Understanding Neurofeedback Therapy For Different Mental Health Conditions
Neurofeedback is a helpful intervention for many mental health conditions. The brain can change, learn, and grow! Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself. By forming new neural connections throughout life. This process allows the brain to adapt, change, and develop over time. The concepts of neurofeedback and neuroplasticity work together. As some say, “Neurons that fire together, wire together!”
Neurofeedback therapy aims to teach individuals how to self-regulate and control their brain function through conditioning and training. Neurofeedback is used to address various conditions. Such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and other neurological and psychological issues. Take a deeper look at understanding neurofeedback for different mental health conditions below.
Neurofeedback For Different Mental Health Conditions
Neurofeedback for ADHD
Difficulty with focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity most often happens because of a brain difference, not a character problem. Not being able to focus or concentrate can feel frustrating and anxiety-provoking. Neurofeedback for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), helps with balancing out the brain through brain training. The use of neurofeedback for ADHD can help individuals regulate their brainwave patterns. With the aim of improving attention, focus, and self-control. Oftentimes, people with ADHD have too much of the theta brainwave (commonly referred to as the “daydreaming” brain wave) and too much of the beta brain wave (commonly referred to as the “working” brain wave). Throughout the neurofeedback process, the brain can learn to produce less of the theta and beta brain waves. Which can make attention and focus much easier! The American Academy of Pediatrics lists Neurofeedback as a level-one intervention for ADHD (which is the best it can get!).
Neurofeedback for Anxiety
Living with anxiety can be hard, draining, and overwhelming. It is not uncommon for people to struggle with anxiety as it is a commonly diagnosed mental health issue. Anxiety is often associated with difficulties in self-regulation, emotional control, and an electrical/chemical brain imbalance in the brain. Neurofeedback therapy can help with regulating the electrical imbalance in the brain. During neurofeedback, specific patterns of brainwave activity associated with anxiety can be identified and then altered and trained. Overactivity in the beta brainwave (faster brainwaves) range is often linked to anxiety. With repeated neurofeedback for anxiety sessions, individuals can learn to reduce excessive beta wave activity and promote more calming brainwave patterns, such as alpha or theta waves (slower brain waves). As a result, people can live a life that is calmer and more full of peace.
Neurofeedback for Autism
People with Autism Spectrum Disorder have unique strengths and unique struggles. While there is no cure for Autism, improving brain function often improves symptoms. Neurofeedback for autism is an effective way to improve brain functioning. There is a lot of clinical research that indicates neurofeedback is successful in improving areas of life that those on the Autism Spectrum struggle with. Such as decreasing anxiety, improving sensory-related issues, and improving attention and focus.
Neurofeedback for Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Getting a concussion or a TBI can be life-changing. Many people report that they do not feel like themselves afterward. TBI is a broad term that refers to damage to the brain caused by some sort of external force. The severity of a TBI can range from mild to severe. Depending on the severity of the injury and the specific areas of the brain affected. Some of the symptoms of a TBI may include headaches, confusion, memory problems, mood swings, slow processing, and various other cognitive or physical impairments. Sometimes, when someone has been through a TBI, there are noticeable changes in brain function, balance of neurotransmitters, and communication between various networks in the brain. Neurofeedback for TBI can help with this! It might be helpful to consider neurofeedback to be like physical therapy or rehab for the brain. If the brain has an injury due to a TBI, neurofeedback may be helpful in strengthening and altering the brain like a muscle in the body. Fortunately, the brain is very resilient and can overcome trauma with the right care.
Neurofeedback for Peak Performance
It is no secret that the mind is powerful. The body achieves what the mind believes! In fact, just like training the body, athletes and performers must also train their minds. That said, neurofeedback is sometimes used in enhancing cognitive performance and achieving peak performance. The idea is to train individuals to optimize their brainwave patterns, leading to improved focus, concentration, mental clarity, and overall cognitive function. The mind and body have a tight connection. So the brain is an important part of optimizing the body’s function as well.
Interested in neurofeedback therapy? Reach out to Mountain Vista Psychology today and work with a team of highly trained mental health professionals.
Begin Coping With The Help of Neurofeedback Therapy in Denver, Englewood, Littleton, and Greenwood Village, CO!
Ready to find relief from anxiety, autism, ADHD, or TBI? Experience the transformative benefits of neurofeedback therapy at Mountain Vista Psychology in Denver, CO. Take the first step toward holistic healing and reclaim control of your mental wellness by following these three simple steps:
- Schedule a free phone consultation to see if Neurofeedback Therapy is right for you
- Begin meeting with a skilled Neurofeedback Therapist
- Start taking control of your mental health and cope with your symptoms in positive ways!
Other Services Offered by Mountain Vista Psychology
At Mountain Vista Psychology, we provide many services to help empower individuals on their journey toward mental and emotional well-being. In addition to helping you cope with symptoms with the help of Neurofeedback Therapy, our specific neurofeedback services include Neurofeedback for Anxiety, Neurofeedback for Autism, Neurofeedback for ADHD, Neurofeedback for Concussion/ TBI, and Neurofeedback for Sports/Performance. Our counseling services include child counseling, teen counseling, adult counseling, family counseling, & more. Our team also provides testing for learning disabilities, ADHD, and Autism. Be sure to check out our Blog and FAQs for more about us and our services!
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!
Schedule a FREE Consultation
We believe in an integrative and holistic approach to help you make the changes you want. Contact us now to schedule an appointment or to request a 20 minute free phone consultation. During this session, you will be invited to share your story and ask any questions you may have.
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