Implications of Brain Lateralization for Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy

Abstract

The possible implications of brain lateralization in the mode of action of the method developed by Davanloo for intensive short-term psychotherapy are discussed. The two hemispheres appear to treat differently sensory information, and to play an asymmetric role in the control of behavior. The left hemisphere, which houses the mechanisms of language production, is dominant in this respect, but interhemispheric cooperation is probably a prerequisite for a normal course of behavior. It is proposed that interhemispheric dysharmony is a factor to be considered in the physiopathology of human neuroses and that the work of psychotherapy would be to correct such dysharmony.