Neurofeedback: Treating Emotional Struggles at the Source
Neurofeedback has been around for the past 50 years. There are thousands of research articles supporting the use of neurofeedback. Neurofeedback has been effective for:
And other emotional or behavioral struggles
Neurofeedback is an approach that is able to identify where in the brain the struggles originate from. Neurofeedback then treats the emotional or behavioral struggle at the source.
Other forms of therapy treat the struggles from a 'top down' approach. They identify the symptoms the person is struggling with. They then trace those symptoms to deeper, underlying experiences that may be the cause of the struggles.
Neurofeedback takes a 'bottom up' approach. Neurofeedback identifies the cause of the struggle first. Then, once the cause of the struggle is identified, treats the cause to help improve or resolve the symptoms.
Root Cause of Emotional Struggles
Through neurofeedback, the neurofeedback therapist is able to identify what regions of the brain may be the source of the struggle. Neurofeedback uses sensors to record the brain's performance. It is a safe, non-intrusive method that uses sensors to record brain activity.
The neurofeedback therapist uses a cap that looks like a swimmer's cap with sensors embedded in the cap. The cap is placed on the persons head and through the sensors, brainwaves are able to be recorded.
Much like an EKG measures and records the electrical activity of a beating heart. Neurofeedback measures the electrical activity of the brain.
The electrical activity of the brain is able to provide a brain map of the brain's performance. Through sophisticated software, the neurofeedback therapist is able to create a brain map unique to your brain's performance. The brain map is then compared to a database of other brain maps, from brain maps of 'normal' performing brains.
Through this comparison, the neurofeedback therapist is able to identify areas of the brain that are over performing or underperforming. Once these areas are identified, the neurofeedback therapist creates a training protocol. The training protocol will help to uptrain or down train these regions of the brain. In essence, it helps bring the brain back into balance ameliorating or resolving the emotional or behavioral struggles.
Brain Performance Training
The training program through neurofeedback is a fun and enjoyable experience. It takes little effort on the part of the person. In fact, for the training to be most effective, the person simply needs to be as relaxed as possible.
At Katy Teen & Family Counseling, we use two different training software for training purposes:
Zukor Air
Zukor Air is a video game that helps train brain performance. But, this video game is not played with hand controllers. The neurofeedback therapist places the cap with the sensors on the person. The sensors read in real time the brain's performance.
Let's take depression as an example. With the video game playing, when the brain is performing like a non-depressed brain, the person controls the avatar on the screen. When the brain returns to performing as a depressed brain, the person can no longer control the avatar on the screen.
Over the course of brain performance training and thousands of positive reinforcements for the brain in controlling the avatar, the brain's performance shifts. Let's use an example to illustrate the power of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement:
1. In a classroom, the teacher offers a reward for positive behavior. The child learns on a conscious level that positive behavior equals reward. Their brain gets the stimulus of the reward and the brain starts to shift from poor to neutral behavior towards positive behavior. Soon, the child would find the positive behavior coming naturally and automatically.
2. At home, you praise your child each time they clean their room. You may even give them an allowance for doing chores. Where it may have been a struggle before the praise or allowance, over time, this behavior may come naturally and automatically.
Much like these examples, in neurofeedback, the brain is being rewarded for performing like a non-depressed brain. These changes are long lasting and the symptoms of depression are lifted or resolved.
ANI Streamer
The ANI streamer works like Zukor Air in brain performance training. But, with the ANI streamer, we use Netflix, Disney+, or other shows or movies.
We'll use anxiety as an example. When the brain's performance shifts to a non-anxious brain, the person will be able to see and hear the show/movie. When the brain shift back to an anxious performing brain, the person is no longer able to see or hear the show/movie.
Through this repetitious positive reinforcement and over thousands or repetitions, the brain balances its performance to a non-anxious state. These changes last over time and the symptoms of depression are ameliorated or resolved.
The ANI Streamer allows someone to receive the brain performance training they need while enjoying some of their favorite shows/movies. Therapy can't get any more enjoyable!
Neurofeedback at Katy Teen & Family Counseling: Serving Katy, Tx & Houston
At Katy Teen & Family Counseling, we specialize in neurofeedback for teens. Our neurofeedback professional has been trained by the top industry neurofeedback therapists through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCI). BCIA is the top certifying body in the United States and Internationally.
If you are ready to start the neurofeedback, you can follow these three simple steps:
Contact Katy Teen & Family Counseling, PLLC
Meet with our Neurofeedback Professional
Start the process of restoring hope, happiness, and connected family relationships
How to Begin Neurofeedback
To begin neurofeedback, simply contact Katy Teen & Family Counseling through our website or by calling 346-202-4662. Our Neurofeedback Professional answers each phone call and can answer any of your neurofeedback questions.
About the Author
Jason Drake is a Licensed Clinical Worker and BCIA Neurofeedback Professional. He is a Specialist in Teen Therapy & Family Counseling. He has provided therapy to teens and families since 2003. Through his expertise, he helps teens who struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, and other struggles. He works with talented teen athletes who have experience mental blocks. Gifted students have unique challenges that Jason understands well. Jason uses CBT, Neurofeedback, FFT, and Motivational Interviewing. At Katy Teen & Family Counseling, we only work with teens and families which allows us to focus on what teens and families of today need. Resolving the struggles of today can assure a more successful tomorrow. Proudly serving Katy, Tx and Houston.
