In continuation of Dr. Ungar’s previous essays that have outlined the work of neurologist lain McGilchrist, Dr. Ungar was published in January 2025 edition of the “Journal of Behavioral Health.” Dr. Ungar points out that fellow Neurologist McGilchrist has argued that the division of the brain into two hemispheres is essential to human existence, making possible incompatible versions of the world, with quite different priorities and values.
In this second essay on this topic, Dr. Ungar adds some biographical details of his own personal journey and adds a model from recent neurophysiology to his argument that as doctors and care-givers there must remain with this same tension between the objective analysis and precision in diagnostic analysis and treatment, and yet be open to the more intangible grief and wounding of our patients by dipping deep into our own woundedness. As you can see below, Dr. Ungar is very familiar with his own woundedness and has had several published articles on the subject.
Born five years after the Shoah to a survivor from Vienna, Dr. Ungar’s childhood was spent obsessing about the subject and the impossibility to make sense of theodicy in a rational way. In a recent documentary on his father’s wartime experience, “The Cup Half Full,” Dr. Ungar was asked to voice over the following narrative . . .
“On June 14th, 1942, Regina, Juluis, Alice, and 997 other Viennese Jews were forced to board a train at Noon at the Aspang Railway Station in Vienna. Boarding took seven hours, and the train departed at 7:08 pm. The train ride took three days and some 51 Jewish men between the ages of 15 and 50 were taken off the train at Lublin and sent to labor camps. The remaining 949 Jews arrived at Sobibor on the 17th of June at 8:15 am. Every single one of these people, including the Ungars, were killed in the gas chambers and their bodies were destroyed in the crematoria a few hours after their arrival. While Willi was unable to get letters to his family from November of 1941 and on, he did still receive some letters after that date. The Last letter that we have from the Ungars in VCienna is dated January 4th, 1942.”
Dr. Ungar continues, “the relationship between the two hemispheres of the brain is increasingly seen as central to our well-being and mental health, as a number of leading neuroscientists and psychotherapists have observed. Hemispheric imbalances and disconnections underline many of our most prevalent forms of mental distress and disturbance, including schizophrenia, depression, autism, psychopathy and alexithymia, as well as many relational and dissociative pathologies, including borderline narcissistic schizoid and paranoid personality disorders. A contemporary understand of the nature of the divided brain is therefore of importance in engaging with and treating these conditions.”
“Not only mental health is affected but also spiritual health and trauma is controlled in different ways by the interhemispheric differences. Indeed, Dr Ungar claims that beyond the psychiatric, it is important to be able to understand what system our patients employ when presenting their symptoms and what deeper unacknowledged narrative can be unearthed by our awareness of two separate systems at work,” he continues.
To read the full 8 page published article and gain more insight on this topic titled “My Own Inner Crisis II” click here.
Read More Articles By Dr. Ungar here.
ABOUT DR. UNGAR
If you would like to speak to a professional and learn more about conditions or treatment options call (219) 756-0400. Dr. Ungar is committed to diagnosing problems and providing patients with the resources needed when it comes to treatment. If you are ready to get your pain managed, visit Neuropraxis in Merrillville and Chicago. At Neuropraxis of Merrilville and Chicago, Dr. Ungar provides a range of services to treat neurological conditions and pain disorders including Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuropathy, and much more.
Dr. Ungar is a highly accomplished neurologist and pain management specialist with a passion for exploring the intersection of spirituality and chronic pain. With Extensive experience in electrodiagnosis, including E.M.G, E.E.G., and evoked potentials, he brings a comprehensive understanding of neurological conditions and their impact on patients’ lives. has had his own practice in Merrillville and Chicago areas since 2002. Dr. Ungar’s Facebook Link; Dr Ungar’s Instagram Link; Dr. Ungar on Twitter; Dr. Ungar on Youtube.
WATCH THESE VIDEOS BY DR. UNGAR:
Dr. Ungar Refills an Intrathecal Pain Pump
Dr Ungar Video On Low back Pain
Dr Ungar Video on Pain Medication
Dr Ungar Video on Workers compensation
Dr Ungar Video on Migraine
Dr Ungar Video on Fibromyalgia
Dr Ungar Video On VNS Consultation – Vagus Nerve Stimulation
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