2019.12.03 Clinical appreciation of L-R brain modality

The right brain encompasses the whole of experience while the left hemisphere of the brain focuses narrowly on utility, getting things done. Clinically, then, to help the client make changes in behavior, we have to present new material for consideration, which will be scrutinized by the Right hemisphere. If the material is sufficiently powerful it will sway the Left hemisphere in a new and congruent path that will incorporate the Right hemisphere's recognition of the value of the material we presented to the client.

In a very real way, this right hemisphere awareness is the higher power that AA philosophy incorporates as a core tenet of recovery. The Right hemisphere accesses a virtually unlimited amount of 'feel good' hormone as it visualizes or appreciates a realistically syntonic event. This event is based on a real thing or a highly probable outcome. Everything from a pet dog to an image of a satisfactory life style, if fully conceived, will generate a "good feeling" in the person's chest, often accompanied by a smile, that signifies congruence, contentment and peace.