How Your Brain Changes and Heals
Your Brain is Like a Ship with Many Crew Members
Picture your mind as a magnificent ship at sea. On board, your many Resource States – or parts – play different roles. Some are calm and capable captains. Others may still be hurt, scared, or stuck. Resource Therapy (RT) helps these internal crew members take their proper place, so the best one can steer when needed.
Neural Pathways: The Physical Roots of Your Resources
Every Resource State corresponds to real neural pathways. These are physical structures in your brain, shaped by life experiences. Thanks to neuroplasticity, your brain is always changing – building new pathways and pruning old ones based on what you repeatedly feel, think, and do.
- Developmental plasticity occurs in childhood as the brain forms
- Learning and memory plasticity happen throughout life
Why This Matters in Therapy
When a Resource State is stuck in fear, rejection, or confusion, its neural pathway is active but maladaptive. RT works by:
- Bringing that part into the conscious (Vivify Specific)
- Processing emotional memory (Expression & Introject Speak)
- Removing outdated impressions (Removal)
- Reconnecting with healthier networks (Relief & Find Resource)
Evidence-Informed and Ethically Grounded
RT aligns with modern neuroscience and trauma-informed care. It shares mechanisms with EMDR, EFT, and somatic therapies – all of which are recognised in ethical psychology practice. RT is:
- Client-centred – working with the exact state that needs help
- Trauma-informed – asking “What happened?” not “What’s wrong?”
- Evidence-aligned – consistent with memory reconsolidation science
In Summary
Thanks to your brain’s innate neuroplasticity, change is always possible. I jokingly refer to myself as a “changologist.” With Resource Therapy, we can help your internal crew find their voice, resolve old pain, and steer your ship toward calmer waters.
© 2025 Resource Therapy International. Created by Philipa Thornton, President of RTI.
Great to see the science behind RT. Well done Phillipa
Thanks Marcelle for your comment. Yes RT Personality Theory is informed by Neuroscience. We are in the process of building an evidence base with research investigations into the Resource Therapy protocols. Just like EMDR and any therapy really want to establish RT’s credibility with sound psychological studies. I am talk with Gordon today on this very matter. Exciting Research plans for next year.
Hello Phillipa
I am the workshop facilitator for SA AHA …I am asking if you may be interested in speaking/facilitating a workshop at our May AHA meeting on May 15th…
We have had recommendations for your excellence in a workshop setting.
If so..could you send some material for advertising a workshop with you.
With Kind Regards
Rosalie j Cronin
Hi Rosalie, thank you for your interest in our workshops and seminars. Of course, we would be happy to arrange something for your SA AHA group.
I will send some information and be in touch directly with you, Rosalie.Thanks for reaching out. We will be in SA in late March. Are you attending the conference NIDAC link here ? We are presenting the preconference workshop there. Happy to meet up with you in person if possible. It’s at Glenelg 23-26 March.
Regards
Philipa
Hi Rosalie, thanks so much. This sounds like a wonderful opportunity and what kind recommendations. Happy to work with your organisation.