Clinical Psychologist

Neurofeedback

In any given moment, our brains are doing the best they can, based on what they learned worked in the past, to function effectively with what is occurring in our daily lives. Most of this is happening on auto-pilot. Unfortunately, auto-pilot is not really actively paying attention. Unless something really important comes up it is just doing what it learned works most of the time. This can leave us “dysregulated.” It can be overstimulated when it should be relaxed or under stimulated when we should be focused and this can continue automatically unless we do something about it. Neurofeedback treatments support the brain in functioning optimally, as it was before auto-pilot became stuck in the on position. The neurofeedback supports your brain in being more regulated, balanced and flexible, and together with psychotherapy makes it easier for you to learn new ways to think, act and even be.

"Neurofeedback heals the brain. Psychotherapy heals the mind. Together, Neurofeedback and psychotherapy can create lasting change and recovery. Neurofeedback improves brain function so you can better engage in the psychotherapy process and make more conscious, healthy decisions for yourself.”- Hull Institute

In my practice we have several options depending upon your needs. There is traditional neurofeedback to help you consciously train your brain to function more optimally, and there is non-traditional neurofeedback (LENS) to dis-entrain your brain from auto-pilot, calming your nervous system allowing you to implement skills you learn in psychotherapy instead of reacting to your life in accordance with your old, automatic habits. Together we will decide which modality is best suited for your brain.

For more information click here : Neurofeedback or LENS

Biofeedback

In 2010 I was certified in General Biofeedback by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). BCIA has identified standards for practitioners who use biofeedback, and certify those who meet these standards. 

Biofeedback involves using technology and instruments to feed back information about the psychophysiology (mind and body). This is similar to the way a thermometer and a scale feed back information about your body. Together, we use this information to help you increase your control (self-regulation) over whatever system we are working with. With improved skills at regulating your body, you can achieve changes that can improve the quality of your life. 

In my practice I most often use biofeedback, in conjunction with hypnosis, mindfulness training, and somatic psychotherapy techniques to support you in effectively learning these self-regulatory techniques. It is also known to be helpful for a number of disorders that are often related to psychological and emotional distress such as

• Migraine headaches, tension headaches, and many other types of pain
• Disorders of the digestive system
• High blood pressure and its opposite, low blood pressure

This video illustrates some of the benefits of the Heart Rate Variability training I offer.