“THE OVERALL SUCCESS RATE OF EEG NEUROFEEDBACK TRAINING IS REPORTED TO BE MORE THAN 85% FOR SOME DISORDERS.”
Getting Started with Neurofeedback; (10), John Demos, 2005
The brain is amazing and adaptable.
Neurofeedback, also known as neurotherapy, is a state of the art technique that trains the brain to function more efficiently and at its maximum potential.
When our bodies are not balanced, physical and psychological pain and suffering can result making it more difficult to recover.
Research has shown that experiencing trauma, chronic pain, substance abuse and eating disorders can negatively impact brain functioning. In some people, these changes result in cognitive impairments and an increase in symptoms. In other cases, baseline brain functioning may have contributed to underlying symptoms such as anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), headaches and migraines, and attention deficit disorder leading to maladaptive coping patterns and/or increased pain and suffering.
How Neurofeedback Works
At Casa Palmera, our goal is to train you to balance your brain and body to have optimal functioning and health. We start with an extensive assessment which includes a Clinical Interview, psychological and physical symptom questionnaires, Quantitative Electroencepalogram (QEEG), Psycho-Physiological Stress Profile and Neuropsychological Testing. The assessments guide your individualized treatment plan and help our team track your progress with your chronic pain.
During the Physiological Stress Profile your heart rate, respiration, muscle contractions, finger temperature and skin conductance are measured during rest, stress, recovery and during paced breathing periods. This test shows us how your body is functioning and what types of interventions will be helpful to decrease symptoms and increase health and well-being.
QEEG is a non-invasive test that measures electrical impulses from your brain. We use this information to understand your brain functioning and symptomatology, and to diagnosis and create individualized treatment plans. The procedure is done without any medication and is completely painless.
With the information from the QEEG, we know exactly which position on your scalp needs to be increased or decreased for improved functioning.
Neurofeedback (EEG)
By training you to regulate your brain waves, your brain is rewarded and learns to direct itself towards a more desirable level of functioning. Through neurofeedback training you can learn to increase brain functioning, such as memory, emotion regulation, and learning. Conversely, you can also decrease unwanted side effects of imbalances in the brain such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and addictive behaviors.
We utilize respiratory feedback, Heart Rate Variability (HRV) training, skin conduction (SC), finger temperature and electromyography (EMG) protocols. These protocols help to train your body back to balance, increase positive coping and increase your ability to handle the demands of your everyday life, while at the same time decrease your pain and suffering.
At Casa Palmera, we understand the importance of a foundation that starts with strong brain functioning to learn, remember and integrate new behaviors into your life. It is this foundation that will lead you to a lasting recovery.
“Individuals who use Neurofeedback are twice as likely to maintain long-term sobriety compared to a similar group without Neurofeedback training.”Effects of an EEG Biofeedback Protocol on a mixed substance abusing population The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 31:455-469, 2005
A unique aspect of our psycho-neurophysiological program is that our treatment team incorporates many other therapeutic modalities during neurofeedback and biofeedback sessions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, mental imagery and yoga practices. This integration allows for faster learning and generalization by reinforcing the use of skills that allow the brain to function at a higher, more efficient level.
At Casa Palmera, we practice a thorough, comprehensive and focused approach that will empower you with the tools and guidance for greater healing and functioning.
About the author
