Dr Brombacher on the Mind-Immune System Connection..(Part 3)
Psycho-neuro-immunologist, Dr Tiroyaone Brombacher continues her talk with Sun Health regarding what might seem, at first, like an uneasy marriage between the brain and immunity but has steadily grsopwo nsionrtsosatufduelnlyt-sffloerdgaesdport interdisciplinary area of study. She shares her passion for helping families/individuals balantcoeenbceoliuerfaignestceiaemncse,caonrdporations medicine while also maintaining belief in the full potential of the human spirit, energy, passion and vitality.
Explain to us what Heart4Brain Cognitive Therapy Center is all about? Why does it exist? What does it do?
Heart4Brain is founded on the scripture that reads “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 NIV. I therefore understand the heart here as not an organ, but rather as the mind— something not tangible, but you know it’s there. Similar to how a Motswana would say “ke utlwile hela mo pelong”.
Because there is a strong link between the mind (or thoughts) and the brain (the organ that forms neuronal connections) leading to observable behavior, the scripture warns us to be vigilant in controlling our thoughts because they will mould the persons we become. Basically, if you encourage positive thoughts, you will display positive behavior that matches those thoughts, in turn receiving positive feedback from those around you, only to strengthen those thoughts more and more to build you into that positive person.
Heart4Brain exists to support positive mental health of individuals including children by training them to unlearn detrimental patterns of thinking and behavior in order for them to direct their thinking patterns in favor of neuronal connections they desire to strengthen that way they are enabled to support the person they want to be.
This is done in various ways that include ‘talk sessions’ where individuals are encouraged to just vent their thoughts and feelings in a constructive rather than a destructive manner.
Here, we train individuals to understand that even when situations don’t changes, our thoughts regarding those situations can either be positive and negative, influencing behavioral responses to our daily situations. We also support a lot of free play and dance for both adults and children because here is where personalities really come out, and we teach each individual how to either control or let shine their emotions and attitudes. These activities aim to also strengthen gross motor skills. Arts and crafts are there to develop fine motor skills that could be contributing factors to cognitive challenges observed in some children. Our approach takes into consideration the importance of physical and mental health on cognitive function, so we do it all.
We encourage people to join as families, rather than sending only their children because a solid family foundation builds a solid community, that builds a strong society. Re mmogo, or as my son often puts it “we’re all in this together…”
What unique challenges and rewards come from working with your clients in an independent alternative healthcare setting?
Challenges include parents enrolling children late, and also struggling to accept that their child has a situation that needs to be addressed beyond just writing a report to legal entity.
We often find it challenging to reconcile with parents that some of the matters take longer than a week to resolve as some children need more help.
What I find rewarding is when a child is excited to see me because it means we haven’t added trauma to their already challenging situation; that we are a safe house. Second thing that gets me leaping with joy is when I witness the child’s first breakthrough. Our entire office celebrates little milestones with the child.
Do you collaborate with other practitioners? How important is such collaboration to your work?
I definitely collaborate with other practitioners. It’s essential because one could have expertise in dyslexia for example, while the other has wisdom on fine and gross motor therapy, and another on cognitive behavior therapy.
Gestalt Theory, which is one of my favorites states that the “the whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts”. Meaning, in simpler terms, never try to do it alone.
On a basic level, what skills does your job demand?
Patience, patience, and patience. Then you must add tolerance and acceptance. When I was in primary school, I used to hear my aunt who was a nurse speak of a friend’s daughter who went to study medicine that ‘she has the brain for it, but not the heart’. I didn’t understand that until I chose my career path because I used those words to guide me. People just want to be loved and they want to know that you care. Anyone can earn academic skills, but without a heart for your job, you’re a liability.
What do you hope you achieve and the impact you hope Heart4Brain Cognitive Therapy Center will have in the next 10 years?
I’d like to have space for children to come for sports and dance after school at no cost. A place where they can be cared for and assisted with homework while waiting for their parents to return from work. This will reduce most cases of abuse to children who are left unattended. Heart4Brain Cognitive Therapy Center aims to build solid family relationships for us to see a Botswana where it’s okay for children to sit and laugh with their parents over a board game instead of “O batlang mo bagolong” all the time.