Using material from developmental studies and recent research to show how neuroscience can help us work with developmentally traumatised patients, this presentation will elaborate the importance of embracing a scientifically-based model of human development that places environmental influence at the heart of psychological and emotional development. Jean Knox will argue why, as clinicians, we simply have to become aware of the impact of empirical evidence on our theoretical models and hence on our clinical practice. The presentation will include the close-tracking of a piece of psychotherapeutic work in which the therapist’s neurosensibility led to a deepened understanding of the patient’s underlying developmental trauma, and ultimately to a heartening capacity for relatedness.

We will explore how attention to the unique interactive experience between therapist and patient is crucial for our understanding of the deeply established patterns of reacting to the other of the patient. Research concerning the neural basis for empathy enables understanding of transference-countertransference processes, and establishes an indissoluble link between these interactive dynamics and the development of mind.

In this final session of the seminar Dr Jean Knox will offer live supervision session to a psychotherapist who is struggling with a piece of clincial work in the areas covered by the theoretical presentations. Following the supervision, Margaret Wilkinson will offer her observations, and the audience will be invited to form small groups to discuss the themes highlighted.