The Computer Analogy The personal computer that exists in a room is a 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 viewing a machine as person, try to imagine the human brain; the most complex and awesome thing we know of with at least hundreds of millions or more connections and more functions than we know,more 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.Consider 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, so hardwired, meds, therapy ,diet are all in early stages of scientific work to help them even begin to balance. The Software So Called personality Disorders, catch phrases to describe human conditions like say "emotional dysregulation" are then the software that is corrupted by the hardware and probably a toxic or disruptive environment ,or history, which can be abuse or pollution or disaster over time{PTSD}. All these factors interact to condition reposes and stimulate both the hardware and responses to in rigid,ineffective ways and to form complexes and often pain,addictions,injuries and low immunity to illness. Sometimes thus, that which the personality feels as"I" is not response or acting in unison but reactive,hard wired and feels out of control. The Room That The Computer Sits In Is actually then the ongoing external experience of a person historical, current, or catastrophic, plus helpful or otherwise, emotional and biological and cultural social environments and supports, that must be accounted for. 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 which are so critical to healing and creative transformation, even if you prefer to be existential find a reason to believe it works and break the negative conditioning, and then channel the energy into creativity, and a fulfilling life, it all works if we can be flexible.
updated 6/28 2008
Contact Eric Bellman LCSW at: westlakedr@aol.com Office 32129 lindero Canyon Road Suite 108-E Westlake Village CA. 91361
