The Core Function of the BrainWise Program
The most prominent and widely-recognized application of the name is the BrainWise Program, an evidence-based, neuroscience-based curriculum designed to teach critical thinking and decision-making skills. It is used by a diverse group of educators, counselors, and mentors to help individuals of all ages—from elementary students to adults in transitional housing—develop and practice skills for healthier, more responsible behavior. The program is built on the premise that humans have an impulsive “Lizard Brain” and a rational “Wizard Brain,” and it provides a simple, concrete method for connecting to the thinking part of the brain to override emotional reactions. The goal is to create lasting change through consistent practice.
The Lizard Brain vs. The Wizard Brain
At the heart of the BrainWise curriculum is an accessible metaphor that makes complex neuroscience understandable for all ages. The program explains that we are born with a hard-wired survival instinct, metaphorically called the “Lizard Brain,” which controls our immediate, emotional reactions. This instinct can be a detriment in social and complex decision-making situations, leading to regrettable actions. The program’s curriculum aims to build connections to the “Wizard Brain,” or the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for thoughtful, logical processing. By strengthening the “Wizard Brain” through practice, individuals can learn to pause, analyze, and make better choices rather than reacting impulsively.
The 10 Wise Ways: A Framework for Critical Thinking
The BrainWise method is not about quick fixes but about providing a comprehensive, repeatable process for learning and applying decision-making skills. It breaks down complex cognitive processes into a manageable framework known as the “10 Wise Ways”. These skills build on one another, and instructors are encouraged to teach them in the prescribed order to ensure fidelity to the program. The 10 Wise Ways include a sequence of skills designed to be practiced and reinforced until they become second nature. Examples of these skills include:
- Checking for Red Flags: Identifying signs of potential trouble or danger.
- Fact-Checking: Differentiating between facts and assumptions.
- Understanding Consequences: Thinking about the potential outcomes of a decision.
- Finding Support: Recognizing and utilizing a “Constellation of Support” or support system.
- Managing the Emotions Elevator: Acknowledging and regulating intense emotions.
- BrainWise CPR: A problem-solving worksheet that helps analyze and address issues by applying the Wise Ways.
The BrainWise CPR Method
The BrainWise CPR problem-solving worksheet is a central tool in the curriculum, helping participants apply the 10 Wise Ways to real-life situations. This tool facilitates a structured approach to problem-solving, moving from identifying the issue to considering solutions and their potential consequences. By using this tool, students and clients learn to consciously and methodically work through problems rather than resorting to impulsive reactions. Instructors can use BrainWise CPR to analyze problems in stories, movies, and current events, providing varied and engaging practice.
Other Applications of the “Brainwise” Term
While the curriculum is the most extensive use, the term “Brainwise” also refers to other products and services, some from entirely different organizations. It is important to distinguish them to avoid confusion.
Brainwise Syrup (Dietary Supplement)
A product offered by different pharmaceutical vendors, Brainwise Syrup is a supplement primarily containing Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA. It is marketed for supporting brain development and eye health, especially in children, and may assist with mental wellness and concentration.
Brainwise Hypnosis App
Another entity is a self-care app offering customizable hypnosis experiences. This app is designed to help users with stress reduction, personal growth, and mental resilience.
BrainWise Coaching and Training
A South African organization offers coaching, training, and workshops based on neuroscience principles. Their services focus on personal and professional mastery, leadership, and study skills, using a “Head, Hands, Heart, and Spirit” approach.
Brainwise Sleep Improvement
This is an online sleep improvement training program based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). It teaches techniques for falling asleep more easily and dealing with anxiety related to sleep.
How Does BrainWise Compare to Other Approaches?
| Feature | BrainWise Program (PLC) | Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) | General Mindfulness Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Method | Teaches 10 Wise Ways to directly apply critical thinking to decision-making, using simple metaphors like “Lizard Brain”. | Focuses on identifying and challenging distorted thought patterns to change unwanted behaviors and emotional responses. | Cultivates present-moment awareness through meditation and other practices to observe thoughts and feelings without judgment. |
| Primary Goal | Empowerment to make good choices and solve problems by building new neural pathways. | Altering negative thought processes and behavioral patterns to improve mental health and function. | Increasing self-awareness, reducing stress, and achieving a state of clarity and calm. |
| Approach | Structured, scripted curriculum with reproducible materials, often taught in group settings like schools or agencies. | Typically involves one-on-one therapy sessions with a trained therapist, though group sessions also exist. | Can be self-taught via apps or through a teacher, emphasizing non-judgmental observation. |
| Synergy | Complements and enhances mindfulness by providing a structured framework for applying intentional thinking to problems. | Shares a similar cognitive-behavioral foundation, but BrainWise simplifies and formalizes the process for broader application, especially with youth. | Can be integrated with BrainWise, as awareness cultivated through mindfulness helps in pausing to apply the Wise Ways. |
Who Benefits from the BrainWise Method?
Independent research has consistently shown the effectiveness of the BrainWise program across various demographics and settings. Its structured yet flexible nature allows instructors to tailor lessons to specific populations, cultural backgrounds, and academic abilities. The following groups have shown significant improvements after completing the program:
- Students (K-12): Improved executive functions, reduced aggression, and increased problem-solving behaviors.
- At-Risk Youth: Stories from graduates highlight improved decision-making that helped them attend college or escape negative situations.
- Adults in Social Service Settings: Homeless men and families showed improvements in coping self-sufficiency and executive functions.
- Health and Wellness Programs: Integrated into substance abuse, behavioral health, and family-focused programs.
- Workplace Environments: Used to increase job retention, productivity, and safety by teaching employees better decision-making.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of BrainWise
The question of "what does brain wise do" reveals a comprehensive, evidence-based program that teaches critical thinking through a simplified, neuroscience-backed framework. While the name is also used by other unrelated products and services, the BrainWise Program stands out for its effective, practical approach to improving decision-making across all ages. By helping individuals understand and train their “Wizard Brain” to overcome impulsive “Lizard Brain” reactions, the program empowers them with skills to live happier, healthier, and more productive lives. Its long-standing history and extensive research validate its success, making it a valuable tool for anyone seeking to improve their cognitive and behavioral skills. You can find more information about the official program on the BrainWise website.
BrainWise Program Official Website
