|
|
Dallas-Ft. Worth area |
|
 |
Biofeedback measures bodily functions through electrodes attached to your hands or various muscles. Because there is a conscious awareness (feedback) from these electrodes, the body learns to control or self-regulate your muscle tension, perspiration, breathing, heart rate, and skin temperature—all of which may be indicators of an out-of-sync nervous system. It PUTS YOU BACK IN CONTROL of yourself. Biofeedback can teach you how to successfully deal with issues such as high blood pressure, migraine headaches, chronic pain and many other stress-related problems. Even chronic diseases respond positively to the reduced stress learned through biofeedback. For example, I have had positive results in treating diabetics with a reduction in both symptoms and medication. Other chronic disorders and diseases have also been helped with the reduction of stress learned through biofeedback training. Biofeedback is complimentary to and can be used in conjunction with existing medical treatments.
Neurofeedback is basically a type of biofeedback (also called EEG biofeedback) that measures the electrical activity of the brain. Sensors are applied to specific areas of the brain, and these sensors transmit the frequency at which the brain is operating at that particular time. The frequencies are displayed on a computer screen which appear to you in the form of a video game. The video game is played “hands free” using only your brain to reach the desired brain wave state. You cannot operate the game unless the desired frequency has been attained and maintained. As soon as the brain loses focus or becomes anxious, the game will stop. Thus, your brain learns to operate at the desired frequency. Once again, it is designed to PUT YOU BACK INTO CONTROL of your body. You are taught how to reduce excess noise and turbulence in brainwave activity allowing you to maintain a calmer, more focused state.
I bring a holistic mind-body approach to my practice. I know that your physical and mental states are interconnected, and I use BOTH biofeedback and neurofeedback as well as counseling (if needed) to effect a positive change in the mind and body. Counseling does not correct a disregulated brain; it only helps you learn how to manage better. Counseling is not always necessary, but for problems such as depression, there may be other issues involved. I do not feel it makes sense to treat part of the problem when we can more effectively work on the entire problem. Neurofeedback will enhance the work you may be doing with another therapist or if you are not working with anyone for talk therapy, I am happy to work with you. Each person’s needs are unique. Some people can reduce their anxiety with biofeedback alone, some may require the addition of neurofeedback and others may need counseling to sort through issues that become apparent with the clarity that often accompanies neurofeedback training. I offer options and flexibility in helping you become the person you want to be. You are involved in choosing which modalities will best serve your needs. Biofeedback and neurofeeback are not diagnosis specific. Two people may have the exact same diagnosis and have brains that function very differently. In other words, I look at the results of your intake assessments and specifically develop a personalized treatment regimen to provide you optimum results based upon the way your brain functions. My goal is to strengthen the functioning of the weakest areas of your particular brain. Sometimes it is as simple as teaching you how to turn off those racing thoughts and shift into a lower gear (frequency) so that sleep may occur.
It has long been recognized that there is a direct connection between the frequency at which the brain operates and a person’s state of arousal, alertness, stability and flexibility. Prolonged stress, physical and psychological trauma and substance abuse can alter the set point of the central nervous system and push it out or normal range into a disregulated state of under or over arousal. I have had success working with a wide variety of clients including those suffering from under arousal & who operate at a lower than normal frequency or those individuals suffering from over-arousal & who operate at a higher than average frequency: Over arousal may result in problems such as Tourette’s Syndrome, tics, chronic pain, obsessive thoughts, compulsions, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism/Asperger’s, cerebral palsy, enuresis, rage, restless leg syndrome, PMS/menopause, fibromyalgia and learning disabilities etc. The Stressed Brain/Body – The National Institute of Health has researched and The Elite Brain – I have helped many clients prepare for important examinations (SAT, GRE, MCAT, etc.) by reducing test anxiety and increasing confidence. I especially enjoy working with “peak performance” clients who are highly motivated to improve their sports performance. Although neurofeedback is discretely being used by many sports figures and teams, it is refreshing to hear of a team who is willing to reveal the secret to their success such as the Italians who won the World Cup.
Others who have used neurofeedback training include the U.S. Olympic Training Center, U.S, Army marksmanship team, NASA, PGA tour golfers, etc. Peak performance training enhances your ability to relax, visualize success, concentrate on the task at hand, adapt and recover quickly from errors. Neurofeedback empowers you to be “in the zone”, training the brain to optimize brain function which results in a smooth effortless mental and/or physical performance. A better functioning brain translates into an overall better functioning person on or off the sports field, in the classroom, artistic arena or business world. Alpha/Theta training enhances creativity and confidence for the artist or the business executive.
I received both my undergraduate and masters degrees from Texas Tech University. I have completed post-masters work at the University of Sydney (Australia) and St. Mary’s University (San Antonio). I have many years of experience in working with all age groups from young children to adults and the aged. I feel I bring a special sensitivity and compassion when working with the elderly and children. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and belong to the following professional organizations:
In addition to the above professional associations, I am a neurofeeback provider for the EEG Directory (www.eegdirectory.com), and I specialize in transitional changes such as those faced at mid-life. As the mother of two sons, I understand the stresses of a family, from the birth of a new baby to the void that results from the empty nest.
I believe that Biofeeback and Neurofeedback training empowers you to create your own internal environment which then allows you greater control of both your physical and mental health. If you are interested in an improvement in performance or improvement in medical/psychological conditions by releasing ineffective patterns of attention, response, mood and behavior, and learning new patterns, call me. Results discussed are based on my personal experiences and not the result of controlled research conditions. |
© 2007 Neurofeedback of Texas. All rights reserved. |
