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Most people know about therapy and medication to treat conditions like anxiety and depression, but few people are familiar with neurofeedback. What is neurofeedback therapy? It’s a type of therapy that changes how the brain reacts to certain stimuli. While some people may be put off by a therapy that changes the brain, it’s a non-invasive and effective treatment for several conditions.
In a neurofeedback therapy session, the goal is to help the individual have conscious control over their brainwaves. This is done by administering a neurofeedback test and monitoring brainwaves, giving immediate feedback in audio or video responses.2
Alpha brainwaves are associated with feelings of peacefulness and relaxation, while beta waves are associated with focus, tension, alertness, and excitement. How does neurofeedback work for different conditions? Neurofeedback therapists will develop a specific treatment plan depending on an individual’s condition and needs.
If an individuals’ beta waves are being measured in a neurofeedback therapy session, therapists may use a video on a screen to demonstrate the beta brainwave fluctuations. For example, the screen will brighten when beta waves are present; when beta waves are not present, the screen will dim.
Allowing the individual to see and understand their brain’s response to stimuli helps them identify feelings and emotions that trigger specific reactions. Over time, this can help train the brain to react healthily.
Once the electrodes are on, it’s time to begin the neurofeedback treatment process. Individuals will sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Each session varies from person to person, but a movie, video game, or audio is usually involved. Individuals will engage with one of these media so that the neurofeedback therapist can observe the brain’s reaction to the stimuli. A screen will darken with negative emotions throughout the neurofeedback treatment and lighten with positive emotions. This is thought to ‘train’ the brain towards positive emotions and reactions.
Neurofeedback treats emotional dysregulation, so if you’re facing a condition that involves emotional regulation, neurofeedback could be a good option for you. However, neurofeedback therapy is still being researched, so t’s important to research neurofeedback therapists to see if they’re qualified to treat the issues you’re looking for help with.
Conditions that are commonly treated with neurofeedback therapy include:
Can neurofeedback be harmful, or worse—can neurofeedback damage your brain? While some people report side effects, those side effects are often minor and transitory, and neurofeedback is generally regarded as a safe practice.
Some possible side effects of neurofeedback therapy include discomfort with the headset—though it’s not painful, it may be uncomfortable for some people—headaches, anxiety during treatment, and tiredness.
However, these side effects and others can be minimized or avoided by working with a trained professional. Before any actual neurofeedback sessions, you should always be given a brain wave test or EEG biofeedback therapy test. The EEG (electroencephalograph) allows the practitioner to establish a blueprint of your brain’s electrical activity, illuminating areas of your brain with potential abnormalities and areas that need to be focused on.4
Additionally, some groups of people are more at risk of side effects. If you have a preexisting neurological condition, be sure to disclose that to your practitioner. You may experience more adverse side effects and rarer side effects that others don’t experience. People with epilepsy also should avoid this treatment; research has shown that neurofeedback therapy causes abnormal electrical brain surges that increase the likelihood of having a seizure.5
Iris Healing® strives to be diligent and prompt in updating the information available on our website. Please note, however, that our treatment modalities and protocols are subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date details regarding our treatment offerings or other protocols, please contact us: (844)663-4747
At Iris Healing®, we offer a free and confidential verification of benefits with no commitment required. For our in-network insurance partners, Iris Healing® accepts PPO, EPO, and HMO plans. For out-of-network insurance, we accept most PPO policies. We are happy to answer any questions you have related to insurance coverage for mental health and addiction treatment.
Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services.
Iris Healing Center
Certification: 190056AP
Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
Iris Healing Retreat
License Number: 190943AP
Expiration Date: 1/31/2025
Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services.
Iris Healing Center
Certification: 190056AP
Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
Iris Healing Retreat
License Number: 190943AP
Expiration Date: 1/31/2025
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