Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB)

Developed by Dr. Dan Siegel, interpersonal neurobiology is a field of study that looks to identify the similar patterns that arise from separate approaches to knowledge. Interpersonal neurobiology combines research from multiple areas into a framework that examines the common findings in an effort to understand human experience. Anthropology, Biology, computer science, linguistics, math, physics, psychology and psychiatry all contribute to Dr. Siegel’s interpersonal neurobiology theory. Therapists applying IPNB principles typically take a mindfulness approach to treatment that promotes compassion, kindness, resilience, and well-being in the client’s personal life, relationships, and community. Think this approach might work for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s interpersonal neurobiology specialists today.

Need help finding the right therapist?
Find Your Match

Meet the specialists

 

In a society that pushes people to value productivity over health, it become increasingly evident that people are often living completely isolated and disconnected lives. The goal of this model is to bring us back into connection. I've studied an utilized this modality and others in this camp such as synergetic play therapy, and relational neurobiology. I have witnessed first hand the power of finding connection in people's lives and the relief that comes with the return from isolation.

— Jamie Eastman, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

The IPNB framework helps me understand and situate the impact of past experiences on clients' present experiences within a trauma-informed framework.

— Beth Berta, Counselor in Chicago, IL
 

Every individual seeks a life that is flexible, adaptive, cohesive, engerized, and stable. I use IPNB to be curious about the mind, brain, and relationships and to better understand how our neural networks are wired. This helps many clients to unlearn the stories they have created about themselves and embrace new narratives. Borrowing from Dan Siegel's extensive research, IPNB is a deeply personal and relational modality in which meaningful healing can happen.

— Kelly Edwards, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX

I strongly believe that each person in the relationship is a rich source of information, and it is well known that within us all are innate neurological systems that signal to us safety or danger within relationships. Attuning to these systems, in ourselves, in one another, and within the relationship, often elicits lasting healing. Thus, you will find me watching what is happening between us quite closely as a means toward therapeutic intervention and change.

— Chris Perry, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, WA
 

Interpersonal Neurobiology is designed to help people understand their emotions and general life functioning within the context of multiple professional disciplines. IPNB psychotherapy involves integrating knowledge from disciplines as diverse as computer science, sociology, anthropology, linguistics, mental health and several others. Each discipline contributes a unique set of knowledge that help us live an integrative and fulfilling life.

— John Edwards, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oakland, CA

IPNB is a holistic and integrative approach that is helps promote a deep healing. I have extensive experience with IPNB through a year-long training from a socially informed and de-colonial perspective. I have also studied IPNB through the mindsight institute. This holistic prospective blends my educational background of Cognitive Psychology and Clinical Social Work.

— Jaya Roy, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
 

My goal is to promote compassion, kindness, resilience, and well-being in our personal lives, our relationships, and our communities. In an individual’s mind, integration involves the linkage of separate aspects of mental processes such as thought with feeling, bodily sensation with logic. In a relationship, integration entails each person’s being respected for his or her autonomy and differentiated self while at the same time being linked to others in empathic communication.

— Sonya DeWitt, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Spokane, WA

I have completed multiple trainings on the neurobiology of connection and cognition and am a Certified Brain Coach. I have taught two different trainings regarding integrating neuroscience into mental health treatment at The Texas Counseling Association Professional Growth Conference and Heart of Texas Counseling Association quarterly meetings. I am a neuroscience nerd and am constantly seeking to learn and understand the biology of our mental health struggles.

— Brandi Solanki, Counselor in Waco, TX
 

I have studied IPNB since 2006 and have integrated the information from many different teachers. I believe that the understanding and insight from IPNB helps to bring compassion to many situations that may have been seen through the lens of shame.

— Karen Lucas, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, WA

I have studied IPNB since 2006 and have integrated the information from many different teachers. I believe that the understanding and insight from IPNB helps to bring compassion into many situations that may have been seen through the lens of shame.

— Karen Lucas, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, WA
 

My education at Northwestern focused on interpersonal neurobiology and how we can use this within the therapeutic relationship to effect change.

— Jennifer Reckner, Licensed Professional Counselor in Madison, WI

I have spent many hours being trained in IPNB. It is the most powerfully hopeful approach I have ever encountered in all the 42years I have been working with people. Absolutely no question, research has proven we can reshape the connections in our brain which then reshapes our mind throughout our lives. I am so very grateful to be able to tell my clients that whatever they do not like about their lives right now, they have the ability inside themselves to change it right now.

— Sabrina Hanan, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Bozeman, MT
 

I've taken Dr. Dan Seigel's comprehensive course on Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB). IPNB is a framework that looks across multiple disciplines that study the mind, brain & relationships, & how all three of these interact to shape who we are, & then how to promote optimal well-being – including non-judgmental insight into yourself, and acceptance, empathy, kindness, compassion & freedom for self & others.

— Brian La Roy Jones, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA

Understand how concerns like anxiety, chronic stress, depression, and post traumatic stress stem from your nervous system's adaptations to life experiences. Then, develop methods of soothing your nervous system, connecting your body and mind, and unraveling the discomfort and pain born from past traumatic and difficult experiences.

— Michael Germany, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Austin, TX