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Brainwaves are generally classified into 4 distinct frequencies or speeds - delta, theta, alpha and beta - and our state of consciousness depends on which waves are dominant. Delta waves (.5-4 Hz) are dominant during sleep. Theta waves (4-7 Hz) emerge as you drift off to sleep; this is the "twilight," hypnogogic state in which dream like images can surface. Between 8 and 12 Hz are alpha waves, characterized by calm, relaxed and meditative feelings, day dreaming and unfocused thought. Beta (12-36 Hz), which dominates our normal waking state, has been subdivided into SMR (12-15 Hz), beta (15-18 Hz) and high beta (19-36 Hz). SMR is characterized as a relaxed, but alert state; it is sometimes described as "highly alert, physical stillness." Focused concentration, mental acuity and mental activity are characteristic of beta. High beta (>18 Hz) may be described as a hyper-alert state, sometimes leading to tension, anxiety and agitation. A healthy person will shift through the different states dependant upon the task-at-hand. Different activities require different brainwave states. Increased theta is adaptive when we are drifting off to sleep, for example, but not when we are driving a car. Brainwave training protocols are designed to enhance brain function by increasing the brain's production of "situationally healthy" brainwaves and decreasing the presence of "situationally unhealthy" waves. Training protocols affect a combination of signals, depending upon therapy goals and any brainwave dysregulation that may be present. There are specific protocols appropriate for different problems, but each protocol is individually designed to fit the person.
- How It Works (Procedure):
Neurotherapy is a painless and non-invasive procedure. After a thorough evaluation, treatment begins. Sensors are placed on the scalp and ear. Brain waves are recorded, amplified and sent to a computer that processes the signal and provides the proper feedback. Feedback about brain activity is given to the trainee, typically by means of a video game. The trainee is simply asked to play the video game with his brain. As desirable brain wave frequency increases, the video game responds. The brain responds to the information given and gradually develops alternative brainwave patterns. Once this new learning is consolidated, the new pattern of regulation stabilizes and the changes appear to last; continued neurofeedback becomes unnecessary.
You do all the adjusting. The equipment does not send any information into your brain; the equipment only reads the electrical signals from your brain and gives you feedback. Your brain does the rest.
Neurofeedback is used to enhance overall brain function. You have the potential to improve work or school performance, learning ability, self-esteem and overall social behavior by affecting arousal, attentional processes, mood and overall functional regulation.
Although not designed as a specific treatment for a specific problem, there is a significant body of research and an abundance of case studies documenting its effectiveness for the following conditions:
In general, there are two different approaches that we may utilize in treatment: alpha/theta training and SMR/beta training. With alpha/theta training, we will work to quiet the active and alert mind and increase the presence of alpha and theta waves; this is the approach frequently used in conjunction with "in-depth" psychotherapy. With SMR/beta training, we will often inhibit theta and high beta while reinforcing the production of SMR and beta waves; this is the approach frequently used with attentional and arousal based (e.g., anxiety, depression) problems. In addition to its association with calmness and relaxation, alpha/theta training has shown extraordinary promise in the treatment of substance abuse and traumatic stress disorders, as well as in enhancing creativity and promoting peak performance. Alpha/theta is sometimes referred to as consciousness training because it seems to harness the inner resources of the mind to affect conscious function. Alpha and theta waves are the predominant rhythms found in advanced meditators while in deep meditative states.
SMR (12-15 Hz) and beta (15-18 Hz) dominance is associated with increased mental activity and focused attention. SMR/beta training has shown to have broad applications. Such training affects brain functions, which are not necessarily conscious in origin, such as attention/concentration, confusion, fatigue, arousal and mood. It is SMR/beta training that is generally used in the treatment of ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior, anger, sleep disturbance, stroke and head injury, chronic pain and headaches. SMR/beta training is also used to promote peak performance.
We offer a supervised remote training program for those who reside outside the Kansas City area or who have the need for more extensive training. Specific criteria must be met before being accepted into the remote training program, however.
EEG training is a learning process; therefore results are seen gradually over time. For most conditions, initial progress can be seen within a few sessions. The goal is to receive enough training to ensure consistent and lasting benefits. The initial evaluation lasts approximately two hours.
Neurofeedback, psychotherapy and medication can be used together. Training can be used with people on or off medication. Many people are able to reduce or eliminate the need for medication when Neurofeedback is added to the treatment plan.
After more than 30 years of research and clinical use, no known lasting adverse affects have been reported.
Also read about AHA Psychological Services by clicking here
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