Brain Pathways

Abstract

The nervous system functions in a balance of activations and inhibitions, elicited by different pathways in the brain. Pathways involve many structural parts interacting together as a unity. Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are intimately involved in the flow of pathways in the brain, which are dynamical systems of interaction between structures, energy flow, and chemicals. Through these pathways, the complex collection of neurons described in earlier chapters, becomes expressed. This chapter provides an understanding of the brain pathways that gives insights about psychological processes. There are many pathways serving different functions, to sense what is happening in the immediate environment, to experience and moderate pain, to react to threat, to experience pleasure, and to be awake and asleep in rhythmical patterns. When people have psychological problems, one or several pathways are disrupted. Therapeutic methods can shift these pathways back to their natural tendency for balance and smooth regulation. This chapter covers the key pathways that are most relevant to psychotherapy. Included are the sensory pathway, pain pathway, the fear/stress pathway, the reward pathway, and biological rhythms most relevant to therapy: The 24-h circadian rhythms, infradian rhythms lasting more than 24 hours, the 90–120 min ultradian rhythms, and the sleep–wake cycle with REM sleep and memory consolidation. When people have psychological problems, therapists can help them to re-establish optimal functioning as nature intended by working at the level of these nervous system pathways.