Neurofeedback

Yes, Neurofeedback can be used alongside other treatments and actually has the potential to augment other interventions, Because neurofeedback has the potential to change the way information is processed, raise one’s insight, and lower anxiety, it can contribute to quicker and more profound breakthroughs in psychotherapy. Collaboration with a person’s psychiatrist is also important. As the brain makes needed adjustments, medications can become no longer necessary. Psychiatrists need to be made aware of any changes, so that they can make appropriate medication decisions. Ideally neurofeedback will eliminate the need for continued psychiatry.

What is exciting about neurofeedback is that it seems to help with nearly everything. Since neurofeedback provides the brain with a 90,000 foot view of its own functioning, the brain can make necessary changes that benefit the entire system. Training the brain to be more regulated and efficient can produce substantial improvements for individuals with issues including but not limited to: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety and Panic Disorders, Mood Disorders such as depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, issues of trauma and attachment, sleep problems, headaches and migraines, Epilepsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, Chronic Pain, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Substance Abuse. Since PA Child’s roots are in child welfare, we are especially concerned with the more “intractable” brain-based problems resulting from childhood trauma. This is an area where many youths’ critical needs go unmet. If not addressed, these problems have lasting impacts on young people’s daily life, relationships, and opportunities for long-term success.

While there are many different methods of training the brain with neurofeedback, they all work similarly and each can be effective. Like a computer, the brain operates and communicates using electrical activity, which the brain generates naturally. All neurofeedback systems work by measuring this activity with sensors placed on the scalp. This technology is called an electroencephalogram (EEG). Using an individual’s EEG readings in the moment, the neurofeedback system provides immediate “feedback” to the brain in the form of audio, video, or low levels of electrical activity. The brain is able to interpret what it is doing at that time and learn ways to optimize functioning and operate in a healthier manner

One of the greatest advantages to neurofeedback is the lack of side effects. Neurofeedback is considered extremely safe, because it is completely natural. Any changes that occur are those that the brain is selecting to resolve problems and promote mental health. If any side effects are experienced, they are normally short-lived and occur during or soon after the training session. Trainees may feel anxious when probes are placed on their scalp, and they see their brain activity on-screen. Following sessions, an individual could temporarily experience feeling energetic, sleepy, irritable, hungry, or have a mild headache. Participants may notice changes to their sleep such as nightmares or more vivid dreams. Because the brain undergoes reorganization, a person may also remember past events, experience emotions in a different way, and have changes in their thinking. Based on an individual’s response, neurofeedback sessions can be tailored to be more comfortable for their physiology.

Renewed Minds Neurofeedback is the only neurofeedback provider in the Greater York area. As with all of PA Child’s programs, our highest mission is service of others. For this reason, training is priced affordably to give access to all in need. The Renewed Minds Neurofeedback Program is one of a kind. We are not committed to one training modality. Rather than box ourselves in, we offer training with several different systems which include Neuroptimal, Brain Master, New Mind, and LENS. Each of these systems has its own advantages which make it ideal for particular circumstances and trainee preferences.