For the person who is dismissive, ready and motivated to change, this is an approach based on the idea that people who are dismissive of attachment have notable opportunities to develop and expand the right hemisphere of their brain.
People who are dismissive of attachment often lack access to their autobiographical memory (offering limited or emotionless descriptions of childhood) and often lack a penchant for art (painting, poetry, etc).
This approach is based on the belief that the brain naturally desires integration: both hemispheres connected and fully working together. This treatment may take a year or longer of regular effort.
In order to support neuroplasticity, it is crucial that aerobic exercise is made a regular part of the weekly routine. (It’s possible that supplementing with lions mane mushrooms may also help.)
The use of focused attention and the experience of novelty are also important keys to neuronal growth.
Body Scans
The right hemisphere is known for its connection to emotions, which are experienced in the body.
Sitting or lying down in a relaxed state, use your mind to scan your body, focusing on parts of your body and noticing any sensations there.
Start with the right side first (The right side of the body is connected to the left brain, so this side should feel more familiar), starting with the foot and slowly working your way up to your head.
Now do the left side.
Then, do both sides together (this may seem difficult at first, but have patience with yourself and keep trying).
Repeat these scans several times. Practice your focused attention.
Once you’ve gotten some practice with body scans, start including your internal organs in the exercise. This is known as interoception.
Non-Verbal Communication
The right hemisphere is known for its specialization in non-verbal social cues, body language and relational imagery.
Practice naming facial expressions with a friend. Ask them to show a specific emotion on their face, and see how accurately you can name it.
You can also try out some of the facial expression quizzes online.
Next, get comfortable in front of the TV, mute the TV and watch a show. Pay attention to the body language, facial expression and non-verbal relational dynamics.
A show that is dialogue-driven, with a good amount of characters, and emotional range is ideal.
Imagery
Recollect a recent day using only images. Just notice what emerges in your awareness.
Recollect a neutral scene, like what you had for breakfast, and instead of explaining the scene, ie “I had cereal, I ate it while I was scrolling news articles on my phone,” describe it in sensory instead.
Describe instead of explain.
“I gently balanced the cereal box in my hand. I poured the milk, and I could hear the burbling and rustling of the milk as it hit the cereal in the bowl. The container felt cold in my hand.”
Journaling
Keep a daily journal, reflecting on your experiences and the thoughts and feelings you had.
As you get more practice, make an effort to become more aware of bodily sensations, and the images that emerge.
Recount your dreams. Try your hand at poetry. Share your heartfelt reflections.
