Neurofeedback
What Is Neurofeedback Therapy?
Neurofeedback therapy is a “form of biofeedback that measures and trains brain activity using visual and auditory cues,” thereby helping regulate brainwaves to achieve balance for optimal functioning. [1] Among its benefits, neurofeedback therapy can be an effective adjunct treatment for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Even within the parameters of normal brain function, most people experience imbalances that can affect daily functioning, which neurofeedback can address.
Neurofeedback therapy aims to help brainwaves reach their optimal frequency and, in doing so, also helps make the talk therapy process easier. You can think of brainwaves as a symphony of higher and lower musical notes that work together. Whereas the lower frequency delta, theta, and alpha brainwaves promote a relaxed state, the beta brainwaves become more active when analyzing data and performing cognitive tasks.
Without a proper balance of brainwaves, the symphony may become out of tune and impact how you think and feel. For example, if a person has too much of the lower frequencies such as delta or theta, they may have difficulty with focusing.
Neurofeedback was initially developed by Dr. Joe Kamiya in the 1960s. His research utilizing EEG neurofeedback therapy illustrated how subjects could train their brains to produce more alpha brainwaves. Soon after, Dr. Barry Sterman published an experiment demonstrating how seizures could be inhibited in cats by increasing Sensory-Motor Rhythm (SMR) during relaxation. Thereafter, Dr. Joel Lubar built upon this research, showing neurofeedback therapy’s effectiveness with ADHD. Since then, neurofeedback has been expanded to address a variety of other neurological and mental health conditions. [2]
How Does Neurofeedback Therapy Work?
After an intake session to identify the symptoms you’re experiencing, we will determine whether or not a brain map—known as a qEEG—would be helpful to target the areas we want to address. If a brain map is suggested, I will refer you to a specialist, and you will come back to receive neurofeedback therapy once you have a qEEG.
We usually shift into an EEG neurofeedback session after 30 to 45 minutes of talk therapy. After electrode sensors are positioned on your head to target the appropriate area, you will be asked to pick a neutral TV show to watch for about 20 minutes or so. Once you start watching it, you will notice the screen brightening and dimming. There is nothing you need to do other than focus on watching the show while staying relaxed. The more you let go, the more your brain can subconsciously achieve frequency balance.
As your brain undergoes training in each neurofeedback session, the effects should last longer after each treatment. I will touch base with you the following day to get feedback about how you are feeling and we will adjust the protocol as needed. Neurofeedback therapy will usually be scheduled once or twice per week, depending on how you respond to treatment.
While everyone responds differently, it typically takes several weeks of ongoing brain training before the results of neurofeedback therapy become more permanent. Once we observe that the training is holding, we can reduce the number of sessions. Although you may require a "tune-up" down the road, subsequent treatment will be shorter.
Who Can Benefit From Neurofeedback Treatment?
Although it can address a variety of mental health issues, I utilize EEG neurofeedback treatment in conjunction with talk therapy to treat the symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression and trauma. I also incorporate neurofeedback into talk therapy sessions to improve emotional regulation, stress resilience, flexible thinking and insight as well as to address sleep and attention issues.
Once your brainwaves and nervous system are more regulated, you become more relaxed and receptive to overcoming emotional barriers. Attaining brain balance can help speed therapy along, making the overall process more rewarding and fruitful. In addition to therapy, some clients find it helpful to look at their nutrition, supplementation and exercise habits to improve overall health. With my background as a health coach, I can offer recommendations if desired.
Research supports the use of neurofeedback for treating mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. In the case of depression, “Two neurofeedback protocols—alpha asymmetry protocol and enhancing beta/inhibiting theta or alpha at C3—can modify this suboptimal brain state.” [3] And for anxiety, “Neurofeedback may improve the communication between the amygdala and the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. When the connection is enhanced, the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex is better able to respond appropriately to possible threats, which reduces the impulsive, hyperactive behaviors commonly linked to anxiety.” [4]
The BAUD (Bio-Acoustical Utilization Device) For Trauma
In addition to EEG neurofeedback, I also utilize the BAUD to process traumatic memories. Before treatment, we will identify a specific memory to target. By utilizing aural frequencies delivered through headphones that put the brain in an alpha-theta state, you will be in the optimal mental state to release and heal trauma. Once the memory is activated for thirty seconds, we will use another calming frequency called the disruptor to neutralize any ensuing anxiety. Then, when you relax, you can think about the event in an almost hypnotic state, allowing the memory to dismantle itself and lose its potency. Often clients will leave feeling calmer and having new perspectives on their trauma that help them to handle the memories with greater ease. We call this memory reconsolidation.
Why I Utilize Neurofeedback In Therapy
I initially discovered neurofeedback therapy as a job opportunity when I lived out West several years ago. I practiced it there for a year and also experienced it as a client undergoing treatment for anxiety and depression. Once I decided to go back to school to become a therapist, neurofeedback once again found me through my master’s program and internship work. Since I began practicing neurofeedback treatment in conjunction with talk therapy in 2016, the results have spoken for themselves.
Although no treatment is one-size-fits-all, I have found that incorporating neurofeedback therapy into my practice has helped many of my clients reduce distressing symptoms more quickly. A balanced brain can help you develop resilience, clarity, insight, self-awareness, and confidence, improving how you feel about yourself and others.
Find Out How Neurofeedback Therapy Can Help You
To find out more about neurofeedback therapy with Nurture Neuro, call 928-607-3762, or visit my contact page to schedule a free 15-minute call.
