What is Neurofeedback/Brain Paint?
Neurofeedback for PTS
Neurofeedback, also called EEG biofeedback or neurotherapy, is a research-proven way to help you improve your brain function through intensive brain training exercises. Although the technology is quite sophisticated, the process is simple, painless, and non-invasive. It is just learning. You learn to alter your brain activity the same way you learn every other skill—through feedback and practice.
What is new in neurofeedback is that you are guided by a form of feedback that was previously not available to you—instantaneous information about changes in your brain's electrical activity. Every half second, your brain activity is compared to your targets for change. You get a signal and “reward” when you meet the goal. No signal or reward when you do not.
In 20 neurofeedback sessions, with feedback every half second, you get 72,000 chances to learn. That's a lot of repetition and practice. Brain science has shown that repetitive exercise of brain networks reshapes the brain. Neurofeedback allows you to reshape your brain.
Research: Neurofeedback for PTS
Four studies have been completed looking at the effectiveness of neurofeedback for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. One study has been completed with children. These studies all suggest that neurofeedback is a very promising approach to treatment. This is especially important because existing treatments have limited effectiveness for many individuals with PTS.
Our clinical experience and that of other experts in PTS treatment show that neurofeedback is often very helpful with PTS. Ten weeks of neurofeedback has consistently resulted in significant improvement in children and adults with PTS. We have provided training and consultation in the use of neurofeedback to four residential treatment centers for children with trauma-related difficulties. Each of these programs has found neurofeedback to be very helpful to their kids. After an initial period of evaluation, each center decided to add neurofeedback to the treatment regimen in the residence.
If you continue to suffer from the symptoms of PTSD despite treatment with medication and/or psychotherapy, the results of this early research suggest that you consider neurofeedback.