The Computer Analogy The personal computer that exists in a room seems like a nice anthropomorphic metaphor for diagnostic understanding, Much as we analyze hardware, software and environment to diagnose computer problems we can look at A person's biology, personality and environment. The Hardware if we can get past using a machine as person which is easy if you imagine that the human brain is the most complex and awesome thing we know of with hundreds of millions? more connections and functions than we can even think of,hmmmm lost that connection must make note to self-make new neural connections with neuroplasticity never mind. Anyway here's what's confusing about all these medical model labels and a way to look at it. Then our hardware of the computer{DNA,History,Structure} is where we look for the Biology. The often inherited illness like Downs Syndrome or acquired in vitro like fetal alcohol Syndrome. Included are the Major Disorders Like Manic,Depression,Schitzophrenia-serious, hardwired, some use meds to help them even begin to balance. Personality Disorders So Called personality Disorders,say "emotional dysregulation" are then the software that is corrupted by the hardware and probably a toxic environment ,or history, which can be abuse and pollution or disaster over time{PTSD}. All these factors interact to condition reposes and stimulate both the hardware and responses to abuse. to form complexes and often pain,addiction and low immunity to illness. Which the personality feels as"I" but can be so reactive,hard wired and feel out of control. The Room That The Computer Sits In Is actually then the abuse of a person historical, current or catastrophic, plus helpful or otherwise,emotional and social environments and supports. So we see how we can visualize someone's life challenges in multilevel and interactive ways to assist healing. I also like to look at the energy source that helps the computer repair;neuroplasticity and change as plugging into the spiritual,especially as motivation and hope are the are critical to healing and creative transformation, but if you prefer to be existential find a reason to believe it works and break the negative conditioning, and channel the energy into creativity. published on 3/20/2008