safe and secure" environment (Attachment Theory) for the infant (by the primary caregiver - the mother) has got a lot to do with pheromones? Best wishes for 2015, John

Thanks Bubba - I will start reading!

Happy New Year!

Cheers,

John