We begin with the “mind” because, though we bat around the term all the time, we had not agreed what it is.  Now we know through research in neuroscience and psychology that the mind is not one thing but is composed of ongoing synthesis of mental operating networks.  Our minds contribute to “self”-organization as we co-evolve within families and interpersonal interactions.  What we encounter and how we take care of ourselves can change our brains, immune systems, and even turn on or off genes, resulting in mental health or ill health.  Inflammation and autoimmune disorders are strongly associated with depression and anxiety.  Therefore, psychotherapists are offered a primer on the fields of psychoneuroimmunology and epigenetics, combining it with the neuroscience of emotional, interpersonal, cognitive, dynamics, with psychotherapeutic approaches to offer an integrated vision of psychotherapy.  We can now understand how the immune system, diet, brain structure, and even gut bacteria profoundly affect mental health through leaky gut syndrome and the inflammatory spiral.

Mind-Brain-Gene uncovers a wide variety of relationships between stress, trauma, depression, anxiety, the immune system, and gene expression.  The interaction between all these factors has been by illuminated by studies examining the effects of life style factors on the incidence of health and psychological problems.  There are significant relationships between immune system function, stress, insecure attachment, anxiety, depression, poor nutrition, bad quality sleep, physical inactivity, and neurophysiological dysregulation.  For example, insecure attachment, deprivation, and child abuse contribute to anxiety and depression in far more extensive ways than was believed.  This complex range of health conditions affects millions of people who seek psychotherapy.

Dr John Arden is author of 15 books (translated into 20 languages) including, Brain2Brain, The Brain Bible, Rewire Your Brain, and Brain-Based Therapy with Adults, and Brain-Based Therapy for Anxiety.  His new book is entitled Mind-Brain-Gene: Toward the Integration of Psychotherapy.  He recently retired from Kaiser Permanente where he served as the Northern California Regional Director of Training where he developed one of the largest mental health training programs in the United States. In this capacity he oversaw more than 150 interns and postdoctoral psychology residents in 24 medical centers. He has presented in all US States and 25 countries.