WHAT IS NEUROFEEDBACK?
Neurofeedback is a noninvasive, alternative, option to psychotherapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and poor cerebral functioning. Its use of cutting-edge technology offers a comprehensive training system that promotes growth and change at the cellular level of the brain. EEG biofeedback (Neurofeedback) has been found to be effective in modifying brain function and producing significant improvements in many clinical symptoms and clinical areas (Barzegary, Yaghubi, & Rostami, 2011).
Neurofeedback recipients, or trainees, do not receive input in the form of electrical impulses. It is a modality that displays changes in brain wave patterns and regional cerebral blood flow activation (Demos, 2005). Trainees simply receive feedback or output signals that relate to their own subconscious neuronal activities resulting in growth through self-awareness. This feedback “exercising” of the brain loop facilitates an improved state of mind that subsequently makes a lasting difference in the trainee’s performance.
Simply stated, neurofeedback is direct training of brain function, by which the brain learns to function more efficiently. We observe the brain in action from moment to moment. This activity is shown back to the person, and we reward the brain for changing its own activity to more appropriate patterns. This is a gradual learning process. It applies to any measurable aspect of brain functioning. Neurofeedback is also called EEG Biofeedback, because it is based on electrical brain activity, the electroencephalogram, or EEG. Neurofeedback is training in self-regulation. It is simply biofeedback applied to the brain directly. Self-regulation is a necessary part of good brain function. Self-regulation training allows the system (the central nervous system) to function better.
When is Neurofeedback the treatment of choice?
Neurofeedback may be successfully applied to you if you need treatment for:
Depression
Anxiety
Epilepsy
ADD/ADHD
Learning disabilities
Head injuries
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Pervasive/Developmental Disorders (PDD)
Age-related Cognitive Decline
Headaches
Migraines
Peak-Performance (i.e.: athletes, performers, and business executives)
…and others
Neurofeedback is not a simple guaranteed solution for a difficult problem. It will not resolve all illnesses and issues and it is not being presented as a cure for any disorder. It is, though, a training method requiring cooperation on the part of the trainee. To find out if you or someone you know are a good candidate for this cutting-edge mode of therapy, call me for a free consultation.
References:
Barzegary, L., Yaghubi, H. & Rostami, R. (2011). The effect of QEEG – guided neurofeedback treatment in decreasing of OCD symptoms. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 30, 2659-2662.
Demos, J. N. (2005). Getting started with neurofeedback. (1st ed.). New York. London. New York. 10110.