The Manock Integrative Method
psychology | neurobiology | theology
What is the MIM?
The Manock Integrative Method (MIM) is an integration of psychology, neurobiology, and theology, developed out of the 40+ years of pastoring, counseling and doctorate level research work done by Dr. David I. Manock. It is a hybridized theory combining 3 researched-backed and relationally-oriented counseling modalities and interventions:
- Attachment Theory (AT)
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Intersubjectivity (IS)
and building them upon a foundation of:
- Neurobiology (NB)
- Theology/Image of God (IoG)
The MIM is based upon an integrative approach that draws from the science of relationship and theology of relationship. The former discloses the nature, structure, and dynamic of the human, who is neuro-wired for relationship; the latter reveals how humans are created for relationship.
What makes up the MIM?
ATTACHMENT THEORY | Attachment Theory (AT) suggests that children come into the world biologically wired to form attachments with others. The MIM operates out of an attachment perspective, understanding that childhood and adult attachment bonds lie at the heart of what it is to be human. The MIM utilizes the genogram, AAI, MAAI, and other tools to determine primary attachment style and to help facilitate growth and healing.
EMOTIONALLY FOCUSED THERAPY | Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), while often used for couples, has also been adopted for use with families. EFT is the most researched form of couple’s therapy with an AT, Neuropsychology, and Gestalt base. This therapeutic method can help couples and family members form a more secure emotional bond, which can result in stronger relationships and improved communication.
INTERSUBJECTIVITY | Intersubjectivity Psychoanalysis (IS) acknowledges that humans possess internal working models that contain organizing principles to systematize our experience. In therapy IS is the interchange of thoughts and emotions both conscious and unconscious that form between two persons or “subjects,” as facilitated by empathy, and moves psychology from a one-person to a two-person model, one that understands we are constantly operating in response to others.
NEUROBIOLOGY | Neurobiology (NB) explores the impact of relationships and life experiences on the brain, as well as the effect that therapy has on brain function. In the past, experts believed that neurological growth stopped as late as early adulthood, but the discipline of neurobiology demonstrates that life-long neuroplasticity facilitates the formation of new neurons and neurological links throughout our entire lives. NB is transforming the field of psychology and is foundational to the MIM.
IMAGE OF GOD | Image of God (IoG) maintains that just as in any other relationship, humans view and relate to God as an attachment figure, whether they believe in him or not. Informed by our primary attachment styles and impacted by the imprints from our caregivers, each person wrestles with the Divine and with our own role in history. “Every human is haunted by eternity.” - Dr. David Manock.
