Complex Integration of
Multiple Brain Systems [CIMBS] is an
innovative psychotherapy paradigm
that
understands the client’s potentials and
difficulties from a Systems Perspective.
“With the dawn of the new century
it became clear that neuroplasticity,
especially when nudged by effective
therapy
and mental
effort, allows the brain to reassign tasks….
Offering possibilities undreamed of
just a few years ago”
~ Jeffrey M Schwartz MD., Neuroscientist
“Practically every brain system changes with use and disuse.”
~ Jaak Panksepp PhD., Neuroscientist
What are ‘Brain Systems’?
Our brain has many complex Brain Systems
(vision, hearing, coordination, the
autonomic nervous system, etc). These
systems enable us to live and flourish in a
wide variety of circumstances. In addition
there are other Brain Systems that utilize
the energy and wisdom of our emotions,
direct our motivations, protect us from
danger and build close nourishing
relationships.
When these systems are differentiated from
each other they can function independently
and then be fully integrated enabling us to
function at our highest capacity.
Are we born with Brain Systems
differentiated from each other?
No, babies are born with relatively
undifferentiated Brain Systems. With
sufficient developmental experiences,
nurturance, and attunement by the parents,
the Brain Systems become independently
activated and thus differentiated.
Often the Brain Systems do not sufficiently
differentiate due to limitations of
developmental learning. Undifferentiated
Brain Systems are unable to function
independently or fully effectively. This
situation often gives rise to symptoms of
anxiety, depression, mood disorders,
behavioral problems and other difficulties
How are Brain Systems differentiated in
therapy?
CIMBS uses targeted therapeutic
interventions to modulate the suppression,
differentiation and/or activation of the
different Brain Systems that have been wired
together in a person’s brain by early
developmental experiences or traumas.
CIMBS maximizes the mind’s ability to
modify the brain’s structure known as
neuroplasticity.
This approach initially focuses on gathering
evidence about how the patient/client’s Brain Systems are operating in the present
moment, in real time.
The next priorities are:
-
Assess attachment relationship patterns
-
Access, activate and differentiate the
Multiple Brain Systems
-
Notice and reinforce positive feelings,
strengths and new adaptive neuropathways
-
Shift the internal balance from
avoidance to approach
-
Provide ongoing successful present
moment experiential learning.
CIMBS is a fast and effective
psychotherapy because the process of
activation and differentiation of
Multiple Brain Systems enables the
client to come to a new Integration
of more Complex and flexible mental
functioning. This leads to a new
trajectory of growth and adaptive
functioning where the client/patient
achieves their best potential for the
present, and freedom to continue maximizing
further development in the future.
