Furthermore, studies have consistently shown that the neurotransmitter dopamine acts on various
psychobiological systems to affect the expression of species typical maternal behaviour in both mothers who have given birth, and non-mothers who demonstrate materal behaviours through repeated exposure to young.30 - 34 New mothers with minimal experience develop an attraction to, and recognition of, their own infants, their odours, cries and visual characteristics; 35 and hence, infants and their cues become rewarding to the mother.36 Mothers also undergo a change in their emotional
states, being more anxious and more often attentive to infants, and to threats to the infant; 37,38 they show greater attentional flexibility and working memory.
This workshop will draw on the leading methods falling under the rubric of
state - dependent couples therapy, including Gottman Method Couple Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Pragmatic Experiential Therapy (PEX - T) and the
Psychobiological Approach (PACT).