The underlying model

The developmental strands that come on-line sequentially and remain in play through life represent the dynamism of life - and the very important reality that we carry on learning and growing throughout our lives. So we are always able to do the necessary new learning if and when the opportunity arises.

Neuronal networks

This matches the neuro-scientists' view of the plasticity of the brain: always available for adaptation. We now know that the best functioning brains depend upon connectivity: neuronal networks that go every which way, and we know that it is repeated interactions that create neuronal networks.
Babies' brains are not fully formed at birth. The shaping of their brain's internal circuitry is dependent on the types of relational experiences that get repeated in their experience. We now know how very important the adult-child relationship is to this essential brain development. The way the adult is, repeatedly, with the child shapes the ways the child responds to stress.

The emotional regulation system

The emotional regulation system in all of us is made up of three levels:
1. Physiological - being able to calm, soothe, slow down and make peaceful the bodily systems through breath, touch, voice, rocking, holding and a loving presence.
2. Relational/emotional - being able to signal distress and ask for help, knowing that others experience the same emotion and can understand what we feel, being able to have someone else's company and support when we are doing something hard like going on a hospital visit or preparing for a tough job interview.
3. Cognitive - being able to think through what might happen, being able to anticipate and plan or rehearse or remember the ways we've had success before; knowing the likely consequences to certain actions, being able to make sense of what is happening, being able to remind ourselves that we are fundamentally OK.

These three levels are shaped in our early experience in our closest relationships. They are addressed within the Thrive model: Being, Doing and Thinking. The good news is that with loving attention and repeated experiences we can reshape these three levels- or fill in any gaps- at any time if we are in a positive significant relationship. The Thrive Approach shows us how.

Because our emotional state has such an impact on the way we think and act, it profoundly affects our behaviour choices. Our behaviour in turn helps us to get on with others and to be able to settle to learning. We can develop resilience rather than false fixed strength. We can feel empowered and confident to work with life rather than needing to have power over others or events. We can care about others as well as ourselves. We can be empathetic and compassionate rather than fearful and grasping. We can have dreams and ambition. We can be creative and divergent in our thinking. We can aim for excellence without putting others down in the process. We can appreciate diversity and embrace change. We can love life and thrive.

How we get our Basic Human needs met click here