ABSTRACT
The emergent field of interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB) as developed by Siegel (2012) is approached in this chapter in a way that introduces the concepts in the embodied way the author discovered them. It is an experiential foray into the ways that Siegel's integrated model of mind and body crosses with focusing and the author's desire to build bridges to embrace both complexity and develop more sophisticated ways to view addictive behavior. Siegel's concepts are mapped onto the felt sense polyvagal model (FSPM), exemplifying a consilience approach, a convergence of ideas. For example, Siegel's self-organization is related to self-regulation. Attachment theory is woven gracefully into these models and the harm reduction model of addiction treatment is supported. The integration of focusing, IPNB, and attachment theory creates a sweet spot where these approaches cross – in the form of viewing addictive behaviours as adaptive attempts at emotional regulation.
