Behavioral Neuroscience provides key insights into how brain function influences behavior, transforming modern therapeutic approaches. As society continues to see the adverse effects of stress, anxiety, and depression on physical and mental health and as the world becomes increasingly fast-paced and competitive, ways to become more mentally resilient rise in popularity.
Dr. Sydney Ceruto, a pioneer in neuroscience, is changing the landscape of psychological therapy. She has developed new techniques based on hard science that are helping people with mental illnesses in more permanent ways. Dr. Ceruto is passionate about her work and helps her clients in both a psychological and physiological manner. Her work makes a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.
A unique approach that works
Dr. Ceruto’s experience spanning from two PhDs in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience to over 22 years of experience in the field makes her an ideal professional for those looking to improve how their mentality works. She understands how to teach people to replace negative traits with necessary mindsets for success. According to her, it is an entirely attainable goal through neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to change and adapt physiologically despite potential boundaries. Dr. Ceruto describes this as a literal rewiring of pathways and repurposing of neurons to alter the physical mapping of the brain.
“The beauty of neuroplasticity is that it offers a pathway that neuropsychiatrists or neuropsychologists can employ to help clients make lasting positive changes and that clients can put their full trust in, knowing its effectiveness is grounded in hard science,” Dr. Ceruto shares.
Her approach begins with detecting incorrect cognitive habits by determining whatever tools of success a client is missing. Once identified, she trains her clients to manipulate and positively shift their emotional associations through tactics such as decisive self-talk, directed focusing techniques, and other neuroscientific methods. Dr. Ceruto then shifts her treatment to the repetition of these positive behaviors, resulting in the brain beginning to rewire itself with consistent repetition due to neuroplasticity.
Dr. Ceruto calls her approach neuro-rewiring. She believes that with the proper guidance, anyone can rewire their brain to live happier and more productive lives.
What this means for the future of Behavioral Neuroscience to revolutionize therapeutic
“The secret to change is to focus all of your energy not fighting the old, but on building the new,” shares Dr. Ceruto.
The neuro-rewiring method’s success has been overwhelming. Dr. Ceruto’s clients have benefited a lot quicker than when going through traditional therapy. She attributes this to the fact that they can immediately act upon positive behavioral changes instead of spending weeks trying to unearth a client’s past trauma before any action is taken.
The discipline has traditionally been solely focused on psychology without much consideration of the physiological aspect of what drives happiness and success. Therapeutic practices must address both, making Dr. Ceruto’s Neuroscience method a significant shift in the field.