Eight sessions of neurofeedback have eliminated my chronic bouts of prolonged fight or flight. This was a lingering but significant challenge after focusing on healing from profound grief. I was desperate to find a permanent solution for my poorly performing nervous system because I noticed anxiety affecting my physical health. After neurofeedback, I feel like I used to before my overactive stress response had an unnecessary negative effect on my well-being.
Even though my mind knew my body was not performing naturally, and I had many recovery tools, I felt my prolonged anxiety happened too often. The smallest negative incident could trigger painful physical responses.
Anxiety Physical Responses
- Difficulty thinking
- Heart racing
- High blood pressure
- Panic
- Shaking
- Stomachache
- Sweating
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that measures brain waves to produce a signal used as feedback to teach self-regulation of brain function. It’s like computer-aided meditation. Neurofeedback is commonly provided using sound, with positive feedback for desired brain activity and negative feedback for brain activity that is undesirable.
During a feedback session, five electrodes were placed on my head with a little conductive lotion. I listened with headphones to peaceful music that included soothing aboriginal chanting. Whenever my brain was in a repeated pattern as it would be with anxiety, a low volume click was played which showed my brain it could get unstuck.
Other than feeling tired after the first session, which I am not sure had anything to do with the neurofeedback, I felt no side effects during any session. I found them to be relaxing.
On my way to the fourth session, I was pulled over for speeding. I immediately noticed my anxiety trigger and then subside as the police officer walked up to my car door window. Instead of feeling overwhelmed for hours or days, I was calm. It felt like a miracle. In the months to follow, I had no prolonged negative feelings about events like my annual eye exam, a speaking engagement, when I sprained my hip, or after our carbon monoxide detector alarm sounded.
An unexpected experience was that I found it easier for my feelings to surface since I wasn’t distracted by an overactive stress response. I was able to lovingly embrace sadness and felt better. I am thankful that I can now feel all my emotions right away.
Each of the eight neurofeedback sessions was $65. All individual patient results vary. For me, the total $520 felt like an incredible investment in myself because my peaceful neurological system is priceless.
Positive results are also seen for those who suffer from a variety of problems. It’s a simple procedure that can have amazing results. Share this information with those you know are struggling.
Neurofeedback May Improve
- Attention deficit disorder
- Brain injury
- Insomnia
- Memory Loss
- Multiple sclerosis
- Negative effects of chemotherapy
Update March 12, 2021
Attended: Neurofeedback for Developmental Trauma Forum, Trauma Research Foundation
Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Trauma Research Center
- Sebern Fisher, Sebern Fisher, MA, LMH, BCN
- Psychotherapy, Neurofeedback
- Ruth Lanius, MD, PhD, Psychiatry
Presentation Highlights:
Neurofeedback is an evidence-based treatment modality that can be used in conjunction with other modalities and is shown to improve outcomes in patients with a wide range of symptoms.
Would like to increase research, so neurofeedback may be paid by medical insurance companies since results are currently mostly testimonial.
It can be difficult to find a recommended neurofeedback provider, and a central database would be helpful.
Neurofeedback regulates the brain for proper functioning.
Neurofeedback is not done to or on clients, it is done with and for them. It is recommended to be provided with psychotherapy.
Neurofeedback for PTSD Research Article, Science Digest, 2020