Heward Wilkinson, BA, MA, MSc Psychotherapy, RN(M), Cert. Ed.,  UKCP Reg Psychotherapist, and psychotherapeutic Counsellor

Synopsis:

In 2001, the UK Council for Psychotherapy held a conference to provide a forum to explore the field of neuroscience, in particular the branch called "affective neuroscience". This collection of papers is the result of the extensive and fruitful discussion that was generated at the conference.

Description:

For many years psychotherapy and neuroscience have been estranged; existing on opposite ends of the spectrum concerned with the investigation of the mind. However in recent years, these two opposing schools of thought have found their paths converging so that now a mutually rewarding relationship is taking its first faltering steps towards greater co-operation and understanding. The UKCP conference was one such step. Leading experts in affective neuroscience and psychotherapy attended and gave lectures that integrated material and theories from a number of fields on diverse subjects such as infant development and the relationship between emotion and consciousness. These talks highlighted the benefit of greater contact between these fields, with practical examples as well as theoretical. This innovative collection is one of the first to emphasise and demonstrate the value of greater unity and is an essential introduction for all to this burgeoning area of research.