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What is Neurofeedback? |
Neurofeedback training is a pleasant, relaxing brain training that uses real-time EEG information to enable the brain to return to its own healthy state of functioning. Typically, no matter who we are, we have some inefficiency, instability, or "turbulence" in our central nervous system. When given the proper feedback, our brains can decrease (or cease) less-than-optimal patterns or tendencies and move on to more optimal ones. Neurofeedback uses real-time EEG data and, in the system I use, gives the brain an auditory signal when it has done something "less efficient." The brain, being organized to adapt towards health when given the chance to do so, ceases that activity and moves its attention into the present moment. With repeated training, the old patterns have less pull or "attraction" and the brain's functioning is more efficient, stable, resilient, and flexible. With greater efficiency, stability, resiliency, and flexibility, the person experiences much improved functioning in daily living.
Who can benefit from neurofeedback training?
Anyone and everyone can benefit from neurofeedback training, because we can all do with improved brain functioning! I do neurofeedback with children and adults.
Neurofeedback has been demonstrated to be helpful for:
- Attention and concentration
- Memory
- Mood problems, depression
- Excessive worrying, repetitive thoughts
- Sleep problems
- Premenstrual and menopausal symptoms
- Ongoing pain
- Excessive anger
- Stress, including residuals of post-traumatic stress
- Chronic fatigue
- And other types of cognitive dysfunction and inefficiences
What is a typical neurofeedback session like?
A neurofeedback session is typically quite pleasant and relaxing. You sit in a comfortable chair, with sensors attached (using conductive paste) to your head and ears. (The sensors on your head pick up the electrical signals from your brain that constitute the EEG information. The sensors on your ears provide the grounding.) You sit back, relax, and listen to music. If you want, you can watch patterns on the video monitor. Whenever your brain does something "inefficient", the music is interrupted (for a second) and then resumes. This is the feedback to your brain! The computer program takes your brain through a stretch, warm up, work out, and cool down program, and then you are finished! Sessions last from 20-40 minutes, depending on how your brain is responding to the training and how long you have been training. Your neurofeedback trainer keeps a log of how you're doing, what progress is made, and guides the process, but in this neurofeedback program (Neurocare Pro, developed by the Zengar Institute), your brain decides what it is working on in each session (not the trainer.) This makes this type of neurofeedback session quite organic and natural.
Is neurofeedback "therapy"?
Neurofeedback is not therapy! Neurofeedback does not "treat" any condition, disorder, or symptoms. It is a brain training technique. When I do it, I am working as a neurofeedback trainer, not as a therapist.
What about neurofeedback and medication?
Neurofeedback can be done with people taking medication. What usually happens as the brainīs functioning becomes more efficient, it also utilizes medication more efficiently. Sometimes, such as with attention problems for example, it can make sense to try neurofeedback instead of an initial trial of medication.
Do the benefits of neurofeedback last?
Yes, neurofeedback lasts! Because the central nervous system tends towards health when given the proper "environment", once the brain has learned a new way, it continues in the new patterns. Occasionally, perhaps at times of great stress or crisis, a few booster sessions might be indicated, to remind the brain, as it were, of the new way.
Articles, Links, and Recommended Books:
For a wonderful article, written by Jim Robbins (who has also written a terrific book about his experience with neurofeedback as well as its history, A Symphony in the Brain), go to PsychologyToday.com