What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback for your brain. It is an all-natural, non-invasive therapy that involves placing electrodes on your scalp to measure brainwave activity in real-time. Neurofeedback helps you become aware of when your brainwaves fall outside normal ranges, which is often what contributes to many symptoms associated with mental health disorders.
For example, people with anxiety often have too many fast-moving brainwaves. And people with depression often have too many slow-moving brainwaves. Through instantaneous feedback and a positive reward system, patients learn how to better self-regulate the way their brain functions. Over time, this therapeutic treatment leads to new neural pathways and a more balanced brain.
What Kind of Mental Health Disorders Can Neurofeedback Treat?
Neurofeedback is used to treat a wide range of mental health disorders including anxiety, attachment disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, mood disorders, and PTSD.
Treatment will look different for each person depending on the disorder they are struggling with. When you begin your neurofeedback treatment journey, you will have a consultation with a clinician to discuss the symptoms you are experiencing. From there, you’ll complete a qEEG brain map that will identify the areas of your brain that are either underperforming or overactive.
This brain map will then help guide the development of your personalized treatment plan.
Research to Support Neurofeedback Treatment for Mental Health Disorders
Alternative treatment options like neurofeedback can sometimes be met with skepticism. And we get it: you don’t want to spend money on a therapy that might not work. The good news is, there’s actually a ton of recent research supporting neurofeedback as an effective treatment option for mental health disorders.
Here are some reputable articles and resources on the effectiveness of neurofeedback for your reading.
- Predictors of Neurofeedback Outcomes Following qEEG Individualized Protocols for Anxiety
- QEEG-Guided Neurofeedback Treatment for Anxiety Symptoms
- Using Neurofeedback to Lower Anxiety Symptoms Using Individualized qEEG Protocols: A Pilot Study
- Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Developmental Trauma: Calming the Fear-Driven Brain by Sebern F. Fisher
- Lunch & Learn - First Responders and Neurofeedback
- The Body Keeps Score: Healing Trauma
Additional Tips for Coping With COVID-19
In addition to neurofeedback, there are a number of things that you can do from the comfort of your home to cope during these difficult and uncertain times. Here are some essential tips to follow:
- Stay informed, but don’t obsessively check the news.
- Focus on the things you can control; stay home when you can, wash your hands, and wear a mask.
- Take care of your mind and body; practice yoga, get enough sleep and eat nutrient-dense foods.
- Get outside; go for a walk, meet a friend for a socially-distant picnic, or plan a hiking trip.
- Practice stress management; prioritize your mindfulness practice, try meditating, and remember to take deep breaths when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- Stay connected; schedule regular video calls with family and friends.
Learn More About Neurofeedback in Denver and How It Can Benefit You During COVID-19
If you’re interested in learning more about neurofeedback in Denver, reach out to us at McWhorter CNR. We are here to help you live your happiest, healthiest life during these difficult times.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.