Left Brain vs Right Brain
(The Engineer vs The Poet)
Different people think in different ways. Some tend to be more analytical and logical, while others are more drawn to emotion and intuition. These two types of thinking are sometimes called “left-brained” and “right-brained” respectively. The two mindsets could also be described loosely as “the engineer” and “the poet”. Each way of thinking has its own strengths, its own language, and its own needs.
Left Brain (The Engineer)
Left-brained people like to approach life in terms of “what makes sense.” Their approach to conflict is usually to reason out the facts of the situation and determine who is “right.” They may regard strong emotions as an obstacle or a threat to clear thinking.
This type of thinking is an asset in fact- and logic-based professions like engineering, science, and law. It is often especially pronounced in people with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Right Brain (The Poet)
Right-brained people are more inclined to “trust their gut.” They tend to be attuned to their own feelings, and often to those of other people as well. When conflicts arise, they are likely to place importance on expressing and resolving the emotions involved, rather than on simply establishing the facts.
This type of thinking is an asset in creative and interpersonal professions like the arts, teaching, and social work.
Whether you are an Engineer, a Poet, or a little of both, you are a human being with a need to be heard and understood on your own terms. This is an important part of what I offer as a counselor.