How Mirror Neurons and Oxytocin Bring Like Minds Together
How we make intuitive connections in a neuro-nerd community.
Posted February 14, 2025 | Reviewed by Gary Drevitch
In the vast expanse of the internet, social media , and now AI , I am often lost in a sea of ‘almost valuable’ information. This was particularly true when applying neuroscience practically as a parent, a husband, and a coach to my clients. I always seemed to get lost in academic literature or in a pit of snake oil, where spin doctors were trying to convince me of the next best solution with the prefix ‘neuro’ for sleep solutions or brain diets.
My journey was lonely , navigating social media forums, websites, and blogs, trying to discern fact from fiction. But then I stumbled upon some fellow neuro-nerds, and something clicked. It was as if our mirror neurons had connected as we recognized kindred spirits in the digital wilderness. I felt a deep churn in my gut; I had found my tribe. My brain was home. In this community, we shared stories in campfire conversations about our struggles and successes as parents and practitioners, with neurofeedback, brain-based coaching , and consulting. The first seeds of our neuro-nerd community began to take root. We were bound by our shared love for applying neuroscience and our commitment to each other's growth and success as ‘pracademics’: practitioners who apply published neuroscience and live by doing, not just reading.
As we continued to share our experiences, it became evident that our mirror neurons were not only connecting us but also helping us learn from each other. When Steve, for example, shared his success story of using a team coaching tool to overcome social anxiety , others in the community were inspired to try the technique. When Jamil discussed his struggles with a particular brain-based coaching exercise, others offered insights and strategies for overcoming the obstacle. These roundtables allowed us to understand each other's experiences while learning and growing as a community.
As our community grew, so did the sense of warmth and connection that permeated our interactions. It was as if oxytocin , which some have called "the trust hormone ," was coursing through our digital veins, reinforcing the bonds that held us together. As we celebrated our triumphs, the palpable joy and pride united us all in a vibrant expression of community spirit.
Building Neural Bridges Through Stories
Each member's story became a bridge between our unique experiences, helping us connect on a deeper, non-conscious level. From tales of overcoming adversity to insights gleaned from brain-based coaching sessions, our shared narratives served as both a roadmap and a reminder of the power of resilience . One member, Sarah, shared her journey of using neurofeedback to help a client recover from a traumatic brain injury , inspiring others in the community to persevere in the face of their challenges. Another member, John, shared his experiences as a brain-based coach using neuroplasticity tools to help a client manage ADHD symptoms, providing valuable insights for others in the community who were supporting clients with similar concerns.
Navigating Neuromyths
Our journey was not without its challenges. When we encountered potential neuromyths or half-truths masquerading as scientific fact, we formed a peer-review collective. When Sarah shared an article touting the benefits of a dubious "brain-boosting" deep-sleep supplement, others quickly jumped in with evidence-based research debunking the claims. Through rigorous academic fact-checking and critical thinking, we paved the way for evidence-based discourse within our community. Ahmed rightly said, “Listen to any story, then check the DOI, and see if it’s a truth or a lie.” We live by DOIs (the unique identifier for academic publications).
Cultivating Intuitive Connections
The human brain is intelligent because it is social: We learn from each other daily, with social connections leading to neural connections, especially in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. We are a collective of neuro-nerds, with our connections forming the foundation of our cognitive prowess. Much like the superior temporal sulcus, our neural pathways light up in response to social stimuli, fostering learning and understanding. Within our vibrant community, these connections are transformative.
Consider Sam. A neuro-coach, she embodies empowerment and growth, guiding individuals to unlock their brain's full potential. Through her workshops and personalized sessions, she shares narratives of resilience and self-discovery, igniting transformation—not through complex jargon, but by focusing on behavioral changes that foster lasting habits.
What sets our community apart is the richness of neurodiversity . From educators to consultants, psychologists to neurofeedback experts, each member brings a unique perspective, enhancing our understanding of the brain's intricacies. United by camaraderie, we recognize that our journey transcends neuroscience; it’s about harnessing neuroplasticity to reshape our lives and create a brighter, empowered future. As we celebrate our second anniversary, we continue our journey into neuroscience, exploring the mysteries of the brain and supporting each other and our clients, we remain driven by a sense of purpose and belonging forged through connections with like-minded minds.
This post also appears at npnhub.com
Love: an emergent property of the mammalian autonomic nervous system - PubMed (nih.gov)
Is emotional contagion special? An fMRI study on neural systems for affective and cognitive empathy - PubMed (nih.gov)
The Social Neuroscience of Attachment | SpringerLink
Share this post Facebook Bluesky Linkedin Email
There was a problem adding your email address. Please try again.
By submitting your information you agree to the Psychology Today Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
Justin James Kennedy, Ph.D., is a professor of applied neuroscience and organisational behaviour at UGSM-Monarch Business School in Switzerland and the author of Brain Re-Boot.
Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today.
This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.