Neurofeedback

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is brain exercise. Through the use of sensors, we measure your brain activity. We display this information graphically in the form of audio stimulation. As you listen, mental shifts toward ideal and stable brain states are rewarded. In some respects, Neurofeedback is like putting the brain on a stair-stepper to exercise certain regulatory functions continuously. This is applicable to a wide variety of functional deficits. It is a gradual learning process. Usually, 20 to 40 sessions are required to see improvement, however, in some cases, results are seen earlier. Neurofeedback is also called EEG biofeedback.

How Does EEG Neurofeedback help the brain?

Neurofeedback helps the brain self-regulate. Self-regulation is necessary for optimal brain function. Self-regulation training enhances the function of the central nervous system and thereby improves mental performance, emotional control and physiological stability. With neurofeedback we target bioelectrical functioning of the brain, which is a different and more important issue than chemical imbalances. By detecting brain waves going “off track” through the use of EEG, we can train the brain back toward enhanced stability, and improve brain function. We thereby help the brain re-regulate itself.

Does Neurofeedback cure symptoms or conditions?

Neurofeedback improves brain function. Improvements are lasting as the brain continues to use and reinforce its new capabilities. In degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, or in other cases where there is a constant insult like toxic environmental exposure, ongoing training may be required to hold gains.

How is Neurofeedback done?

Passive sensors are attached to the scalp with EEG paste, which then pick up brain waves. It is painless and does not involve the application of any voltage or current to the brain, so it is entirely non-invasive.

A computer processes your brain waves and extracts certain information from them. We show you the ebb and flow of your brain waves in the form of a video game. We instruct you how to play the video game using only your brain waves. (Everyone can do it.) The specific brain wave frequencies we reward and the sensor locations on the scalp are unique to each individual.

How often should I do Neurofeedback?

The short answer is to train 1-2 times a week and to do so consistently . A full course usually runs 15-20 sessions or more, which means you should plan to train for at least two months.  We see our most satisfied clients receiving the greatest benefit from neurofeedback training when they stay on track. Consistency pays off! 

Is there any scientific evidence that Neurofeedback is effective?

Clinicians and researchers have had more than twenty years of experience using Neurofeedback. It has been academically and scientifically studied and its positive results have been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals. There is a significant body of research regarding the benefits of the treatment of ADHD. More recently, researchers are investigating the use of Neurofeedback for Autism Spectrum Disorder because of promising emerging results. For more information, please contact our office.

There are two types of neurofeedback therapy – passive therapy and active therapy. The difference between them is the degree of the patient’s involvement in the process but both are equally effective:

• LENS – sends low-energy radio waves through the brain and measures them on their return. Sensing a disruption in its signal processing, the brain automatically readjusts itself so the waves follow a better and more efficient pathway. Multiple sessions are required in order to measure the brainwaves and find the settings that will achieve the optimum treatment for each patient.
• NEUROPTIMAL – uses various specific stimuli to help patients control their brain waves and break harmful patterns. These stimuli can be a sound or light cue or even a video game that is used by the therapist to give positive reinforcement when the patient’s brain waves reach a desired frequency.

The goal of Neurotherapy is to improve the brain’s ability to smoothly shift between states of arousal and relaxation. It locates specific pathways that are either over-activated, under-activated, or dysregulated. By modulating the brain’s functions such as Affect regulation, Emotional regulation, and Attention regulation, neurotherapy can help with several neurological issues. It has shown to be useful for children or adults diagnosed with conditions such as PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and addiction, among others.

Our focus is on holistic healing and recovery. To achieve this, we go beyond the symptoms and instead tackle your problem from its roots. Our program combines different healing modalities to effectively treat your mental health issues and prevent relapses.

LENS

Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) is an innovative, effective and a natural approach for emotional regulation. Neurofeedback is a form of EEG biofeedback based on the electroencephalogram. It is a scientifically proven brain-based technique that helps clients balance and normalize their brain function and body regulation.

Neurofeedback provides a brain-body connection to overall wellness by helping to regulate the nervous system. The brain communicates internally with electrical impulses called brain waves. The brain waves occur at different frequencies in the brain. Neurofeedback uses technology (a computerized system) to speak directly to the brain.  This communication is similar to holding a mirror up to the brain and allowing it to “see itself”. Once the brain is presented with this new information it will make necessary changes using what is referred to as neural-plasticity. LENS works to lift suppression in the brain allowing the brain to be more flexible and function more optimally.

LENS Neurofeedback helps the brain to develop new neural pathways, to get “unstuck” from repeated patterns with anxiety, depression, PTSD and more. Neurofeedback provides a nice integrated approach to trauma counseling to help alleviate many symptoms of emotional stress and trauma. It helps the brain to self-correct and allows the client to develop new ways of thinking, behaving and feeling so that you can be at your best in life and in relationships with others.

Who can benefit from Neurofeedback?

LENS is remarkably effective, and over 85% of people who have used LENS have benefited significantly from it. Results can be seen quickly, often beginning within the first session, and are long lasting. LENS Neurofeedback is scientifically proven to work with many presenting issues, including:

• ADHD/ADD
• Anxiety
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Sleep Issues
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Concussions
• Addiction
• Mood Issues
• Anger/Explosiveness
• Chronic Headaches/Migraines
• Chronic Stress
• Cognition and Clarity
• Performance Optimization
• Cerebral Disorders
  

LENS is a special type of Neurofeedback that lifts suppression in the brain. Suppression of brain waves which causes Central Nervous (CNS) issues. By giving the brain a chance to lift suppression of the brain waves it allows the brain to “reboot” or “reorganize” itself which causes the brain to function more optimally and be more flexible.

What Conditions does LENS Help With?

• Cognition – Problems sequencing, memory, providing and maintaining attention, concentration, clarity and organization.
• Mood – Anger, sadness, explosiveness.
• Motor – Lack of grace, problems of eye-hand coordination, balance, increased muscle tone (from spasticity) and tremor.
• Motivation – Problems initiating tasks, shifting from one activity to another, and/or completing tasks.
• Anxiety – Problems of anxiety system activity (too much uncomfortably-contained energy), persistent “anxiety”, restlessness, rumination, agitation, distractibility, difficulty breathing, palpitations, tremor exacerbation, and sleep interruption.

• Reactivity – Hyper-reactivity, hypersensitivity, multiple chemical sensitivities.
• Pain – Brain-generated pain and vascular pain.
• Addictions/Dependencies – Lack of clarity about emotions and self-comforting, defensiveness, argumentativeness and cynicism.
• Fatigue – Fatigue; or fatigue as a phenomenon secondary to the effort of trying to overcome the pain and/or the above impediment to functioning more easily.
• Performance Optimization – Increases in functioning in the above areas in absence of any diagnosis.

What to expect when receiving LENS

LENS is FDA approved, is non-invasive and not painful. The electrical current coming from the sensors attached to your scalp is less than the electrical current coming from your watch. LENS works well with symptoms caused by Central Nervous System dysfunction. During the session,  two or more electrodes are placed on the scalp and two electrodes are placed on the earlobes.

Clients need a series of sessions for the brain to “hold on” to the changes in the brain. The recommended number of sessions is 10 with more complicated medical issues requiring longer treatment up to 20 or more. Most people will see shifts in their nervous system and symptoms within the first 4 sessions.

Clients will complete a thorough history of their symptoms and will track changes as they progress with LENS.