BTG Makes it Possible
The BTG framework makes it possible to make the progress you crave in your relationships without blame and without convincing your loved ones they should accept a diagnosis. Here's how:
We focus on Brain Types: The no-shame approach to learning about yourself. We focus on the unique ways people process their world. It's no more shameful than admitting your fingerprint is different than someone elses.
We address the root of the actual problem: The root is not your loved ones. It's the inability to process. CDR is the real culprit. Unveiling this and learning about it provides relief, understanding, and genuine empathy.
We mitigate the manual processing: Everyone is manually processing something to some degree. This isn't to compare or downplay other's experiences, it just means that everyone has a role to play in contributing to a thriving relationship. By addressing the elephant in the room: the manual processing. We can alleviate the symptoms of it. Manual processing does not get resolved with more manual processing, that's why so many of the other modalities available simply don't work. It can only be mitigated with automatic processing. The BTG framework not only teaches the what, but it also shows you the HOW and in a language for your Brain Type.
A Quick Explanation of the Brain.
For this quick explanation, we’re going to severely oversimplify the brain. The left side will represent the logic side, the right will represent the emotion side. Ideally, both sides would have neural networks automatically processing the 11 billion bits per second of stimuli that we are exposed to per second. These connections form a structure that has been deemed “typical”. Being “neurotypical” means the networks are all interconnected and all connections are working on both sides, and as a result, are subconsciously processing all 11 billion minus 40-50 bits per second which is the estimated max capacity of the conscious brain. “The human brain has 100 billion neurons, each neuron connected to 10 thousand other neurons. Sitting on your shoulders is the most complicated object in the known universe.” – Michio Kaku, The Future of the Mind (2014)
It’s a lot of processors doing a lot of work for us subconsciously behind the scenes. 10,999,950,000 bits are intentionally filtered out because it’s irrelevant and unimportant. This is basically deemed as brain trash. Let’s say there are 50 billion neurons on the left side and 50 billion neurons on the right side. Consider the implications if some were not connected, or not able to process the onslaught of information.
Cell Danger Response is the Root
There is a cellular protection mechanism that we all have. It exists in all the cells of our body. (Naviaux, 2014). A natural survival response that gets activated when a threat is detected, the cellular walls go up and prevent communication with neighboring cells to prevent the spread of the threat. When this occurs in the brain, it breaks the communication to the neural networks processing the incoming 11 billion bits per second. With those processors offline, and the stimuli still coming at 11 billion bits per second there is a massive energy crisis in the brain. Cell Danger Response continues to alert the system by shutting down more and more neural networks, but the onslaught of stimuli perpetuates the threat and the alarm stays on. Depending on the area of the brain dealing with Cell Danger Response will determine the symptoms and resulting problems.
To massively simplify, let’s imagine the left side of the brain that is responsible for processing logic is hit by Cell Danger Response. This creates a backup in logical stimuli in the conscious brain. The symptoms of that will look like someone focused on manually filtering and manually processing their existence through logic. Those 50 bits per second that are important are mixed with the 10,999,950,000 that are not important. Leaving the individual to manually (consciously) filter and process that onslaught of information. Many times, the emotion side of the brain is just fine, it’s just not a point of focus because there are no problems present with those neurons. That still leaves 5.5 billion bits per second to manually filter and press logically. This is an insurmountable and overwhelming task. On the flipside, consider the consequences of a brain dealing with Cell Danger Response on the right side while automatic on the left. They will be left to manually filter and process those 5.5 billion bits per second of emotional information. This means they will look overly emotional, or dramatic, etc… when in reality, they’re dealing with an impossible task too, just on the other side. Now consider the potential train wreck and opportunities for confusion and misunderstanding when these two opposite individuals fall in love. They quite frankly live and operate in two different worlds. When they aren’t aware of what’s going on, or try to make sense of it within their own framework, it leads to stress, heartache, and hopelessness.
Your Loved One Is Manual Processing
Yes, that seems vague. “Loved One” can direct this concept at either partner. The truth is, you both are manually processing, just in different parts of your brain and at varying levels. Even if one of you started the relationship as “neurotypical” the stress and trauma of being in these mixed neurotype relationships cause “acquired neurodiversity”. All that really means is that something happened to cause CDR in your brain and it has now altered your brain structure. Some people have this structure altered in the womb, some as children or adults due to physical injury to the brain, or some due to trauma (of any kind, environmental, chemical, emotional, etc…) We don’t need to measure who is manually processing more. Anything over that 50 bits per second is going to feel extremely overwhelming to the person experiencing it.
There’s really no way to know how much at this point, except that when the brain reaches a certain level of overwhelm, it resorts to black-and-white thinking. Logic handles this differently than the emotion side (of course!) so it becomes nearly impossible to identify in yourself unless you are given a map with instructions. We can usually clearly see it in others. For example, I could see that my husband had black-and-white thinking (regarding his logic). It was clear as day to me because I was automatic there. Likewise, he would tell me I was black-and-white in my thinking, and I knew for sure that it was the farthest thing from the truth! All I could see was color! Or so I thought! The truth was, I was stuck in the black and white regarding my emotions. I lived in my “Do/Feel” everything, where everything felt important, and each emotion was important. Every task, interaction, and sensory experience, was paired with unprocessed and unfiltered emotions, and my brain said they ALL needed to be processed, they were ALL important. It was actually a million shades of grey that masked as color and I couldn’t identify which one was important, pair that with automatic logic and I was convinced I was living in color. Again, I was, but regarding my logic.
We have learned so much in the last 4.5 years since our first breakthrough. In the beginning, I assumed that because I automatically processed my logic I was an “Automatic Processor” and technically, I wasn’t wrong. I did automatically process my logic. However, at the time, we had a lot of missing pieces about me that we would collect over the next 4.5 years. I thought that since I was automatically processing my logic, it meant I was a neurotypical. I even knew I was ADHD (learned that as a child), but at the time I didn’t draw that connection to neurodiversity and I didn’t realize how significant it was. I didn’t know that I was neurodiverse myself. To be neurotypical, I would have needed to have both sides of my brain automatic, not just my logic. However, since I had always manually processed my emotions, there wasn’t a measuring stick to determine if I was manually processing them.
There's No Shame in Learning About Your BTG Brain Type
In a world where society often pushes us to conform, discovering your BTG brain type is a bold and liberating act of self-awareness. It’s like recognizing that your fingerprints are uniquely yours, an intrinsic part of your identity. There’s absolutely no shame in learning about your brain type—in fact, it’s a powerful step toward embracing your individuality and harnessing your potential.
Understanding your BTG brain type means acknowledging the distinct ways your brain processes information, emotions, and interactions. This self-awareness isn't about labeling or diagnosing yourself; it's about gaining insight into how you navigate the world. It’s a journey of self-discovery that celebrates your strengths and helps you address challenges with tailored strategies.
Imagine trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Without understanding your unique processing style, you might feel out of place or struggle in certain situations. Learning about your BTG brain type is like finding the right shape that fits perfectly into your life’s puzzle. It empowers you to leverage your natural tendencies, enhancing your communication, relationships, and overall well-being.
Why You Shouldn't Ignore Your Manual Processing
Imagine for a moment that you hear a fire alarm blaring in your home. Ignoring it won’t make the fire go away—in fact, it only allows the danger to escalate. Similarly, ignoring your manual processing is like dismissing that alarm. Your brain's unique way of handling information won't disappear simply because you choose to overlook it. Instead, it will continue to impact your life, potentially causing more stress and confusion.
First and foremost, discounting your manual processing dismisses the incredible effort you put in daily. You've been managing a torrent of stimuli that others might not even notice, and you've been doing it with remarkable resilience, even if others haven't perceived you that way. Recognizing your efforts isn't just self-congratulatory; it’s acknowledging the sheer magnitude of what you handle every day. This recognition is essential for rebuilding your self-esteem and validating your hard work.
Furthermore, ignoring your manual processing overlooks the significant distress you've endured. It's like running a marathon on a rocky, uneven path while others run on smooth pavement. The distress, the exhaustion, and the mental toll you experience are real and significant. Acknowledging this is crucial for understanding your limits and knowing when to seek help or adjust your strategies.
Not only does ignoring your manual processing undermine your progress, but it also closes you off to learning new tools that could make your life better. By acknowledging your manual processing, you open yourself up to strategies and resources that can enhance your abilities and ease your journey. This can help you achieve even more with your incredible brain, unleashing its full potential.
No Diagnosis, No Labels, No Problem
In a world where labels and diagnoses often define us, Bridging the Gap (BTG) offers a refreshing and empowering approach. No Diagnosis? No labels? No Problem! They aren't needed here at BTG. By focusing on understanding your unique brain type and processing framework, BTG removes the barriers that traditional labels impose. This approach allows you to embrace your individuality and equips you with the tools to enhance your relationships without the stigma of a diagnosis. You are more than a label; you are a complex, capable individual with the power to transform your life and relationships.
Ready to break free from the constraints of labels and diagnoses? Join the BTG community today and discover how our innovative approach can revolutionize your relationships and personal growth.
Comment below if seeking an unwanted diagnosis has ever been an obstacle in your relationship!
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