Still Move Counseling LLC

What is Neurotherapy?

Neurotherapy is the process of normalizing brain wave patterns in specific regions of the brain. Those wave patterns influence our emotional state and cognitive performance. The primary goal of Neurotherapy to assist with self-regulation in the brain which then improves brain function.

Essentially, we are looking at stabilizing the brain wave activity in regions of the brain that may be overactive, underactive and/or a combination.

Neurofeedback is a brainwave biofeedback, also called neurotherapy or neurobiofeedback. Biofeedback uses real-time displays of brain activity- EEG (electroencephalography) using sensors and software. Sensors that read the EEG are applied to the scalp and provide the feedback via electronic software. Once identified, the brain is trained using operant learning principles (biofeedback) to fire more effectively.

All equipment used is FDA approved.

How Does The Brian Train?

The pioneers in neurofeedback learned that our brainwaves can be trained using behavioral learning principles, like generalization, extinction and discrimination. Essentially neurofeedback relies on operant conditioning which reinforces the brainwaves in the desired range needed for optimal functioning.

Brainwaves are detected by sensors that are placed on the client’s head
The sensors transmit the client’s brainwaves to a computer software program
Based on the information from the sensors, the program reads the clients brainwaves and provides feedback to the client both visually and auditorily

Is neurofeedback the only approach to use in regulating

brainwave activity?

No. Life events are identified as a reason for indirectly influencing brainwave activity. Thus, additional experiences may influence it as well, including counseling, mindfulness, and meditation practices. Neurofeedback is more efficient since it provides real-time feedback.

For those who have tried traditional and/or other methods of treatment without much success, it might be time to try neurofeedback.

Why is the electricity in the brain so important?

Medications attend to the chemistry in the brain known as neurotransmitters (i.e. serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine etc.). While neurofeedback attends to the electricity in the brain (i.e. delta, theta, alpha, beta etc.). The brain uses electricity to assist in communications, both internally and externally. Communication within the brain is done via neurons in an electrochemical event. Both the biochemistry and the bioelectricity are important to self-regulation, thus, both are important to tend to.

The brain uses electricity to communicate all throughout the brain and body Neurofeedback attends to the electricity that is generated in the brain. This electrical generation creates pulses. These pulses are identified as brain waves. Neurofeedback is used to train the brain waves to fire in the most efficient and effective way for each unique individual.

Communication within the brain is done via neurons in an electrochemical event. Both the biochemistry and the bioelectricity are important to self-regulation, thus, both are important to tend to.

What are the brainwaves and their roles?

Neurofeedback practitioners have filtered raw EEG after they carefully reviewed brainwave morphology. Brain waves are generated pulses created by neurons firing in various regions of the brain that have distinct patterns and frequencies. There are 6 main types of waves: Delta, theta, Alpha, SMR/Low Beta, Beta, and Gamma waves.

qEEG

Quantitative EEG (qEEG) is a 19- channel comprehensive analysis that utilizes brain mapping software to identify functionality of the brain focusing on brainwave activity.

Essentially qEEG mapping is a tool to identify both deficits in network connections and/or BIOMARKERS for specific concerns.

Every patient begins with a qEEG prior to starting neurofeedback training. Results from the qEEG determine which protocols will be used in training. An extensive report outlining the dysregulated brainwaves and network connections will be provided to each patient and will explain its impact in symptoms experienced.

To understand neurofeedback, we need to understand how the 10-20 system maps the brain.

The 10–20 system is an internationally recognized method that uses scalp electrodes to define brain activity. Each brain lobe has a specific responsibility as diagrammed on the left below. The 10-20 system, diagrammed next to each lobe, utilizes sensors that are strategically placed on the respective lobes to determine if there is hyper or hypo activity. Hyper or hypo activity in a specific region of the brain lobes can affect your empathy, sensory, language process, perception, problem solving and more.

It can be more complex than a single brainwave frequency:

· Asymmetry - Assessment of brainwaves balance within a site or between sites

· Power Ratio - Relationship of power between two frequencies

· FFT Absolute Power - The amplitude or strength of a specific frequency at each site

· Phase Lag - A locking and unlocking of signals; reflects how many of the brain's functions are timed events, the energy from part of the brain arriving at the right moment to perform a task.

· Phase Coherence - How stable the phase relationship is between two sites - the degree of interaction or communication between brain sites:

· Hypercoherence has too much "cross talk" between brain sites

· Hypocoherence has poor inter-site interaction, deficiencies in brains connecting

Neurofeedback Areas of Focus

Anxiety is a unique experience.

Some people notice feeling it primarily in their bodies, for example:

Others may notice it in their thoughts or mind, for example:

It is also common to experience a combination of both. Regardless of the symptoms of anxiety, it is pervasive and disruptive. While everyone experiences some level of anxiety, a large population notices that it takes hold.

How Does Neurofeedback Help?

Depending on the roots of the anxiety, sensor placement will vary. Most often, anxiety disorders create an excess of brainwave activity. Thus, Neurofeedback aims to decrease fast brainwaves to allow for relief. With OCD and GAD, most often the training is done in the frontal lobes. Research indicates stabilization of OCD symptoms following the completion of Neurotherapy remain trained over a year later.*
Additionally, with other types of anxiety and panic, training may be central and even in the Parietal Lobes for stabilization. Ruminations are believed to be connected to cortical midline structures with focus on the default mode network. Training with this structure and network shows promising results in decreasing ruminative thoughts and feelings. Generalized Anxiety Disorder often involves a sensitive Amygdala that impacts messages to/from the Prefrontal Cortex and the Anterior Cingulate Cortex which activates the stress response.

Current research shows Neurofeedback as an effective treatment modality.

Depression can steal you right out of your life.

It can also be hard to admit feeling the way you do but know you are not alone!
While depression can be associated with sadness and crying spells, other common experiences with depression can go misidentified such as:

Depression in the brain can also be difficult to recognize. Meaning, at times it can be masked by strong anxiety or difficulties focusing that can lead to ineffective treatments.
At other times, depressive symptoms show up first but might be secondary to trauma, attention, chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, anxiety and so on.
Antidepressants and psychotherapy are effective for most, however some can find their depression unresponsive to traditional methods.

What Really Happens When a Brain is Depressed?!

Depression is typically due to an imbalance between the two frontal lobes, specifically speaking the prefrontal cortex.
There is a strong relationship between imbalances of frontal alpha and depressive symptoms, however it may also be a theta or a beta imbalance as well.
Essentially, the frontal lobes have many responsibilities including, but not limited to:

Hence, with any imbalance in this region of the brain, it makes sense that depressive symptoms are included.

Other imbalances might be related with mood fluctuations, which can be responsible for elevated mood and deflated mood.
However, the brain is never this simple! Research is ongoing to provide the most effective approach for depression making it even more important to analyze your individual brain and set of symptoms.

Stress is inevitable and a part of our daily experiences.

Chronic stress can reap havoc on our mental state and physical health.
Chronic stress eventually makes us more vulnerable to making decisions that also worsen mental and physical health
(i.e. relying on substances to make it through the day like caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, etc.;
overspending; not engaging in activities that boost mood and only having enough energy to binge watch shows; and so on).

The cycle can be devastating and before you know it, you could suffer from Chronic Stress symptoms like:

Fatigue | Brain Fog | Chronic Overwhelm | Hypertension | Insomnia

| Low Motivation | Irritability and/or Short Fuse |

As information enters the brain, the amygdala and hippocampus send lightning fast messages to identify a threat. Then this message intensifies, the hypothalamus and HPA prepare the body for emergency.

This is the fight-flight-freeze response.

After this system is initiated, a second signal from the thalamus reaches the frontal lobes for rational assessment. If no threat is recognized, it takes a minimum of 3 minutes for the body and nervous system to recover. However, this may continue longer is stress is identified.

Self-regulation is the main goal of neurofeedback.

By targeting stress points during training, we are able to achieve self-regulation. There are several options for this:

The Central Motor Strip helps to quiet

the mind and the body.

To aid in emotion regulation, we train the parietal and temporal lobes of the right hemisphere.

The “Alpha State” is known for being relaxing and peaceful. Alpha-Theta protocol has been been utilized for deep state training and “EEG-based relaxation therapy”.

All humans are born with anger, it is an important emotion.

Its main goal is to alert and prompt us to take action when an important goal is blocked.
While every (regulated) emotion can run its course in just a matter of minutes, others may experience dysregulated anger. This can show up in a number of ways:

The results of dysregulated anger can be profound and potentially devastating to one’s life or specific area(s) in life.
It is important to keep in mind that it is not the experience of anger that devastates, but the behavioral actions that are prompted as a result.

The impact can hurt important relationships and even end them. Networking and professional relationships can be harmed, jobs can be lost, addictions and other behaviors may occur to
try and lessen the dysregulated anger and subsequent behaviors. While at moments the power behind the anger may feel safe and essential, most often people are left wanting to be able to choose differently.

Where Does My Anger Stem From?

“Where there is anger, there is always pain underneath” ~ Eckhart Tolle

The Limbic System

The Limbic System is heavily researched and connected with its major role in emotion and memory. It plays a significant role in the experience of dysregulated anger, rage and the fight response. Some of its structures include the Hypothalamus, Thalamus, Amygdala, and Hippocampus.

As information comes into the brain, the Amygdala and Hippocampus send lightning fast messages to identify a threat.

When this message intensifies, the Hypothalamus and HPA prepares the body for emergency.

This is known as the Fight – Flight – Freeze response

After this system is initiated, a second signal from the Thalamus reaches the frontal lobes for rational assessment. If no threat is recognized, it takes a

minimum of 3-minutes for the body and nervous system to recover. However, this may continue longer if a threat or a stressful situation is identified.

While dysregulated anger does not exist in one specific part of the brain, the qEEG and a complete intake assessment will help identify the biological and psychological reasons. [Peniston & Kulkosky, 1999, p.158).

After Trauma, the World is Experienced with a Different Nervous System.

The brain is wired for survival as shown in the Limbic System. The traumatized brain is often compared to a smoke detector constantly ringing as the brain often misinterprets cues. For example, a Combat Veteran may drop to the ground when he hears a car backfire; a College Student freezes because a friend touched her shoulder from behind; an Employee feels degraded or humiliated during a performance review.

Essentially, for those with trauma memories, the triggers aren’t always clear memories but experienced as a host of physiological experiences (fights-flight-freeze, “body memory” and/or danger thoughts).

Trauma experts, including Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D., agree that neurofeedback allows the “stuck oscillatory properties in the brain [to] allow new ones to develop”. Neurofeedback hopes to intervene in the
“circuitry that promotes and sustains states of fear and traits of fearfulness, shame, and rage. It is the repetitive firing of these circuits that defines trauma […] when the fear patterns relax, the brain becomes less susceptible to automatic stress reactions and better able to focus on ordinary events”.

Locations in the Brain

The Amygdala, specifically the right hemisphere, has strong connections with fear memories and fear triggers. It is highly researched and identified to have a large role in PTSD. Some research indicates a smaller or damaged Amygdala following traumatic events, thus, making it likely to be more sensitive to events.

As information comes into the brain, the Amygdala and Hippocampus send lightning fast messages to identify a threat, when this message intensifies the Hypothalamus and HPA prepare the body for emergency. This is the fight-flight-freeze response. After this system is initiated a second signal from the Thalamus reaches the frontal lobes for rational assessment. If no threat is recognized, it takes a minimum of 3 minutes for the body and nervous system to recover.

Brainwaves and trauma:
– Theta is connected with hypervigilance, or being “on alert”
– Excessive beta can reflect an overreactive nervous system with rage and shame
– Excessive delta is connected with dissociations.

Neurofeeback Approach

iMynd LLC typically begins with stabilization protocols. Using a nervous system arousal based approach, Neurofeedback works to calm and stabilize the brain.
Training for PTSD is often started in the right hemisphere; additional interhemispheric training when needed to avoid overtraining and/or attend to panic attacks.

Neurofeedback has shown promising results with Deep States Training, aka: Alpha-Theta Training.

If there is excessive activity in right hemisphere near the temporal lobe (the fear center of the brain) and its combined with too much slow-wave activity-meaning their hyperaroused emotional brains dominate their mental life. Once calmed-executive functioning improves. For example, many will notice increased mental clarity, more stable emotions, less reactivity to every-day stressors, a new ease with solving problems, and so on.

Not being able to maintain focus is very frustrating and discouraging.

It can even be confusing that at times it seems there is a vast supply of focus (which is identified as hyper-focus or occurs while interested in the topic).

Inattention, distractibility, and hyperactivity can use up a tremendous amount of energy trying to refocus or quiet the body. It can seem like a lot of work that yields very little and it can prompt teasing or frustrations with others. Due to the difficulties in planning, staying focused, and organizing, people often get to the point of feeling incredibly overwhelmed and want to give up.

Essentially, we are talking about Attention Deficit Disorder and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Inattention can be a result of other factors like depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Did you know that there are different areas of the brain that are responsible for the issues around focus?

A hypoactive brain can be broken into two categories:

1) Inattention (primarily experiences daydreaming, cannot focus, disorganized)

2) Hyperactivity (primarily experiences poor stress tolerance, anxiety, difficulty sitting still)

Frontal ADD

When a person primarily experiences difficulties with:

Since attention concerns are so common and easily identified, treatment is sought early on. Treatment is typically comprised of psychiatric medications. Long term, medications can be a difficult intervention to maintain.

*Arns, M., de Ridder, S., Strehl, U., Breteler, M., & Coenen, A. (2009). Efficacy of neurofeedback treatment in ADHD: the effects of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity: a meta analysis. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 40(3), 180-189.

Neurotherapy is emerging as an effective approach to improving all symptoms of ADD and ADHD. *see articles.

The American Academy of Pediatrics approved biofeedback and neurofeedback as a Level 1 or “best support” treatment option for children suffering from ADHD.

American Academy of Pediatrics report: Evidence-based Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Interventions, released November 2012.