Science proves how your brain can be rewired through neural plasticity
Posted on: May 31, 2010by Dr Kim Dr Hil
2 Neuroscience Breakthroughs Lead to Neural Plasticity
Are you hopeful about creating your goals, dreams and desires? If you answered yes than read on for neuroscience breakthroughs to achieving lasting success.
How the Brain Works
According to Nobel Prize-winner neuroscientist Eric Kandel advances in research are leading to a completely new understanding of how the brain works. In addition to the discovery that emotions play an executive role in decision making, the term neural plasticity resulted from the finding that the brain changes itself. There are two primary discoveries that have reversed previously held viewpoints on how the brain works. These breakthroughs are tremendously important to the future treatment of psychological and physical health. Prior to this shift in scientific thinking, even as late as the year 2000, these outdated viewpoints were the basis for most psychological and medical approaches to brain functioning.
Neurogenesis
In the past it was believed that brain cells did not have the capacity to rejuvenate. Any brain cells lost in the 60s were thought to be lost for good. The discovery of neurogenesis however reveals new brains cells are being born well into your 70s. Obviously, neurogenesis has significant implications for new approaches related to brain and emotional wellbeing such as Alzheimers and dementia.
Rewire Your Brain
Previously it was believed that the functions that make up brain structures cannot change. Thus the wiring of your brain was thought to be permanent or hardwired. The neuroscience breakthrough that you can in fact rewire your brain means new neural pathways can be created to form new habits of thinking, feeling and acting. Neural plasticity studies with individuals dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, memory and lifestyle habits have been bringing much needed hope and empowerment.
Coaching and Counseling
Hilary Stokes Ph.D. and Kim Ward Ph.D. have been a team for 20 years, specializing in mind, body, spirit psychology. They are the authors of the bestselling books The Happy Map: Your roadmap to the habit of happiness and Manifesting Mindset: The 6-step formula for attracting your goals and dreams and founders of Authenticity Associates Coaching and Counseling. They are passionate about combining the best of holistic and traditional approaches to health and happiness. If you are interested in learning the answers to the most frequently asked questions on how to decrease stress and increase happiness sign up for their free video series.
About the Authors
Hilary Stokes Phd
HIlary Stokes, Ph.D., LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist in California with more than 25 years of clinical experience, specializing in trauma therapy, PTSD treatment, anxiety, depression, and nervous system healing. She holds Master's degrees in Clinical Social Work and Kinesiology and Sports Psychology and a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology with a specialization in Tibetan Buddhist Psychology. Dr. Stokes is extensively trained and certified in brainspotting, EMDR, somatic therapy and other mind body approaches. Her integrative work bridges neuroscience, mindfulness, and holistic psychology to help clients process unresolved trauma, rewire stress patterns, and build emotional resilience.
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Dr. Stokes’ clinical approach is informed by advanced professional training and her own healing journey from complex trauma, which shaped her commitment to therapies that go beyond traditional talk therapy. She has worked in psychiatric hospitals, addiction and PTSD treatment centers, universities, integrative medical facilities, and private practice. As co-developer of the psychology and wellness programming at Sanoviv Medical Institute, she witnessed firsthand the power of integrating mind and body for lasting transformation. Today she helps individuals heal trauma, strengthen emotional regulation and reclaim purpose through brainspotting, EMDR, somatic therapy and mindfulness interventions.
Kim Ward, Ph.D. holds both a masters and a doctorate in Transpersonal Psychology with a specialization in Tibetan Buddhist Psychology. She brings more than 25 years of experience in trauma recovery, Brainspotting and mind-body transformation. She is extensively trained and certified in Brainspotting, somatic therapy, and trauma-informed approaches. Dr. Ward integrates neuroscience, nervous system regulation and consciousness-based psychology to help individuals process unresolved trauma, shift limiting beliefs, and access greater emotional resilience. Her work focuses on healing at the root, beyond symptom management, through brain-body therapies that create lasting change.
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As co-developer of the psychology and wellness programs at Sanoviv Medical Institute, Dr. Ward brings a uniquely holistic perspective to trauma therapy and personal growth. Her path from corporate leadership into psychology shaped her commitment to helping clients move beyond external success toward embodied fulfillment and emotional freedom. Dr. Ward's expertise combines Brainspotting, emotional intelligence, contemplative psychology and purpose-driven coaching. Drawing from both advanced academic training and lived experience navigating complex family mental health dynamics, she supports clients in transforming stress patterns, reclaiming vitality, and aligning with authentic purpose.