NEUROFEEDBACK
One of the hallmarks of care at Green Mountain Counseling is our expertise in cutting-edge approaches to working with trauma. Our team of specialized therapists is proud to offer Neurofeedback to our clients.
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive brain-training technique that helps individuals regulate their brain activity by providing real-time feedback on their brainwaves.
Certain brainwave patterns correlate with emotional and behavioral symptoms. By regulating the brain’s electrical activity, we can reward (strengthen) or inhibit (weaken) specific brainwave patterns, resulting in improvement of those emotional and behavioral issues.
What are the benefits of Neurofeedback?
Over time, with regular sessions, clients can improve their brain’s ability to regulate itself. Especially when paired with talk therapy, Neurofeedback can offer healing from the inside out, allowing clients a front row seat to witness their brain’s incredible capacity for change and healing.
The benefits of Neurofeedback are profound, and can include:
expanded cognitive function
improved focus
enhanced mood regulation and stress management
increase in sleep quality
improved mental well-being
reduced impulsivity
reduced headaches and migraines
How does Neurofeedback work?
It starts by gathering baseline data via an EEG for a Brainmap, or QEEG. Sensors are placed on the scalp that detect the brain’s electrical signals, to monitor brainwave activity. At Green Mountain we use a wet cap system, which involves applying conductive gel to ensure a strong connection between the scalp and electrodes. After an in-depth analysis of the raw EEG and QEEG, an individual protocol is created for each client.
In ongoing sessions, as clients engage in activities— such as watching a movie or playing a game — the system provides visual or auditory feedback when their brainwave activity shifts toward healthier patterns. Through this feedback, the brain learns how to adjust its activity. If the brain is producing too much of one type of brainwave (like being overly stressed or unfocused), the feedback will help the individual shift towards more beneficial patterns (like relaxation or better concentration).
Over time, with regular sessions, clients can improve their brain’s ability to regulate itself. We typically expect clients to see brain change after about 40 sessions of neurofeedback. We encourage clients to schedule 2-3 sessions per week in order for their brain to learn these new patterns.
What are brainwaves?
Brainwaves are electrical impulses in the brain that are generated when neuronscommunicate with each other. These brainwaves are categorized by their frequency and are associated with different mental states.
1. Delta Waves (0.5 – 4 Hz) Deep sleep, healing and regeneration, and restorative processes
2. Theta Waves (4 – 8 Hz) Light sleep, creativity, deep relaxation
3. Alpha Waves (8 – 12 Hz) Calmness, meditation, peace
4. Beta Waves (12 – 30 Hz) Active thinking, alertness, concentration, problem-solving
5. High Beta Waves (20-30 Hz) stress, anxiety, fight or flight
6. Gamma Waves (30 – 100 Hz) peak performance, motivation, learning, memory
is neurofeedback right for me?
People with the following symptoms may benefit from Neurofeedback:
ADHD
Anxiety Disorders
Depression
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Sleep Disturbances
Chronic Pain
Those wishing to improve Cognitive Enhancement (focus, memory, learning, and mental clarity)
Curious about whether Neurofeedback is right for you?