With the constant churn of life’s wheel, stress and anxiety have become a common malaise for most people. Fortunately, the field of mental health therapy is continually evolving, and recent advancements have sparked interest in a technique known as neurofeedback. It’s hailed as a non-invasive method that has shown promising potential in managing various conditions, including anxiety. This article will dive deep into the world of neurofeedback to understand its effectiveness in treating anxiety.
If you’re in Colorado and struggling with stress, anxiety, ADHD, or recovering from a brain injury, Mountain Vista Psychology could be the solution you’re seeking. This esteemed psychology practice, with branches in Littleton, Greenwood Village, and Englewood, provides a diverse array of counseling services for teens and adults. We’re particularly noteworthy for their innovative use of neurofeedback — a medication-free alternative that offers a long-lasting solution to these challenges. If you’re suffering from anxiety and are interested in this groundbreaking therapy, reach out to us today.
Understanding Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a subtype of biofeedback, a technique grounded on the concept of “brain plasticity”. The human brain is a dynamic organ, with the ability to reshape itself, form new neural connections, and adapt to changing circumstances. Neurofeedback leverages this adaptability to modify certain brain patterns and alter neurological activity.
In a typical neurofeedback session, electrodes are attached to the client’s scalp to record brainwave activities, which are then displayed on a monitor. Therapists analyze these patterns and, through a system of rewards and adjustments typically done with computer games or programs, train clients to alter their brainwave patterns, consequently affecting their feelings, thoughts, and behavior.
Neurofeedback and Anxiety
Anxiety is characterized by excessive and prolonged worry, unease, and fear. It can severely hamper a person’s daily life, but the key lies in understanding that it is deeply rooted in the brain’s activity. Anxiety is often treated with psychotherapy or medication, namely Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in combination with anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication.
However, for those seeking alternative, non-invasive, and drug-free treatments, neurofeedback has been receiving much attention. Much like CBT, neurofeedback looks to “retrain” the brain to mentally adjust how a patient experiences anxiety. However, while CBT looks to adjust your thoughts and behaviors which then impact how you feel, neurofeedback trains down anxious brainwaves. This makes it so you won’t have as much need to “fight your anxious thoughts” because you just won’t have as many of them to fight.
The underlying principle behind neurofeedback is the adjustment and control of brain waves. There are several brain waves associated with anxiety, but it is most commonly linked to an overproduction of beta waves. Beta waves are typically produced when focusing on difficult tasks and can help one focus but overproducing them can lead to stress and anxiety.
However, each brain is different and after we get your brain map we will individualize your training protocol for your needs.
Efficacy and Research
Several studies have shown promising results regarding neurofeedback’s efficacy in treating anxiety. For instance, a study published in Neural Plasticity in 2021 demonstrated significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms in participants after neurofeedback sessions.
However, neurofeedback is not a magic bullet. Like any other therapeutic approach, it’s important to remember that its effectiveness may vary from person to person, and it often works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Some individuals may see significant improvement, while others may experience subtler shifts.
It’s also crucial to note that while the current research on neurofeedback and anxiety is encouraging, it’s still in its early stages. More rigorous, large-scale studies are needed to fully understand neurofeedback’s capabilities and limitations, especially in regard to treating anxiety. That said, at MVP we have seen an over 90% success rate with neurofeedback decreasing anxiety symptoms in our clients.
Neurofeedback Is a Promising Treatment for Anxiety
In the rapidly progressing landscape of mental health treatments, neurofeedback stands out as a promising technique. It taps into the brain’s natural adaptability, offering a non-invasive, drug-free approach to help combat anxiety.
Though the body of research supporting neurofeedback’s efficacy is growing, it’s still developing. As such, if you are considering neurofeedback for anxiety, it’s vital to have this conversation with a mental health professional who can provide a comprehensive understanding and guide you through the process.
As we continue to delve deeper into the complexities of the brain, treatments like neurofeedback pave the way for a more holistic, personalized approach to mental health care. Indeed, the future of anxiety treatment looks bright, and neurofeedback is poised to be a significant part of this evolution.
In conclusion, neurofeedback is a promising technique that leverages the adaptability of the human brain, offering a non-invasive, medication-free approach to addressing conditions like anxiety. For those in Colorado, Mountain Vista Psychology combines traditional counseling techniques with innovative neurofeedback sessions. Their dedicated team provides these services to teens and adults in Littleton, Greenwood Village, and Englewood. Are you ready to embark on a journey toward improved mental health? Don’t wait for a better future; start shaping it today. Reach out to Mountain Vista Psychology, and let their professionals guide you to a healthier, more balanced life.
Dr. Steffanie Stecker a licensed psychologist and the owner and clinical director of Mountain Vista Psychology, PLLC.
In addition, she is a board certified neurotherapist (BCN E5669) and board certified in QEEG (QEEG-D). Less than 100 people world wide are board certified in QEEG, which indicates competency in reading QEEGs and choosing neurofeedback protocols. Dr. Stecker is passionate about brain based effective therapy and creating a safe relationship for her clients to create change. She loves what she gets to do each day!