The first nine chapters presented a framework within which concepts and information related to brain function and development were considered. These ideas regarding brain development and functioning can support conceptualization and intervention in psychotherapy even though connections between specific brain processes and psychotherapy outcome have not been empirically established to a significant degree.

Neuropsychologically-based consideration of the input–process–output flow of information through the brain (Lezak, Howieson & Loring, 2004) offers basic concepts that can guide understanding of how different clients uniquely function in psychotherapy, including how clients initially perceive information, how they combine and analyze the information they receive, and how clients vary in abilities and inclinations to respond using different output systems. Recognizing the reciprocal influences of lower and higher centers in the brain (Derryberry & Tucker, 1992) can lead to better understanding of how clients experience themselves and how they can influence themselves. The concept of neural network provides an overarching context within which clients' experiences prior to and during psychotherapy can be understood and within which changes during psychological interventions can be viewed (Vaughan, 1997). Implicit and explicit memory systems can be considered to support different types of learning, experience, and change in individuals as they go through the process of psychotherapy (O'Keefe & Nadel, 1978; Schacter & Tulving, 1994). Affect systems can be viewed as especially important sources of information during psychotherapy and as influencing clients' functioning in ways that are separate from, interact with, and add to more conscious and linear logical decision-making in the brain (LeDoux, 2002; McGaugh, 2004).