Increasing Relatioship Communication through Brain
Mapping

Written by Dr. Cynthia Kent, Integrative Behavioral Specialist

(February  2011)

There is nothing more important in a relationship than communication.  This is true from our most casual encounters to our most intimate relationships.  If we cannot communicate clearly, relationships will always suffer.  Male and female brains are structured and process information differently.  Men typically process information analytically, while women tend to process things abstractly.  Each gender has a distinctive communication pattern and often mistakenly assumes that the opposite gender thinks and acts as they do.  This is where miscommunication arises because each side believes they are communicating clearly based on their own communication patterns.

Neither gender is right or better, just wired differently.  Experts have discovered that there are actually differences in the way men and women’s brains are structured and in the way they react to events and stimuli.  Therefore, when communicating it is a good idea to stop trying to change each other and learn the differences between male and female communication patterns.  Accept the different linguistic styles, abilities, and skills as complementary and use the strengths cooperatively to work, grow and succeed.

One way to do this is through a quantitative encephalography (QEEG) brain mapping.  The QEEG reads an individual's real-time electro-cortical activity and compares it to a normative database to detect any dysfunctions.  By comparing the acquired data to a normative database, the QEEG is able to detect minute changes in brain activity that other methods might not be able to detect.   The brain mapping will always indicate abnormal patterns within both hemispheres that can suggest a neurophysiologic reason why one is not communicating as effectively as they should.  For example, men tend to process better in the left hemisphere of the brain while women tend to process equally well between the two hemispheres.  Thus, if the male brain map indicates an abnormal pattern in the left hemisphere, then it would indicate processing is not functioning at its most optimal level.

After each individual of a relationship completes a brain map, an extensive analysis and pictures are offered.  In addition, a separate analysis is completed to determine communication patterns and treatment approaches on how to effectively communicate with one another.

The role of counseling can also help a couple understand and appreciate each other’s different brain patterns, and even benefit from their differences.  As a therapist, I can help out with these differences and guide a couple to a greater level of relationship.  The differences that can be learned between a couple can created a deeper appreciation and understanding, not only between the couple but within each of the individuals themselves

To learn more about Dr. Kent, Psy.D. and QEEG please visit our website or to schedule an appointment please call 312-276-1212 or email info@rabyinstitute.com.