What Is a Narrative?
Narrative is as an essential element of human consciousness and an emergent property of the mind, deeply intertwined with the flow and processing of energy and information. Narratives naturally organize our thoughts and explain our experiences, playing a crucial role in communication and cultural transmission. From a neurobiological perspective, narratives are fundamental to how our brains operate, shaping personal and collective identities and facilitating both intrapersonal understanding and interpersonal connections. A vital, dynamic process, narrativization is essential for cognition, communication, and cultural continuity.


Why Do Narratives Matter?
Narratives are crucial for several reasons: They organize information, enhance cognitive processes, and render complex ideas relatable and memorable. By facilitating the sharing and understanding of diverse personal experiences, stories foster emotional connections, empathy, and social cohesion. Narratives are central to identity formation, helping individuals and communities define themselves. They also play a vital role in cultural transmission, preserving heritage and shaping societal values. Additionally, narratives are powerful tools for persuasion and influence in various domains, including politics, marketing, and education. They also serve therapeutic purposes, promoting healing and personal growth by helping individuals process and articulate their experiences.
Narratives and IPNB
Through the multidisciplinary lens of Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), this course integrates neuroscience, psychology, and anthropology to explain how narratives influence brain function and human relationships. The IPNB perspective helps us to understand the brain’s role in processing stories and their impact on emotional regulation and social bonding, as well as their therapeutic potential in treating psychological issues. This approach enhances educational methods by emphasizing the role of narratives in learning and development, and it also investigates the broader cultural significance of storytelling, exploring its capacity to promote inclusivity and understanding across diverse populations.

Course Overview
This course delves into the fascinating intersection of narrative studies and Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), offering students an in-depth understanding of how stories shape human cognition, emotion, and social interaction. Participants will explore the neurobiological underpinnings of how stories influence and reflect our mental processes, emotional responses, and cultural norms. By integrating concepts from neuroscience, psychology, and cultural studies, this course provides a comprehensive framework for appreciating the role of narratives in personal development and societal functions.
Course Objectives
- To understand the fundamental principles of IPNB and their relevance to narrative
- To analyze the role of narratives in shaping brain functions, including memory, empathy, and decision-making
- To explore the impact of storytelling on emotional regulation and social connectivity
- To examine the use of narrative techniques in therapeutic settings and educational practices
- To discuss the cultural implications of narratives and their power in shaping societal values and norms
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Explain the key concepts of IPNB and their application in understanding narratives
- Identify the neural mechanisms influenced by narrative processes and their effects on human behavior
- Assess the role of narratives in emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships
- Apply narrative understanding in practical contexts such as therapy, teaching, and community building
- Critically evaluate the role of narratives in maintaining and transforming cultural identities
This comprehensive course not only broadens theoretical knowledge, but it also equips participants with practical skills to apply narratives effectively in various professional and personal contexts.

Who Takes this Course?
This course is designed for students in psychology, neuroscience, education, and cultural studies; professionals in therapy, counseling, and educational fields; and anyone seeking to enhance their understanding and application of narrative techniques.

Meet Your Teacher
Dr. Dan Siegel
Dan Siegel is the executive director of the Mindsight Institute and founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA, where he was also co-principal investigator of the Center for Culture, Brain, and Development and clinical professor at the School of Medicine.
An award-winning educator, Dan is the author of five New York Times bestsellers and other books which have been translated into over forty languages. He is the founding editor of the Norton Professional Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology, and has overseen the publication of over one hundred textbooks in this transdisciplinary framework focusing on the mind and mental health.
A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dan completed his postgraduate training at UCLA specializing in pediatrics and adult, adolescent, and child psychiatry. He was trained in attachment research and narrative analysis through a National Institute of Mental Health research training fellowship focusing on how relationships shape our autobiographical ways of making sense of our lives and influence our development across the lifespan.
Student Testimonials
"After exploring Dr. Siegel's models, such as the Wheel of Awareness and the Hand Model of the Brain, I realized that taking an entire course would help me fully comprehend those theories and go even deeper. The framework of Interpersonal [Neurobiology] helps us better understand the mind, the brain, the body, and [our] connections with others, and it even goes beyond, so we can finally see the whole elephant! I highly recommend [Dan's work] to anyone who desires a comprehensive approach that can provide a holistic understanding of humanity."

Maiten Panella
Director of Leadership Development, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, and Executive Coach
Vinarós, Spain
Vinarós, Spain
"Dr. Siegel's work has [been] integrated into every aspect of my being. From my professional practice to my personal life, his insights have shaped my understanding of parenting and human connection. I am forever grateful for his impact on me, my family, and the families with whom I interact."

Angela M. Rau
Coach and Consultant Specializing in Parenting
Lake St. Louis, MO, USA
Lake St. Louis, MO, USA
Join Today
On-Demand Course
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1 Hour and 30 Minutes of Course Video
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Lifetime Access to the Content
$49
Additional Benefits
Satisfaction Guaranteed
If you are not completely satisfied, we will promptly issue you a refund within 7 days of your registration.
Group Program
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Have Questions?
You will retain access to the course content for as long as it remains available on our platform.
Upon your enrollment, a “Welcome” letter will be delivered to you via email. It contains all of the course-access instructions and logistical details that you’ll need moving forward, and you’re always encouraged to reach out to us at info@mindsightinstitute.com with any further questions. If you have not previously registered for a Mindsight course, you will also receive an email notifying you of your login credentials, which you’ll use to enter your profile and view your online library.
Our video content cannot be downloaded, but it can be streamed and watched on any device at your convenience. All notes, handouts, and study materials associated with the course, however, are downloadable and printable.
Though many of our courses offer CE Credits, “The Power of Narrative” does not. After you’ve worked your way through the training, we’ll happily provide you with a Certificate of Completion to document the hours that you’ve spent with us.
If you’re hoping to obtain CE Credits, please note that you can filter our course library accordingly: When browsing our offerings, check the “Yes” box beneath the “CE Credits” prompt on the left side of the screen, and you will be shown all CE-applicable trainings.
Once you have completed the course, please reach out to the Mindsight Team at info@mindsightinstitute.com to request your Certificate of Completion. A digital copy will be emailed to you as soon as it’s been generated.
Please note that this process can take up to 2 weeks. If you require an expedited timeline, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
We offer a 7-day money-back guarantee, which begins at the time of enrollment. If you determine that the workshop won’t be an appropriate fit, please contact us within the first week of your participation. We’ll gladly accommodate your request.
Yes, all of our pricing is listed in US dollars.
Yes! Dr. Siegel has a unique ability to make complex concepts accessible, and our courses are designed to resonate with wide audiences. A scientific background is not necessary to find value in these teachings. We’re confident that you’ll walk away with plenty of knowledge to be applied in your personal and professional life.
If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Mindsight Team at info@mindsightinstitute.com. We’re always happy to help! 🙂
Join Today
On-Demand Course
-
1 Hour and 30 Minutes of Course Video
-
Lifetime Access to the Content
$49