Can We Have Mixed Emotions? The Neuroscience of Ambivalence
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Can We Have Mixed Emotions? The Neuroscience of Ambivalence

Previously, we discussed how emotions arise, are regulated, and get resolved in the brain. But can we have more than one—perhaps even more than two—emotions at the same time? Research suggests that we can. Ambivalence, the experience of having two or more contradictory emotions simultaneously, is common. Studies indicate that the brain processes multiple emotions…

epigenetic regulation in psychiatric disorders

Epigenetic Regulation in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

Decades of research has shown that genetics greatly contribute to the development of a psychiatric disorder. This contribution reaches up to 40 to 80% at most extreme cases. However, heritability doesn’t seem to be sufficient to explain the whole story.  It seems that environmental factors shape our genes and help explain the rest of it….

Can We Choose What to Think?
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Can We Choose What to Think?

Thousands of thoughts pass through the mind during a day. However, only some of these catch our attention while most cannot make their way into our consciousness. Moreover, we stay focused on some thoughts more when compared to others.  Then, is it random that some thoughts are more prominent or is there any decision mechanism…

control
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Can We Control Our Thoughts?

 “…There has been a machine installed in my head, and this machine has been continuously lining up thoughts, impressions, without a break. If I only had the control of this machine, if I only thought of the things I wanted, in the order I wanted them to be, who knows what I could have achieved….

the interpreter at work
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Storytelling Brain: The Left-Brain Interpreter

Decades of research have shown that there is an area in the left-hemisphere of our brains that constantly makes up stories about anything and everything! The pioneer of the research, neuroscientist Michael Gazzaniga and his colleagues call it “the interpreter”. They discovered the interpreter while they were working with patients so called “split-brain patients”. As…

self-generated thought
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Self-Generated Thought in the Brain and Cognitive Psychotherapies

Self-Generated Thought and the Wandering Mind “How should I start…? Maybe I should have a cup of coffee first. But before that, I need to run the washing machine. My white shirt needs to be clean for tomorrow morning…” Have you noticed?: When the mind is not busy focusing on an external task, it wanders…