The Brain That Changes Itself

It's a rare book that impresses me so much I carry copies of it around to thrust in front of people shouting "You must read this!" Okay, I'm not actually shouting, but I am vigorously singing the praises of Norman Doidge, M.D.'s The Brain That Changes Itself - Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science.

There are just so many ways to apply the information in this book, particularly for those who write me asking "Why is it so hard for me to make changes, and what can I actually do differently?" It's certainly not a self-help book, as Dr. Doidge isn't giving simple answers to complex problems, but I do think many will find information that provides insight into the causes of compulsive behaviors as well as fuel for creative solutions.

Norman Doidge, M.D., is a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, researcher, author, essayist and poet. He is on the Research Faculty at the Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, in New York, and the University of Toronto's Department of Psychiatry. A native of Toronto, he divides his time between Toronto and New York. http://www.normandoidge.com/

In his book he shares remarkable information about the science of neuroplasticity, long a subject of great interest to me. I've read a great deal of research previously - however I've never seen anything as easily digestable and presented with such clear and compelling relevancy.

Along with many inspiring stories of remarkable recoveries from brain injuries, Dr. Doidge hones in on aspects of culture (particularly electronic media) and the ways that our brains are quite literally being changed by how we interact with our environment. One of the things I often discuss with people is facilitating inner change by modifying one's entire enviornment in positive ways.

This information is useful to me in each domain of my major interests, from my exploration of the impact of online gaming and virtual worlds, my work as a psychotherapist using multiple modalities to help people achieve positive change, and as a dance/movement therapist working to integrate the mind and body and facilitate healing.

The book is important. Get it.

(sorry for being bossy - I realize this conflicts with my usual non-directive apprach)