Neurofeedback/Biofeedback Program
Neurofeedback
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Neurofeedback
is a brain exercise.
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We can
observe the brain in action moment to moment and monitor
brainwave activity.
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Neurofeedback
uses instrumentation to show your brain activity. Neurofeedback
can help change your brainwave activity by rewarding movement
toward a more appropriate and stable brain state.
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Neurofeedback
is a gradual learning process.
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Neurofeedback
is also called EEG biofeedback. The electroencephalogram (EEG)
is another name for the brain wave recordings, and in this
context, biofeedback refers to the process by which you can
learn to improve your brain waves and thereby obtain better
control over your brain states.
What can Neurofeedback help?
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Neurofeedback
is training in self-regulation. Good self-regulation is
necessary for optimal brain function.
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Self
regulation training enhances the functioning of the central
nervous system and thereby improves mental performance,
emotional control, and physiological stability.
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With
Neurofeedback, we are concerned with the brain’s internal
regulatory networks, and we can train the brain’s functional
deregulation.
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Neurofeedback
detects when the brain is off track through the EEG, we can
train the brain toward improved and better functioning and
enhanced stability.
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Neurofeedback
is like putting the brain on an exercise program, to exercise
certain regulatory functions.
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This can be
applied to a wide variety of functional deficits.
Does Neurofeedback cure symptoms
or conditions?
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In the case
of organic brain disorders, it is more a matter of getting the
brain to function better rather than curing the condition.
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When it comes
to issues of deregulation, one could say that there is not a
disease to be cured, and self regulation may very well be
remedy.
Who can
benefit from Neurofeedback?
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Individuals
of any age can benefit from Neurofeedback & Biofeedback.
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Neurofeedback
can help a variety of childhood problems including bedwetting,
nightmares, attention deficits, and other forms of disruptive
and disturbing behaviors.
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Neurofeedback
can assist adolescents who struggle with anxiety and depression
or drug and alcohol use.
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Neurofeedback
can alleviate symptoms of physical and emotional problems such
as migraines or PTSD.
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Neurofeedback
can help anyone maintain good brain function as they age.
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Peak
performers also use EEG training to enhance their performance
and abilities in sports, business and the arts.
How is
Neurofeedback done?
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Sensors are
put on the scalp using EEG paste which can 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.
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A computer
processes the brain waves and extracts certain information from
them.
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We show you
the ebb and flow of your brain waves, and the specific
information we obtain from them, in the form of a video game.
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We instruct
you how to play the video game using only your brain waves.
(Everyone can do it.)
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The specific
brain wave frequencies we reward and sensor locations on the
scalp are unique to every individual.
What happens if Neurofeedback
clients are taking medication?
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With
successful Neurofeedback training, medications targeting brain
function may no longer be needed, or they may be needed at lower
doses, as the brain takes over the role of regulating itself.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is the application of computer software and hardware
used to help you relax and manage/treat anxiety, stress,
frustration, and/or anger. Biofeedback is an effective treatment for
a variety of syndromes involving the management of anxiety,
depression, ADD, ADHD, and/or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
and in many cases can be the preferred therapeutic method.
Treatment
Several finger sensors are placed on the tip of three fingers. The
sensors detect your heart rate variability (HRV) and Skin
Conductance Level (SCL). HRV is calculated from the differences in
heart rate from one heartbeat to another. Greater HRV is a healthy
goal. SCL measures sweat gland activity. Increased perspiration
indicates increased autonomic nervous system activation, which is
associated with increased energy – both positive, like excitement,
and negative, like nervousness. Biofeedback sessions will last
anywhere from 30-60 minutes or possibly more.
Benefits
Biofeedback is known to assist most patients by decreasing symptoms
associated with anger, fear, stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Other
benefits when combined with Neurofeedback are to help you improve
your self-regulation as well as learn calming/relaxing techniques
and improve the quality of your life.
Other benefits include the possibility of reducing problem behaviors
and enhancing group and individual therapy. Anxiety reduction is
usually experienced during each treatment; but may be seen hours
later.
Risks
Biofeedback will not interfere with most other treatments. You may
feel tired/sleepy or physically “heavy” as a result of participating
in Biofeedback. It is also possible that you might fall asleep
during or after Biofeedback sessions.
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