The Mangrove

the brain's ability to change

Utilising Director Marie de Guzman’s background and knowledge in Neuroscience, The Mangrove has developed a scientific framework which we call the 'Science of Doing'. This framework builds on the brain’s ability to change - better known as “brain plasticity” - which strongly underpins our work with individuals, groups and organisations.

Brain plasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt to change and in doing so, to undergo physiological changes itself. Just as a Mangrove Tree is capable of adapting to its environment, so too can an individual, through the ‘plastic’ properties of the human brain. In evolutionary terms, this makes absolute sense. To survive, species rely on mechanisms that enable them to adapt to changing environments. In humans, brain plasticity is one such mechanism.

For years, neuroscientists believed that plasticity was a phenomenon that occurred only in childhood - during a period they called the 'critical period'. Despite earlier experiments to the contrary, it was only in recent decades that neuroscientists accepted that plasticity was possible in adulthood. And whilst it takes more energy, time and effort to enable this type of change in adults than in children, it certainly is possible. And not only is it possible, but it is also controllable.

With this in mind, the 'Science of Doing' builds on an individual’s ability to affect the brain’s plastic properties, leading to positive long term changes - behaviourally and physiologically.

The Mangrove is now looking to share this scientific framework and their knowledge of brain plasticity with other professionals involved in learning and development - such as coaches, facilitators, advisers, and many others. If you are a professional involved in learning and development, and would like to learn more, contact The Mangrove today.