ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author divides discussion of the brain into three parts: behavior and emotion; knowledge and neuronal networks; and cognition and learning. The positive emotion systems involve different and ancient brain structures called the basal ganglia. These regions of the brain have the ability to respond to the well-known internal reward chemical, dopamine. Thus, the basal ganglia are central in our ability to carry out actions that are motivated by a conscious feeling, a need or desire, by our ability to achieve goals by conscious, voluntary actions. Inhibition of the fear component of a traumatic memory, thought to involve the amygdala, can be achieved without affecting recall of the actual facts of the memory. These discoveries are of great importance and may ultimately enhance the general effectiveness of psychotherapy. Study abroad may well be the beginning of such transformation. Study abroad may require us to adjust our memories, to form new ones but forget others.
