What is Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback, also called neurotherapy, is a state of the art technique that trains the brain to function more efficiently and at its maximum potential. When our bodies are not balanced, physical and psychological pain and suffering can result making it more difficult to recover.
Neurofeedback is based on the idea, confirmed by scientific studies, that people are able to use their minds to influence many automatic functions of their bodies. Neurofeedback shows you how to use your mind to take conscious control of processes that normally occur outside of your of awareness such a brain activity.
Precise instruments translate signals from your body into a simple, meaningful way on a computer display. Moment-to-moment feedback increases awareness and rewards you each time the desired changes are achieved. Over time, you gain control of these changes.
The goal of neurofeedback is a brain that can regulate itself effectively, so that different parts are more or less active depending on what is needed for the situation. Fortunately, this is mostly an automatic process, but it can be hindered if parts of the brain are overactive, underactive or unstable. Neurotherapy helps the brain achieve regulation and balance.
What problems can be helped with Neurofeedback?
The brain manages virtually every aspect of mental, emotional and physical functioning. Neurotherapy has a wide range of applications for most ages. According to research and clinical case studies,the following problems have responded favorably to neurotherapy.
- Anxiety
- Obsessions and Compulsions
- Panic
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Chronic Pain
- Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue
- Eating Disorders
- Tinnitus
- Migraine
- Attention and Learning
- Autistic Spectrum Disorders
- Pre-menstrual and Menopausal Symptoms
- Stress Related Imbalances
- Insomnia
How Does Neurofeedback Work?
Neurofeedback is a specific type of biofeedback that monitors brain activity. In order to learn, we must have feedback about results of our efforts. Biofeedback gives us information not normally available about what our bodies are doing. With that knowledge we can learn to change processes that would otherwise not be in our control. Sensors collect information about what our brains are doing, allowing us to train our brains to produce better brainwave patterns.
Neurofeedback does not make brainwaves change. It simply allows us to learn this process. Neurofeedbacktraining focuses on the central nervous system and the brain. Neurofeedback combines the most current knowledge of neuroscience with clinical practice to improve function and performance.
EEG Neurofeedback refers to a frequency based biofeedback that uses an EEG (electroencephalography) to give information about brainwave activity. Many mental, emotional, and behavioral problems are associated with having too much or too little activity in various parts of the brain, or extreme fluctuations in brainwave frequency. For you to function well, your brain must function well, its parts working together, with each part at the right level of activity for the situation. Training subtly teaches you how to alter your brainwave activity for optimal function and performance.
pirHEG Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback for the brain that measures and feeds back information about thermal output (Hemoencephelography). Training increases activation of underactive areas of the brain. It targets the executive control system and integrative functions of the brain.
What are the benefits?
A well -balanced brain focuses sharply when the need arises and than relaxes when those needs subside. It is like a well developed muscle that does not have to strain. It works reliably without wild fluctuations.
Most psychological issues and many physical problems can be understood in terms of poor regulation in the brain. Improved brain regulation can lead to emotional resilience, reduced tension, clearer thinking, increased energy, improved relationships, better physical health and enhanced self esteem. It is also required to do our best in a variety of pursuits including sports, music, and business.
- Neurofeedback is a non-invasive and non-intrusive process.
- There are no medication side effects.
- Training may reduce or eliminate your need for medication.
- It has potential to help conditions that have not responded to medication.
- It is compatible with other therapies and can speed treatment.
- It is cost effective and may decrease your overall medical costs
- Once control is learned, you don’t have to re-learn it
- Neurofeedback you in charge of your own healing by providing measurable feedback, which allows you to monitor you progress and learning.
How does neurofeedback fit with psychotherapy?
Neurofeedback does not address what something means to you or how to make life decisions. It only makes personal changes more possible. For example, someone may become less vulnerable to anxiety or mood swings with neurotherapy. They are then better able to come to terms with troubling events, deal with disappointments, and work toward changing problem behaviors and thought patterns.
Neurofeedback can be a powerful tool used in combination with psychotherapy. Learning the process of self-regulation allows us to assess changes accurately and deal with them effectively.
I help you integrate what you learn through neurotherapy with changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior so that you reach your goals. Biofeedback combined with structured problem-solving approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness skills training strengthens your ability to gain control over your responses. You integrate the changes you learn into your repertoire of inner strengths. Clinical guidance during sessions increases awareness, enhances learning, and targets specific processes for change. Biofeedback training restores your body’s natural internal balance and self-regulatory processes.
Does neurofeedback replace medication?
Possibly. In many cases, neurotherapy allows people to reduce the amount of medication they take or eliminate it all together. Psychiatric medications are expensive and often have unwanted side-effects, and the benefits stop when they are not taken. Neurotherapy may cost less than medication, it does not have side effects,. The benefits continue after training is over.
What happens in a session?
During a biofeedback session, sensors detect your body’s physiological response. Specialized computer software feeds back information to you through visual and auditory cues, playing a simple video game, or watching a movie. The feedback allows you to begin to associate your body’s response with optimal mental states. With practice you will learn to produce these responses on your own without having to use technology.
How long does it take?
Sessions usually take 30 to 40 minutes. Of that, 15 to 30 minutes is devoted to training. The rest is spent discussing your experiences. Positive results are often seen in the first 10-12 sessions. The overall number of sessions varies and depends on problems. After the desired goals are achieved, sessions are scheduled further apart and eventually end as results stabilize.
Contact me by phone or Email [email protected] for a consultation to discuss how I can help you.
