Within mental health practices, traditional talk therapy has long been the most common therapy method. We know it works. Numerous studies affirm that simply sharing your fears, worries, anger, trauma, thoughts, and feelings alters the way you perceive your mental burden and reduces the effect. However, occasionally, simply talking it through is not enough for your brain to “let go” or to shift your thinking patterns. This is where neurofeedback can be useful.
All of us have struggles in life. Your struggle may be anxiety, anger, sleep, conflict, stress, depression, or trauma. All these various concerns reside in our brain. Our brain is a machine. We give it fuel with proper nutrition and give it rest and repair through adequate sleep. When it’s running as an efficient machine, it helps us function well in our daily tasks. The challenge happens when the machine is not working effectively or efficiently, and we experience mental health concerns. Sometimes self care – getting proper nutrition and rest – is sufficient for optimal functioning. Other times more is needed.
Neurofeedback addresses this deficit. Neurofeedback is a computer system that “talks” to your brain and asks it if it’s being efficient. Through sensitive wires, your brain sends signals to the computer system and the computer system communicates back. Immediately your brain starts adjusting to become more efficient. Often that means you can immediately notice subtle, but important, changes which can help you manage your life better. You might notice improvements in sleep, attitude, coping and general mood improvement.
You can think of it this way: when you are driving along the highway and you hit the rumble strips along the side, you immediately pay attention. You suddenly put both hands on the wheel, turn the music down, and focus. The same is true for your brain. When your brain talks to the computer through neurofeedback it’s bumping up against rumble strips. The computer system asks your brain “are we being efficient?” When the answer is “no” your brain adjusts.
Practically speaking, the process looks like this: Two sensors are placed on the top of your head and one on each of your ears. They are connected to highly sensitive wires that are connected to a computer system with the neural optimal equipment. During the “neuroptimal” session, the computer is sensing the output from your brain. During your neurofeedback appointment you are welcome to talk to the counselor, or read, or listen to music or even sleep. Your brain does the work. For young children, they could even watch a short TV program.
You may ask how many sessions are effective for neurofeedback. The answer is your brain knows. For adults, often 6 sessions are enough for the person to notice a shift in their mental thoughts. Others might need more. Your brain will find a way to tell you if you need another session.
If you feel traditional talk therapy is no longer effective for you or you want to increase the therapeutic effectiveness, contact me about scheduling a neurofeedback appointment.
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