The Mind's "Reboot": How Neuroplasticity Breaks Mental Rumination
- Sabrina B.
- Aug 16
- 4 min read
This article is based on analyses of recent scientific journals concerning the functioning of the brain and therapies that aim to remodel it to treat mental disorders.
Clinical psychology research is booming, thanks in part to the renaissance of psychedelic-assisted therapies. These approaches, which explore substances like psilocybin and ketamine to treat depression or PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), have shed light on a fascinating concept: the possibility of "resetting" the brain . But the real lesson of these studies lies not in the substance itself. It lies in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these cures, which can be activated by conventional psychotherapeutic methods, without psychedelics.
The brain is an organ of infinite plasticity, and psychotherapy is a powerful tool to help you unlock its potential.
This article aims to explore these scientific principles to offer insights into how to break the cycle of mental rumination and open a window of profound change, with clinical tools that do not involve any psychedelic substances. The goal is to demonstrate that neuroplasticity , the brain's ability to transform itself, is the true engine of healing.
RMD and Neuroplasticity: Understanding the Mechanism of Rumination
At the heart of mental rumination is a network of brain regions called the
Default Mode Network (DMN). This network is typically active when we are at rest and letting our minds wander. It is involved in introspection, identity construction, and rumination on self-referential thoughts.
In many psychiatric disorders, and particularly depression, RMD is often
Hyperactive . This hyperactivity results in incessant internal monologue, rigid thinking, and excessive rumination about oneself, one's flaws, failures, or regrets. The mind is then like a scratched record, unable to free itself from it. It is this hyperactive RMD that is often responsible for resistance to change and maintains depressive symptoms.
The good news is that the brain is not fixed. Modern science has highlighted the concept of neuroplasticity , the brain's ability to reorganize itself and form new neural connections throughout life. The problem with rumination lies precisely in the fact that thought patterns have become so rigid that they hinder this brain's ability to adapt and create new pathways.
The "window of plasticity": the ultimate goal of therapy
The success of psychedelic therapies relies on a synergy between acute neurobiological disruption and deep psychological work. The effect of these substances is to temporarily disrupt the activity of this RMD, decreasing its internal connectivity while increasing brain plasticity . This transient state of "disintegration" of the RMD is what researchers call the "reset" of the mind.
The most lasting effect of this disruption is the improvement of brain plasticity, that is, the brain's ability to reorganize itself and form new neural connections. This state of hyperplasticity can persist for weeks, providing a
unique window of opportunity for psychotherapeutic work. The brain temporarily becomes more malleable, allowing for the reshaping of adaptive thought patterns and behaviors, and facilitating lasting change.
The good news is that accessing this "window of plasticity" is not exclusive to psychedelic therapies. The ultimate goal of any therapy is to induce this state of malleability of the mind, which can be achieved through structured and rigorous psychotherapeutic approaches.
How to 'Reset' Your Mind Without Psychedelics
The clinical tools I use in my practice aim to achieve this window of plasticity without the aid of psychedelics, by working on the same psychological and cognitive mechanisms that these therapies seek to open.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) : CBT is a particularly effective approach for breaking rigid thought patterns and rumination. By identifying and restructuring dysfunctional thoughts, CBT directly affects the activity of the RMD by creating new neural connections. Instead of letting the brain loop on negative patterns, it is taught to explore new, more constructive and calming ways of thinking. This regular practice of cognitive restructuring is a direct training in Neuroplasticity .
Narrative work and symbolization : Psychotherapeutic integration is essential for making sense of difficult experiences. This work is a pillar of my practice. It involves helping you symbolize and give new meaning to your life experiences. By retelling your story and contextualizing it, we can transform painful memories into levers for growth and reduce
"Experiential avoidance" , a mechanism that consists of fleeing unpleasant emotions, thoughts or memories and which is a key factor in maintaining symptoms.
Mindfulness : Mindfulness is a practice that has been shown to regulate MDR activity and reduce mental rumination. It acts as a powerful tool to help you detach from your thoughts and emotions, and observe them without identifying with them. By practicing "pausing" your inner monologue, you create space for new perspectives and greater mental fluidity.
Conclusion on Mental Rumination: A Path to Deep Healing
Resetting the mind isn't a concept requiring exotic substances. It's a state of psychological and neurobiological malleability that can be achieved through structured and rigorous therapeutic work. My approach, focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative work, and mindfulness, aims to help you break through rigid thought patterns and transform mental rumination into a source of creativity, clarity, and growth.
The brain is an organ of infinite plasticity, and psychotherapy is a powerful tool to help you unlock its potential and open new avenues of healing. My goal is to support you in this transformational process, so that you can rediscover a freer, more fluid, and more peaceful mind.
What is the biggest challenge you face with mental rumination? Do you think a structured approach could help you break this cycle? If you'd like to explore these questions and begin working on resetting your mind, I offer online coaching sessions from Monaco to guide you on this path.
Sources:
Berkovich, L. (2021). [Efficacy of psychedelics in psychiatry, a systematic review of the literature]. L’Encephale, 47(4), 376–387. doi: 10.1016/j.encep.2020.12.002. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33888297/
Berkovitch, L., & Mallet, L. (2021). Psychedelics, psychotherapy and symbolization: a literature review in the field of depression. L'Évolution Psychiatrique, 86(3), 565–577. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351564992_Psychedeliques_psychotherapie_et_symbolisation_une_revue_de_litterature_dans_le_champ_de_la_depression
Fauvel, B., et al. (2021). [Efficacy of psychedelics in psychiatry: A systematic review]. L'Évolution Psychiatrique, 86(3), e1-e12. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351014073_Efficacite_des_psychedeliques_en_psychiatrie_une_revue_systematique
Keywords: Neuroplasticity, Rumination, Psychotherapy, Depression, RMD, CBT, Mindfulness, Healing.
Art: Umut Hasanoglu
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