How do I perform EEG Biofeedback?
We perform Biofeedback by simply paying attention to the reward screen, which gives us visual and auditory rewards on the screen. Our subconscious mind begins to program our brain to stay in the healthy pattern. If our minds begin to stray and we start thinking thoughts, the signal lets us know we have stopped concentrating. Your brain is a powerful organ, and it will learn to attain the regulated brainwave pattern by doing the computer training and receiving the reward on the screen. Pay attention to the screen, breathe deeply and relax. Let your brain train and do its exercises. When we want to move a finger, do we say “how do I move my finger?” No, we simply move our finger. Our brain programs us to do this. It is a subconscious act. This is the way the training works.
Is This Training Program Scientifically Proven?
Science has demonstrated through research done in hospitals, universities and private research grants that when the brain is in the healthy brainwave pattern, our body and brain work together to supply our body with good nutrients that we need to be balanced. When we are in balance, we are healthy and our bodies function the way they were intended. When we are unbalanced, our brain cannot supply our body with what is needed for healing. Dr. Joel Lubar of the University of Tennessee, Dr. Eugene Penniston, Dr. Barry Sterman, University of California, and NASA, Dr. Dennis Carmody, St. Peter’s College, Jersey City, New Jersey, Dr. B. Bruckner, University of Miami, to name just a few have published scientific studies in Journals. There are on-going studies throughout the United States and in Europe conducting research on brainwave activity. There are large groups of medical doctors, psychologist, researchers and scientists working together in Universities and hospitals on brain studies. There is scientific evidence to back up EEG Biofeedback and our office has copies of these studies to assist you in learning more about this training program. At the end of this article, there is a list of web sites that you may go to review literature, testimonials and research which document EEG Biofeedback.
What diagnosis can be helped by EEG Biofeedback?
When a client comes in for Biofeedback, any of their complaints are similar. I can’t sleep, I have pain, I have headaches, I can’t remember anything, I feel depressed, and I have not energy. Some parents may say my child can’t pay attention; he is impulsive, hyperactive and has rage and anger attacks. These are all symptoms of a disregulated brainwave pattern. How does this happen? Once again some research ahs demonstrated that this occurs when a trauma has happened in our lives. It could be a car accident, a broken bone or simply an emotional trauma that we may have forgotten. Some researchers believe that it may be birth trauma that causes some of the problems children have in early life. Some scientists are not sure how the disregulation occurs; they just know something ahs caused the brain to stop functioning in the manner which it should.
What do I do during training?
When you are training, your trainer may simply ask you to pay attention to the screen. You will be reminded to take deep diaphragmatic breaths and to say your positive affirmation. Once again you are reprogramming your subconscious mind to assist in the healing process. You will be asked to pay attention and listen to the tones. You may at first not understand the process and think that you have to DO something. You do have to pay attention, and you do have to listen to the tones. The computer is set up to give you a reward 70% of the time. This has been determined to be the successful reinforcement rate that is required for you to learn to perform the task of getting into a regulated, healthy brainwave pattern. What else do you do? Relax…enjoy the training process. Tell yourself you are doing something wonderful for your body and your mind. You have taken the first step in taking control of our symptoms. Many of your symptoms will begin to lessen and go away; and you will be learning how to gain control of your pain or stress.
How will this training help me in my life?
By allowing your brainwaves to slip into a regulated pattern during training, our brain will learn to do this during your everyday life. It’s like taking lessons to learn something new. It takes practice and commitment to learn whether it’s a sport or music lessons, or even driving a car. Remember, to learn something you have to be in the relaxed and healthy brainwave pattern. If you are stressed, your brainwaves are accelerated; and it is more difficult to learn. This is a teaching model of learning relaxation and attention. By paying attention to your body, you become aware of certain patterns you hold which may cause stress in your life. Psychologists call this Operant Conditioning. You will begin to notice slight changes in behavior, less anger and more cooperation. We can these changes Covert. Very small, significant changes will be observed. Please watch for them. Let your Biofeedback Trainer know of any changes you feel.
Can my particular diagnosis be helped?
We once thought that if we had a disease or a diagnosis that was life threatening that we had to live with it. Scientific research on the brain is now telling us that we just may find the answer to healing in this century. This is the century of the brain, and we are just beginning to learn more about how our brain functions. We also know that stress plays a significant role in the disease model. If we can alleviate stress, we may be able to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the disease. EEG Biofeedback is a stress management program. Please remember, YOU are the one doing the training. We are here to assist you and to guide in the correct training procedures. If the trainer says to simply relax, pay attention to the screen, listen to the tones and breathe deeply; these are all part o the treatment policy. YOU DO NOT receive any medication in this program, nor do you receive any invasive procedure. You use your mind to heal your body. You use your mind to put yourself in the correct brainwave pattern for healing. You have the power and potential to do this. What you do is entirely up to you.
When will I begin to feel results?
You will begin to feel results after 6-8 training sessions. Some people respond after the first 2 or 3 sessions. Each is an individual process, and no two people respond in the same amount of time or in the same way. Some of the results are very covert, and you have to pay attention to your symptoms. You tell us when you are starting to feel better. You may notice you are sleeping better. Your pain may be reduced, and you may just begin to feel more alert and focused. These are all signs that your brain is beginning to respond to the training.
How often do I train?
In the beginning of the training program, you will note improvement at a faster rate if you come in at least two times a week. We usually ask children to come in three times per week. Adults are asked to come in at least twice a week for the first month. If you can only come in once a week, the program will work; it will just take a little longer to see results. It is best not to miss appointments. If you cannot keep a regular schedule, you may want to put off training until you are able to make the commitment. Training sessions last anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes. Your trainer will be talking to you about your lifestyle, diet and stress management techniques.
What if I want to learn PEAK PERFORMANCE TRAINING?
We offer a Peak Performance Program specially designed for business professionals, students and athletes to enhance abilities for achieving maximum potential. Focus, attention and mental clarity are key aspects in any task whether it is at work, school or during physical activity.
Our programs are specifically designed to each individual to help them achieve the goals they strive for. The program incorporates various methods of biofeedback training, breathing, and relaxation techniques, specifically designed for achieving optimal levels of Peak Performance.
How long will it take before I start to notice changes by doing Neurofeedback Training?
Each person responds to the neurofeedback training differently. What is realistic? Most people respond between sessions 6 to 10. However it’s not uncommon for Neurotherapists to see significant changes reported by the client in the first 3-5 sessions. We always say if someone promises you something, get up and walk out. We are each different and our brains respond when it is right for you.
What changes are you likely to notice first?
Many people say they are experiencing changes, like sleeping better, and that is not what they came in for. Any change is a good sign. It helps identify that the brain is responding. One of the challenges is that changes noted from the training can be very subtle. Neurotherapists typically ask about your sleep patterns because that can be a sign that the brain is changing. Some people say they fall asleep faster and do not wake up during the night. They also say they wake up easier in the morning. They become calm, less anxious, or are more alert. Some people notice changes in mood, attention, anger or pain. For some, it takes a little longer than others to notice changes. For more serious symptoms such as Traumatic Brain Injury, severe behavior problems, and other neurological issues it most likely will take longer for a client to respond. It is important to remember that even a small change is a step in the right direction.
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS:
If you send someone to the gym, how long will it take for them to get into shape? How long before they notice? The answer varies from person to person. Neurofeedback is literally a BRAIN
EXERCISE: How long it takes for the brain to get into shape and become more regulated will be different for everyone. Consistency is the key. If you train on a consistent weekly basis, you are more likely to see and feel results faster.
Please be patient. Observe how you are feeling and remember that even a small change is significant. We are here to help you attain better health and well-being!
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