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Why Therapy Works: Using Our Minds to Change Our Brains (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology) Hardcover – November 9, 2015

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 234 ratings

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The story of why psychotherapy actually works.

That psychotherapy works is a basic assumption of anyone who sees a therapist. But why does it work? And why does it matter that we understand how it works?

In
Why Therapy Works, Louis Cozolino explains the mechanisms of psychotherapeutic change from the bottom up, beginning with the brain, and how brains have evolved―especially how brains evolved to learn, unlearn, and relearn, which is at the basis of lasting psychological change.

Readers will learn why therapists have to look beyond just words, diagnoses, and presenting problems to the inner histories of their clients in order to discover paths to positive change. The book also shows how our brains have evolved into social organs and how our interpersonal lives are a source of both pain and power. Readers will explore with Cozolino how our brains are programmed to connect in intimate relationships and come to understand the debilitating effects of anxiety, stress, and trauma.

Finally, the book will lead to an understanding of the power of story and narratives for fostering self-regulation, neural integration, and positive change.

Always, the focus of the book is in understanding underlying therapeutic change, moving beyond the particular of specific forms of therapy to the commonalities of human evolution, biology, and experience.

This book is for anyone who has experienced the benefits of therapy and wondered how it worked. It is for anyone thinking about whether therapy is right for them, and it is for anyone who has looked within themselves and marveled at people's ability to experience profound transformation.
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From the Publisher

Neuroscience of Psychotherapy 4th Edition

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Why Therapy Works is a tour de force. Too often today the public thinks that one can read a book or watch a documentary and be transformed psychologically. Unfortunately, that is not how the human mind works. Humans require other minds for change and change is hard. We are ‘embodied and embedded’ in an interpersonal matrix. To understand the human experience and create change, we must move from a single-skull understanding to an intersubjective context of two or more minds. Louis Cozolino explains this phenomenon in a manner easy to digest, taking the reader from the evolutionary heritage of human psychology to an understanding of the experience of psychotherapy applied in common clinical circumstances."
Drew Pinsky, MD, Internist/Addictionologist and Host of Dr. Drew on HLN

"[A] wonderful read. . . . Cozolino’s exploration of neurological, evolutionary, and psychodynamic understandings of human distress will appeal to an audience far wider than the psychotherapeutic community . . . All good books, in this domain, inform and challenge the reader. Few, however, entertain and engage the reader as well as Cozolino does. . . . I came away from reading this book more knowledgeable about the current state of neuroscience and its applicability to psychotherapy."
PsycCRITIQUES

"From understanding brain programming and evolution to navigating the difficulties of anxiety and trauma,
Why Therapy Works addresses a wide range of human behavior and phenomena from a psychological perspective. Students in the field will find this work helpful and illuminating, while those curious about the often mysterious mechanisms of therapy will find answers to their questions. . . . The book flows naturally and could easily be read in one sitting given its clean and accessible writing. . . . [U]seful for students in the field of psychology and those looking to determine if therapy is right for them."
American Reference Books Annual

"[A] valuable source for showing how academic concepts can be applied in therapeutic treatment. Cozolino’s distinguished career as both a professor and mental health clinician qualify him as an expert in bridging the gap between theory and practice. In terms of accessibility, the book is a quick read that covers a lot of ground in a short space. With its helpful (and often humorous) overviews of key theories, plus its innovative fusion of biology, behavior, and human evolution, it will no doubt prove beneficial to both lay readers and mental health practitioners."
Psych Central

"Written for the layperson, Louis’ exposition will appeal to many therapists as a great addition to their knowledge of neurobiological factors at play in psychotherapy."
The Neuropsychotherapist

"[A]n interesting read for anyone who has wondered about the mechanics of therapy and why it seems to work, no matter the therapeutic approach."
Greater Good

"
Why Therapy Works underscores the importance of understanding psychotherapy’s mechanisms of action beyond the conventional therapeutic philosophies and metaphors. . . . With his rich, personalized commentaries, unassuming analyses, and purposeful characterization of evidence-based science as ‘another metaphor’ (one that offers the best ‘nonshaming explanation’ for human struggle), Cozolino has . . . achieved a thorough, bottom-up explanation of the mechanisms of psychotherapeutic change."
Somatic Psychotherapy Today

"[A]n authoritative guide. . . . Anyone interested in therapy and the brain will find much compelling information here . . . . [A]n intriguing look at how anxiety, stress, and trauma affect the brain and . . . how psychologists can help their patients ‘connect and heal.’"
Booklist

"There are so many important concepts and ideas, that I found myself underlining and highlighting sections. I was intrigued with Cozolino’s concept that we can change our brain. And, his explanations about attachment and healing are excellent. . . . [H]e offers his own experiences to illuminate his ideas. This makes him human, believable, and likeable. . . . I look forward to rereading this book. It will be useful to review reference-specific issues. I recommend it to both colleagues and students."
The Milton H. Erickson Foundation Newsletter

"[W]ill be useful for anyone seeking to better understand the inner workings of therapy."
Publishers Weekly

"A beautiful book about the art and science of psychotherapy, focused on the process of attachment and interpersonal attunement. Louis Cozolino shows how our brains are fundamentally wired to function together with those of others in complex social systems, and that most forms of human suffering are the result of a breakdown in interpersonal synchrony, which therapy can help to repair. Written both for general readers and students of therapy, this book highlights what we have learned about the neurobiology of fear, shame, and relationships to eloquently demonstrate how psychotherapy can heal old hurts and restore self-leadership, love, and the capacity to feel fully alive."
Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Medical Director, Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute; Professor of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine

About the Author

Louis Cozolino, PhD, is a professor of psychology at Pepperdine University and maintains a clinical and consulting practice in Los Angeles, California. He is the Series Editor of the Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB).

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ W. W. Norton & Company; 1st edition (November 9, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0393709051
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0393709056
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.06 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.7 x 1.1 x 8.6 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 234 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
234 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative and an excellent teaching tool for therapists. They describe it as well-written, easy to understand, and a required reading for one of their classes. Readers appreciate the author's personal experiences and stories that illuminate important theories and research.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

17 customers mention "Information quality"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and helpful. It explains how therapy affects the brain and provides an introduction to complex understandings of neural mechanisms of change. Readers appreciate the clear and precise description of the brain process that makes talking healing. They find it an excellent teaching tool for therapists and a thoughtful integration of understanding neurobiology, stress, and coping. The book is described as profoundly helpful in their own lives and in the lives of those they work with.

"...He describes the evolutionary neuroscience behind the reasons people seek therapy (e.g., the causes of anxiety, fear, & depression), as well as why..." Read more

"Incredible informative and hope inducing book that explains how therapy affects the brain to make positive and lasting change...." Read more

"...-Briefly integrates psychobiology, and neurology - Includes author's personal life situations (engaging and educational) -..." Read more

"...explains why psychotherapy actually works, this is the best introductory explanation out there...." Read more

12 customers mention "Readability"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and understandable. The explanations are clear without being overly simplistic. Readers mention it's a great read and a must-read for caregivers.

"...His neuroscience explanations are clear and understandable without "dumbing down" the topic...." Read more

"This book was a required reading for one my classes. I absolutely love it! It includes: - Insightful knowledge..." Read more

"...Enjoyable, clear and to the point, I highly recommend it." Read more

"Easy to read and loaded with good information. I wish all my texts were like this" Read more

3 customers mention "Author's personal experiences"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the author's personal experiences and stories. They find the book a balanced mix of science and personal experiences, with the author excelling at telling stories that illustrate and illuminate important points.

"...Includes author's personal life situations (engaging and educational) -..." Read more

"...convincing answer that contains fair mix of science, author's personal experience and stories...." Read more

"...LC is truely exceptional in telling stories that illustrate and illuminate important and complex theory and research. Thanks" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2015
    I just finished reading Why Therapy Works and found it to be one of the best books I have read on therapy - ever (and I've been a therapist for over 30 years). The title explains the contents, and gives a hint at Louis Cozolino's clear and consice writing style. He describes the evolutionary neuroscience behind the reasons people seek therapy (e.g., the causes of anxiety, fear, & depression), as well as why and how the therapeutic process works. His neuroscience explanations are clear and understandable without "dumbing down" the topic. It not only explains why therapy works, the book offers tips for applying to clients. It truly is a gem of a book - if you are going to read one book on the topic - this is the one to read.
    28 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2020
    Incredible informative and hope inducing book that explains how therapy affects the brain to make positive and lasting change. The most important take away is by confronting one's fears a person gets the conscious controlling brain to overcome the automatic fear responses of the subconscious reptilian brain centered in the amygdala. This literally changes the brain and makes for mental health improvements. Cozolino also delves into how childhood experiences mold and settle into dysfunctional mindsets about how the world works. Therapy can reshape these mindsets and get a person back on their feet.
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2017
    This book was a required reading for one my classes. I absolutely love it!

    It includes:

    - Insightful knowledge
    -language is easy to comprehend
    -Not a boring academic book
    -Briefly integrates psychobiology, and neurology
    - Includes author's personal life situations (engaging and educational)
    - Great for aspiring therapists and anyone that is interested in Psychology in general

    I would highly recommend this book.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2020
    For anyone interested in learning about the neuroscience that explains why psychotherapy actually works, this is the best introductory explanation out there. Enjoyable, clear and to the point, I highly recommend it.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2022
    Easy to read and loaded with good information. I wish all my texts were like this
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2022
    I was wondering how talking to therapist may make me better. This book goes a long way to give comprehensive & convincing answer that contains fair mix of science, author's personal experience and stories. It's not easiest book the get through, but it's definietely worth doing it!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2016
    I have to say this book is absolutely brilliant. Only after reading the first two chapters did I look to see what other books and articles this author has written. No wonder it's so well written! I can't say enough. I'm very cynical of self-help books but this one absolutely nailed it.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2015
    Why Therapy Works: Using Our Minds to Change Our Brains (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology)Cozolino does it again. All of his books are good but this one is great. He tells us what and why. Cozolino is our teacher. I especially liked the middle section of the book where he dwells at length on the process of lifting beta (follower) personalities to alpha (leader) status. Take heart betas; here lies hope. I highly recommend this book.
    14 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • ralunicol
    5.0 out of 5 stars love this reading
    Reviewed in France on November 23, 2020
    Lovely book ! clear, easy to read !
    Explique clairement comment ça peut marcher une psy chothérapie
  • AMFD
    5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoy reading Cozolino's books because he is a very engaging ...
    Reviewed in Canada on March 31, 2017
    I enjoy reading Cozolino's books because he is a very engaging writer. This book in particular helped me reconcile narrative and talk therapies with somatically oriented models of therapy.
  • C. Redfern
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Compelling Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 1, 2016
    This book is so easy to read and is helping me to write about the way I work therapeutically with children - hopefully a publication I can add to the psychotherapy world in the future. Cozolino's book is a book I'm wanting to read and finding difficult to put down ! Thank you for producing such an insightful, compelling book 👍
  • P. Bell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinarily good
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2018
    Easy for anyone to read, it does not have an academic or specialist tone. It isn't a self-help book (it focuses on the interaction between two people), so it is probably aimed largely at therapists, but would help clients - as long as they can find a therapist who believes in the book, to co-operate with. I've had one short instance of helpful therapy (which did fit the book) and 8 long attempts at therapy which achieved nothing (and didn't fit the book), so I read it in a search for optimism.
  • robertmtoronto
    5.0 out of 5 stars Why Therapy Works Works
    Reviewed in Canada on February 4, 2016
    Cozolino writes with spring water clarity about the fundamental implications of the brain for how we think, feel and act. This book is particularly for psychotherapists and related mental health professionals. More than any other writer Cozolino knows what's important clinically and focusses on this sometimes revealing facts that no other author presents.
    As someone who has taught neuroscience for over 10 years to social work grad students Cozolino's works are my first go to resources and this book is perhaps the most dedicated to practice of all his works. It's relatively short and to the point. And it blends in his sense of humour to present ideas that capture your imagination.

    This book weaves in so much practical knowledge from his other writings that it would be a good place to start for practitioners.

    One thing has puzzled me about what this book doesn't contain. Cozolino presents information on the implicit memory system and how powerful these beliefs and memories are to impact. He doesn't seem to acknowledge the work over the last couple of decades on ways to unlock these memories and apparently to erase them. This is work captured in the text Unlocking the Emotional brain by Bruce Ecker and colleagues.
    It would be enlightening to hear his thoughts about this.

    In summary buy the book. Great value in every way. The field is so fortunate to have a writer, a practitioner and someone with a neuroscience background who can bring simplicity to complex emerging research.