FAQ's
Q: What is Neurofeedback/EEG Biofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that uses electroencephalography to provide a signal that can be used by a person to receive feedback about brain activity. Sensors are placed on the person’s scalp and the brainwaves are displayed along with a video game. Instructions are given related to changing the brainwave pattern and the corresponding video game will respond so long as the person continues to move toward their brainwave goals. A popular goal is the increase of activity in the 12–18 Hz band and a decrease in the 4–8 Hz and/or 22–28 Hz bands to address symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADD)and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). Multiple studies have shown neurofeedback to be useful in the treatment of ADD/ADHD (Butnik 2005) (Masterpasqual et al. 2003) as it is characterized by an abundance of slow brainwaves and a diminished quantity of fast wave activity (Butnik 2005).
Within the last 5–10 years, neurofeedback has taken another approach related to deep state training. Alpha-theta training has been used in the treatment of alcoholism and other addictions. Whereas higher frequency training can be considered a more directly physiological approach, strengthening sensorimotor inhibition in the cortex and inhibiting excess slow brainwaves, deep state training derives from a psychotherapeutic approach. Alpha-theta training involves accessing of painful or repressed memories through the alpha-theta state. A significant bibliography on the efficacy of EEG biofeedback as documented in referenced peer reviewed journals is listed at isnr.org.
Q: What is an average course of treatment using neurofeedback (NF)?
We recommend starting treatment with two sessions per week and reducing to once a week once the benefits of the NF are reliable. Most conditions improve in five to ten sessions, however, twenty to forty sessions are necessary for long term benefit.
Q: What is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)?
EMDR is a phased, scientifically validated, and integrative psychotherapy approach based on the theory that much of psychopathology is due to traumatic experience or disturbing life events. These result in the impairment of the client’s innate ability to process and to integrate the experience or experiences within the central nervous system. The core of EMDR treatment involves activating components of the traumatic memory or disturbing life event and pairing those components with alternating bilateral or dual attention stimulation. This process appears to facilitate the resumption of normal information processing and integration. This treatment approach can result in the alleviation of presenting symptoms, diminution of distress from the memory, improved view of the self, relief from bodily disturbance, and resolution of present and future anticipated triggers.
Q: What is the role of meditation in your services?
We believe that people have the innate capacity to move toward health and a meditation practice supports and nourishes one’s continued well being. Therefore, our practice offers a weekly meditation group which complements our clients’ work in psychotherapy and/or neurotherapy. By learning meditation techniques and developing a daily practice, our clients will more effectively maintain the powerful benefits experienced from their initial work with us.
Q: What are the benefits of a meditation practice?
For many people, meditation is considered a largely spiritual practice. However, attempts toward meditation and meditative techniques have significant benefits for stress-related emotional and physical conditions for everyone.
Benefits include: increased relaxation; decreased respiratory rate; slower heart rate; increased blood flow; lower blood pressure; increased serotonin which helps depression, obesity, insomnia and headaches; reduced anxiety and panic attacks; enhanced immune system and improved self confidence.
Meditation is also well respected as a holistic tool in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction, and is part of the 12 Step Programs.
Q: Who will lead the meditation class/group?
Claudia Cugle Collins will be our weekly meditation leader. Claudia has had a daily meditation practice for several years. For most of her adult life, Claudia has been a seeker of Self, the Self to which we are all born. Her life experiences have guided her to a deeper appreciation for ‘life as it shows up.’ Claudia’s life has shown up in many diverse and interesting ways such as in her pursuit of her degree in Religious Studies and as a Reiki Master. Her son, Jeremy, and ‘daughter-in-love,’ Kim, are her blessings that remind her that joy, love and laughter are essential to life and can be had even in the most challenging of times. Claudia shares her home with her furry, purring companion, ‘Spirit.’