To better understand our clients and their experiences, we must first understand the way our brains work. Everything that happens in the social and emotional aspects of our lives can be explained using neuroscience theories. Neuroscience focuses on specific brain structures and how they affect individuals. For years the connection between neuroscience and social work has been poor, but in recent years the importance of connecting the two fields has become more popular. As science advances and more information is discovered about how our brains work, it is necessary for social workers to have a good understanding of neuroscience. Some of the most crucial topics for social workers to understand are brain structure, brain development, neuroplasticity, attachment theory, affect regulation, and trauma. By understanding these concepts, we can provide more effective interventions for the unique clients we serve. The human brain weighs approximately three pounds and contains approximately 100 billion neurons (Farmer, 2009, p. 21). The brainstem is the oldest part of the brain and controls important functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and our basic emotions such as happiness or sadness. It also sends and receives information from the spinal cord. Above the brainstem is the thalamus, which connects to the higher cortical regions of the brain. It manages sensations such as touch. The hippocampus surrounds the thalamus and manages spatial working memory, learning, and emotions. The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain and is responsible for movement and cognitive and emotional functions. The outer region of the brain is the cerebral cortex and is divided i...... middle of paper ......ll like other mental illnesses, which can lead to a myriad of problems in an individual's life. it is an infinite amount of information that would be useful for social workers to know about the human brain; knowing these basics will make a huge difference in how we serve our customers. Understanding brain structure, brain development, neuroplasticity, attachment theory, affect regulation, and trauma is incredibly useful for any person in a helping profession, and especially social workers. As we work with our clients, we must remember that their emotions and reactions are almost always tied in some way to what they experienced in early childhood and the effect their childhood experiences had on their brain. Knowing this allows us to be more empathetic and effective when working with the clients we serve.