By Jeanine Marie Swenson, Feb 26, 2012
Esteemed and experienced psychotherapist and neuroscientist, Dr. Marcia Lucas, has written a beautiful, funny, evidence-based and down-to-Earth book for individuals and relationships that has the potential to change your life (it certainly has changed mine already in so many wonderful ways) and those of your families. Starting slowly and building, from the outside inward, Dr. Lucas explains complicated terms and structures and gives you understanding about your primary attachments and how to manage them, so they do not manage you.
Going to a new level in understanding thoughts and feelings, initial chapters gently explain and develop core ideas about primary brain “wiring.” Dr. Lucas also goes on to develop understanding of the small, internal structures of the limbic brain that connect many primitive, survival pathways with slower and more human emotional and cognitive pathways. Yes, this marvelous work is also gender balanced and does not demonize or pathogolize feelings or relationships in any way (Ground-breaking!)
But she does not stop at anatomy and physiology. Middle chapters then weave and shape information into a way to achieve a new level of mind integration (right with left, back to front and top with bottom) that could potentially lead to lasting health and happiness. If you long to understand your way of being in relationships, marvel or work with families, or just want to learn about different ways to achieve some semblance of balance in life – this book is for you. Many chapters are closed by a simple meditation exercise (generally less than two minutes) that intensifies the message.
Final chapters move outward from the individual level, to explain ways to be connected but differentiated in even the closest of relationships. Core concepts are then solidified with excellent and touching real-life patient, couple and family examples. I am still enjoying the transformation this work has caused in my life. I predict that this book will be a best seller. Happy rewiring.
