NEUROFEEDBACK
What is Neurofeedback/EEG Biofeedback
Neurofeedback is a form of operant conditioning that trains your brain to work more efficiently in emotional regulation, attention, problem-solving, and so on. Particular mental health symptoms and conditions such as ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, etc. are the result of brain activity either being slower or faster than it needs to be. Neurofeedback therapy rewards the brain for the optimal activity and inhibits the activity that is too fast or too slow. Our brains are so clever and adaptive that over time the learning in session becomes generalized into day to day functioning. The brain learns how to regulate itself in a new way. Over time, symptoms reduce in frequency and severity. So if attention and memory were an issue, now attention and memory are improved. If anxiety and panic attacks were an issue, now the brain is generally calmer and knows how to calm back down more quickly when distressed.
I have been providing Neurofeedback therapy since 2012. I have provided it to numerous clients as well as trained my own brain so I know what your experience is like from a professional and personal standpoint!
Getting Started with Neurofeedback
In order to determine what specific Neurofeedback protocols to provide, I use checklists and complete a “Minimap” of your general brainwave activity. A treatment plan will be discussed with you and tweaked regularly in the beginning to be sure we are getting the result you want (feel calmer or happier, focus better, sleep better, etc).
If medication is already a part of your symptom management, it is important to continue to take the medication as prescribed as we begin. If you are still in the process of frequent medication changes to find what medication type or dosing works best for you, I may recommend that you complete that process before we start neurofeedback training.
Once per week sessions at minimum are recommended for this treatment. Length of time for this treatment will be based on your specific symptoms and goals.
EMDR
What is EMDR? (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR is a tool used for clients who have symptoms, distress, and negative thinking about themselves and/or the world that are the result of a disturbing life experience. It follows an 8 phase protocol that reframes thinking and resolves emotion around the event(s).
EMDR allows one to reprocess a negative event such that it no longer has the same negative thinking once associated with it nor the same negative emotional experience. When life experiences occur, a physically based information processing system in the brain moves memories towards resolution. A healthy resolution can get blocked or hijacked in several ways, particularly when the event(s) is overwhelming and causes intense emotions. The result is a trauma based memory network that is dysfunctional and creates problematic reactions in present situations. Events that are similar in some way to the initial event(s) trigger what is now a maladaptive response; these events can be “small” or “big” like events that cause PTSD. The dual attention bilateral stimulation of EMDR activates the processing system again and allows integration of the memory materials into new more positive network; thus lessening, if not eliminating, reactions to triggers.
Once per week sessions at minimum are recommended for this treatment.
IFS (Internal Family Systems)
IFS techniques help clients take a deeper look at themselves and deals with the common situation we find ourselves in when we say “Well, a part of me feels this way and another part of me says this.” The needs and motivations of all parts of a client are explored and addressed to enhance self-awareness, inner peace, and compassion for the self.
CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy)
CBT takes a look at the thinking and internal dialogue/self-talk that lead to disturbing emotions. Negative thinking is challenged and more healthy thinking is developed. This process often includes homework/practice outside of the therapy office.
Enneagram Personality Assessment and Exploration
The Enneagram is a system of different personalities that identifies traits, motivations, perceptions, fears, desires, stress points, areas of strength, areas of growth, etc. In my experience, personal and professional, when I use this system, the result is increased self-awareness, a deeper understanding of others, and improved relationships at home and work.
Although there are numerous references to the Enneagram online, the below site is one I recommend for your own exploration.
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/
Supervision of LPCs
I am a Virginia Department of Health Professions board approved supervisor. I can provide supervision for you if you are a graduate of a Master’s program in community counseling and working towards licensure as an LPC. If you are working toward licensing as an LMFT or LCSW, you may check with your board to determine if a portion of your supervision hours may be completed with an LPC.