Therapy and the Neural Network Model

This innovative work explores integrating emerging research into how the brain processes information in applied therapeutic interventions. Typically, clinicians select therapeutic interventions based on their own training, personal experience or preference.  This book aims to provide a new model, based upon the neural networks, to both understand the development of mental health issues and their persistence, and how and why to apply therapeutic interventions to impact the systems which are maintaining them.

This work begins with a short and accessible overview of the neural network model, and the general aims of therapy.  It elucidates components of the neural network model of learning such as reward recognition, automaticity, and memory reconsolidation, and how they apply to both general learning and new learning through the process in therapy.  Next, the authors explore how the neural network model can be integrated across existing systems of therapy, including Cognitive Behavior therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), third wave therapies and analytic therapies.

Therapy and the Neural Network Model is an exciting resource for researchers and practitioners interested in understanding more about the applications of a neural network model for therapy and the how and why of building new mentally healthy cognitions, behaviors and emotions.

Therapy and the Neural Network Model is also an essential theoretical foundation for both researchers and practitioners who wish to base their therapeutic practice on neuroscience and integrate their work with related fields such as behavioral medicine, health psychology, social work and public health. 

Dr. Ted Wasserman is board certified in clinical psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology and board certified in pediatric neuropsychology by the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology. He is a member of the American Academy of Clinical Psychology and the American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology as a result of these board certifications. Dr. Wasserman, a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Florida, completed his doctorate at Hofstra University in 1974. He completed a one-year internship in pediatric neuropsychology at North Shore University Medical Center. Postdoctoral training was completed in Cognitive Behavior Therapy at the Institute for Advanced Study of Rational Psychotherapy under the supervision of Albert Ellis PHD. Dr. Wasserman holds memberships in the National Academy of Neuropsychology and the International Neuropsychological Society and is a founding member and past president of American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology.

Dr. Wasserman is the co-author of two books, Depathologizing Psychopathology and Neurocognitive Learning Therapy: Theory and practice, published by Springer in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Dr. Wasserman has contributed chapters to various books on clinical issues related to family law, autism, and attention deficit disorder and learning disorders. Topics of published papers include children’s development, attention, language and executive function, behavior management and cognitive behavior therapy. He has given invited lectures and provided consultation regarding pediatric neuropsychology throughout the United States and internationally.

Lori Drucker Wasserman has been in clinical practice since 1982. Dr. Wasserman received her Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University and both her Masters and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Hofstra University. Dr. Wasserman is a licensed psychologist and is Board Certified in Pediatric Neuropsychology by the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology. She is also a certified School Psychologist. Dr. Wasserman is certified as a trained examiner for the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale.

Dr. Wasserman has worked at the Astor Day Treatment Center in the Bronx with children between the ages of 5 – 18 and the Early Intervention Program in Palm Beach County evaluating children between the ages of birth and three years.  She has extensive experience in the assessment, diagnosis and planning for children with special needs, emotional and educational concerns. Dr. Wasserman has also had extensive treatment experience in working with individuals across the life spectrum applying the practices of Neurocognitive Learning Therapy.  

Dr. Wasserman has co-authored two books on neuroscience and mental health, and has published multiple articles on the neuroscience of attention and executive function.