171. The Stories Your Brain Keeps Repeating: Neuropsychological Strategies to Change Your Inner Narratives

171. The Stories Your Brain Keeps Repeating: Neuropsychological Strategies to Change Your Inner Narratives

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/fan_mail/new] What if the way you see the world is being shaped long before you consciously decide what you think? In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores value priming, the fascinating psychological process through which our previous experiences, environment, relationships, media, and repeated thoughts influence how we interpret what happens around us. What we repeatedly expose ourselves to can become a kind of filter, making certain interpretations feel more familiar, believable, or rewarding than others. Amy looks at the neurobiology behind value priming, including the dopaminergic pathway, the striatum, and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, and explains how the brain learns to anticipate the reward associated with seeing things in familiar ways. If you tend to expect people to be kind, you may be more likely to notice evidence that supports that belief. If you've learned to expect criticism, rejection, or danger, your brain may become especially quick to notice those things instead. The good news is that you can begin creating new associations. Amy shares practical ways to work with value priming in your everyday life, including using self-talk, creating new associations, rehearsing more compassionate interpretations, and changing the language you use to describe what you're doing. Instead of automatically labeling yourself “lazy,” for example, you might recognize that you're resting, luxuriating, dancing, reading, or giving your brain a much-needed break. She also explores how value priming shows up in creativity and art. The more we encounter particular forms of art, the more familiar they become, and familiarity can change our responses to what we see. This is one reason that continuing to look, experiment, and expose yourself to new creative experiences can expand what you enjoy and appreciate. One of the simplest practices in this episode is also one of the most powerful: name what is happening. Instead of immediately reacting to the judgment or story attached to an experience, identify what you're actually doing or feeling. Parenting. Resting. Considering. Painting. Frustration. Confusion. Pleasure. Naming the experience can create enough space to respond to what is actually happening rather than automatically responding to an old story. This episode is an invitation to become more aware of the information you're feeding your brain, the stories you're rehearsing, and the assumptions you're making. Once you begin to notice your value primes, you have more choice about what you reinforce. In this episode, you'll learn: • What value priming is and how it influences perception and behavior • How your environment, media, relationships, and repeated experiences can shape your worldview • The role of dopamine, the striatum, and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex in value priming • Why your brain tends to notice information that fits what it already expects • How to use self-talk to create new associations • Why you don't have to “unlearn” an old story to begin changing your response to it • How value priming can influence the way you think about rest, productivity, your body, and creativity • How art can create new associations and help loosen old ones • Why naming what you're doing or feeling can interrupt an automatic reaction • How to return your attention to the present moment when an old value-primed story takes over The question to take with you this week is simple: What are you repeatedly teaching your brain to notice? And perhaps even more importantly, what would you like to teach it to notice instead? This episode is based on the August 24, 2026 episode transcript, which introduces value priming as the central concept and connects it to perception, self-talk, art, creativity, and everyday decision-making. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

170. What your Symbols are Trying to Tell You: Three Art Practices to Try Today

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/fan_mail/new] What if the images you're naturally drawn to are telling you something about yourself? Symbols have been part of human expression for thousands of years, from prehistoric cave paintings to religious imagery to contemporary abstract art. But symbols aren't only something we find in museums, books, or ancient cultures. They are part of our own inner lives, too. In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores how we can use symbols strategically as a creative tool for self-understanding. Drawing from Carl Jung's ideas about symbolism, she looks at three powerful forms of imagery: animals, circles and mandalas, and modern abstract art. You'll explore why you might feel especially drawn to a particular animal, how a favorite animal can become a personal symbol, and how making art of that animal can help you explore qualities you may want to cultivate in your own life. Amy also explores the circle as a universal symbol of wholeness and invites you to begin noticing circles in your everyday environment. From mandalas to architecture, religion, science, and ordinary objects, the circle appears everywhere. Paying attention to it can become a simple mindfulness practice and a way of considering your own sense of wholeness. Finally, you'll enter the world of abstract expressionism and the use of color as emotional language. Without having to draw something recognizable, you can use color, shape, movement, and texture to make an internal experience visible. Sometimes the image tells you something before you have the words to explain it. This is a different way of thinking about creativity. The goal isn't to make beautiful art. The goal is to use art to know yourself. In this episode, you'll discover: * Why humans have used symbols throughout history * How an animal can become a personal symbol and guide * What your attraction to a particular animal might reveal * Why the circle appears across cultures, religions, science, and art * How mandalas can be used as a practice of exploring wholeness * How abstract art can give form to emotions that are difficult to articulate * Why making “ugly” or imperfect art can actually be liberating * How to use color strategically to explore your emotional state * Why your personal and cultural associations with symbols matter * How creativity can become a tool for accessing your own inner knowing 🎨 Try this after listening Choose an animal that immediately catches your attention. Don't overthink it. Look through photographs, magazines, Pinterest, or images of animals and notice your immediate yes or no response. When you find one that feels compelling, make something with it. Draw it. Paint it. Collage it. Write about it. Don't worry about whether it's good. Instead, ask yourself: What qualities does this animal have that I am drawn to? What might this animal represent for me right now? And then see what you discover. Another creative invitation Try making an abstract painting using only color. Choose several colors intuitively and create three or four sections on your paper. Let the colors blend, overlap, collide, or remain separate. Don't try to make a picture. Then step back and look at what you've created. What does the image tell you about how you're feeling? Sometimes the art comes before the explanation. As Amy discusses in the episode, putting an internal experience onto paper can make something that felt vague or unreachable suddenly available for exploration.  Books & Ideas Mentioned * I Saw a Purple Cow by Anne Cole, Carolyn Bushnell, and Betty Weinberger * Carl Jung's Man and His Symbols * Women's books on symbols, mythology, and sacred objects * Abstract Expressionism and the paintings of Mark Rothko * Animal symbolism * Mandalas and the circle as a symbol of wholeness Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

169. Get Ready for a Creativity Renaissance

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/fan_mail/new] Are we on the cusp of a creative resurgence? I think we are. In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, I’m exploring why so many of us feel creatively starved and why I believe this is exactly the moment to bring more art, beauty, aesthetics, reading, and creative expression back into our lives. We’ll look at how our environments, architecture, fashion, phones, social media, and declining engagement with reading and the arts have shaped the way we experience creativity. I’ll also talk about the growing research on the benefits of arts engagement and why creativity matters not only for self-expression, but for our health, emotional well-being, critical thinking, problem-solving, and ability to see the world from different perspectives. Most importantly, this episode is an invitation to stop consuming and start creating. You don’t need to make beautiful art, have professional skills, or come up with the perfect idea. Creativity grows through experimentation, play, brainstorming, and giving yourself permission to make something that is entirely your own. Your creative voice cannot be copied from someone else. It has to be cultivated by you. We are ready for beauty. We are ready for creativity. We are ready to make things again. The question is: What will you create? In this episode: * Why modern life can leave us creatively starved * The relationship between our environments and creativity * How phones and constant consumption affect creative thinking * Why reading and the arts matter for empathy and critical thinking * What research is revealing about the benefits of arts engagement * Why making art is different from simply consuming it * The importance of experimentation and brainstorming * Finding your unique creative voice * Why now may be the perfect time for a creative resurgence * How to begin creating more and consuming less Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

168. Rest, Reset, and Keeping Promises to Yourself: September Resolutions

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/fan_mail/new] Rest, Reset, and Keeping Promises to Yourself There is nothing selfish about taking care of yourself. In fact, you're the only person who can do it. In this episode, Dr. Amy Bakos explores why the weeks before September offer the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and prepare for meaningful change. Rather than waiting for January's rushed resolutions, Amy explains why September often feels like the true beginning of a new year—and how thoughtful preparation leads to lasting transformation. Drawing from decades of experience as a psychologist and art therapist, she shares research-backed strategies that make change sustainable, along with the deeper inner practices that create genuine well-being. This episode blends practical psychology with compassionate self-reflection to help you make commitments you'll actually keep. Whether you're hoping to establish healthier habits, reconnect with your creativity, or simply care for yourself with greater intention, this conversation offers a roadmap for lasting change. In This Episode You'll learn: * Why September is often a better time than January to begin something new * How preparation increases your chances of lasting success * Why writing down your goals dramatically improves follow-through * The surprising relationship between discipline and motivation * How tiny daily actions create significant long-term results * Why habit stacking makes new routines easier to maintain * The importance of rewarding yourself during change—not just at the finish line * How environment and routine shape lasting habits * Why self-compassion is essential for personal growth * How changing your relationship with your thoughts creates more freedom * The difference between superficial self-care and meaningful restoration Psychology Strategies for Lasting Change * Write your goals down. * Take action before waiting for motivation. * Focus on one meaningful change at a time. * Pair new habits with existing routines. * Reward yourself consistently. * Create a dedicated space for your new habit. * Improve by just 1% each day. * Practice consistently rather than perfectly. Five Inner Commitments 1. Practice self-compassion. 2. Develop a healthier relationship with your thoughts. 3. Create space for joyful action. 4. Commit to lifelong learning and growth. 5. Show up authentically for yourself and others. Memorable Quotes > "There is nothing selfish about taking care of yourself.""Discipline comes before motivation.""Preparation is the absolute key to lasting change.""Small daily progress creates extraordinary results.""Thoughts are not commands. They are simply thoughts.""To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance." — Oscar Wilde Key Takeaway Lasting change isn't built on willpower alone. It grows through preparation, consistency, self-compassion, and small daily actions that honor the promises you make to yourself. As September approaches, give yourself permission to pause, reset, and choose one meaningful commitment that supports the life you truly want to create. Share This Episode If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who could use a fresh start. Then start a conversation about the commitment each of you wants to make this season. Sometimes meaningful change begins simply by saying it out loud. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

167. The More You Look, the More you See: Art to Help you Find Solutions to your Most Vexing Problems

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/fan_mail/new] Can looking at art actually make you more creative? Absolutely—but only if you know how to look. Many people feel intimidated walking into an art museum, worrying they won't "get it" or that they need an art history degree to appreciate what's on the walls. In this episode, Dr. Amy Bakos shares five simple ways to experience art that have nothing to do with memorizing artists or reading every wall label. Inspired by a detective novel featuring the work of abstract painter Joan Mitchell, Amy explores how slowing down, noticing color and emotion, and responding creatively to artwork can strengthen observation skills, spark imagination, and improve creative problem-solving in everyday life. Whether you're a museum lover or someone who hasn't stepped into one in years, these practical strategies will help you look differently—and discover more than you expected. In this episode you'll learn: * Why you don't need art history to appreciate great art * How a novel inspired a completely new museum experience * Five simple strategies for looking at artwork more deeply * Why skipping the information label can help you see more * How observation fuels creativity and problem-solving * A simple art therapy exercise you can try after visiting a museum The Five Tips 1. Discover art through stories, books, and everyday encounters. 2. Choose souvenirs that capture the feeling—not just the image. 3. Spend time looking before reading the label. 4. Focus on color, shape, space, and emotion instead of objects. 5. Create response art to deepen your experience. Key Takeaway The more you look, the more you see. Learning to observe artwork with curiosity—not judgment—helps train your brain to notice patterns, expand imagination, and approach life's challenges with greater creativity. MEMORABLE QUOTES * "You don't need an art history degree to have a meaningful experience with art." * "The more you look, the more you see." * "Looking is a creative practice." * "Stop reading the label and start seeing the artwork." * "Art isn't a test—it's an experience." * "When you shift how you look, you shift how you think." CALL TO ACTION If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend who loves creativity, museums, or lifelong learning. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with Dr. Amy Backos on Instagram @DrAmyBackos to share how these five strategies change the way you experience art. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]