Steve Woodhead January 2016 It isn’t magic, but… Steve Woodhead January 2016
…what about that time when you just knew that was going to happen?
Disguised compliance Can we see it Can we sense it Does knowledge of the brain help us make sense of what we see and sense? Whose truth?
Brain development Not fully formed at birth 3 brains: Reptilian brain Mammalian brain Higher human brain (rational brain) Each of the brains is connected by massive network of nerves and has its own special function Baby brain not fully developed at birth Driven by instinct & survival, not logic We
Brain Development Reptilian Brain (includes brain stem & spinal cord): The most ancient and unchanged part of the brain by evolution. Controls essential bodily functions required for sustaining life (e.g. hunger, breathing, temperature, digestion/elimination, etc) Provides protection (five F’s)
Brain Development Mammalian Brain: AKA the emotional brain/lower brain/limbic system “Emotional hot seat” responsible for feelings & emotional reactions (rage/fear/separation distress, playfulness, etc) Triggers strong emotions that need to be well managed by the rational brain Hippocampus house here – memories Amygdala also housed here – sentry!
Brain Development Rational Brain: AKA the “frontal lobes”/ cortex / higher human brain In evolutionary terms it is the newest part It envelopes the mammalian & reptilian parts Its functions & capacities include: Creativity & imagination Problem-solving Reasoning & reflection Self-awareness Kindness, empathy & concern Can be hijacked by other areas of the brain
The second brain Enteric nervous system Vagus nerve Rapid response Hundreds of millions of neurons Controls digestion… Independent and in conjunction with the brain in your head Senses environmental threats Vagus nerve Primary visceral nerve (Wandering nerve) Base of brain to abdomen touching heart and most major organs Rapid response
Can we recognise disguised compliance by simply using gut instinct?
Applying the theory to the person you are working with who is potentially disguising compliance. What is happening to them? What part of their brain is in control? What can you do to get to the truth?