Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is also called EEG biofeedback. Neurofeedback is training your brain to self-regulate. Good self-regulation is necessary for optimal brain function. Self-regulation enhances the function of the central nervous system and thereby improves mental performance, emotional control, and physiological stability.

Neurofeedback is done by placing sensors on the head. The brain waves are measured and recorded. A computer processes the brain waves. Then this information creates the feedback. Neurofeedback is used to alleviate attention problems, anxiety, and depression. It is useful to help in the recovery of traumatic brain injury. Improvement is usually noticed within the first five sessions.

I am trained to perform traditional neurofeedback and also LENS or Low Energy Neurofeedback. The advantage of LENS is that results are produced faster than with traditional neurofeedback, it can be used with very young children, and with individuals who have low motivation, and impulse control.

It is important for anyone doing Neurofeedback training to let their physicians know because medications may not be needed or may have to be lowered due to better brain functioning.

For more information see: www.isnr.org and www.ochslabs.com

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EDMR)

EMDR is a highly effective therapy for trauma. It uses eye movements or bilateral stimulation to help the brain to process traumatic events. Memories that seem to be always present become dimmer and dimmer and finally lose their emotional strength.

EMDR is a therapy that is listed in the new Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense Practice Guidelines "A" category as "highly recommended" for the treatment of trauma.

See http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/PTSD/PTSD_cpg/frame...for more information.
It has received a high level of recommendation by the American Psychiatric Association and by the mental health departments of Israel, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Sweden and more. For a full listing visit http://www.EMDRHAP.org/researchandresources.html

EMDR is also listed as an effective form of therapy, backed by research, on a new National Institute of Mental Health sponsored website: Check under "Adult MH Therapist for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder."

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (cBT)

CBT is a preferred therapy for anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, eating disorders, and major mental illness. Its effectiveness has been studied extensively. Some studies have shown that CBT may be as effective as medication in treating depression. And it may be better than medication in preventing relapse.

In CBT we examine thoughts/beliefs (cognitive), behaviors, and emotions. We believe that thoughts/beliefs, behaviors, and emotions create a feedback loop. This means that if you change one element, every element also changes. Emotions are very difficult to address directly so the emphasis is placed on changing thinking/beliefs and behaviors, and the emotional changes follow. For example, in depression a person may be very inactive. By increasing structure in his/her daily life and increasing physical activity (changing behaviors), mood is elevated. Destructive thoughts are also challenged. Individuals are asked to perform experiments to create new thought and behavioral patterns.

For more information, please see: www.nami.org and www.beckinstitute.org

Hypnosis

CBT is a preferred therapy for anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, eating disorders, and major mental illness. Its effectiveness has been studied extensively. Some studies have shown that CBT may be as effective as medication in treating depression. And it may be better than medication in preventing relapse.

In CBT we examine thoughts/beliefs (cognitive), behaviors, and emotions. We believe that thoughts/beliefs, behaviors, and emotions create a feedback loop. This means that if you change one element, every element also changes. Emotions are very difficult to address directly so the emphasis is placed on changing thinking/beliefs and behaviors, and the emotional changes follow. For example, in depression a person may be very inactive. By increasing structure in his/her daily life and increasing physical activity (changing behaviors), mood is elevated. Destructive thoughts are also challenged. Individuals are asked to perform experiments to create new thought and behavioral patterns.

For more information, please see: www.nami.org and www.beckinstitute.org