Recently, I was asked about the reasons that people choose to do brain training using neurofeedback, and I thought my answer might be worth sharing here. Each person has her or her own reasons, of course, but these are some of the common ones I see:
School Stress. Life in Northern Virginia is stressful for high school students, and there is a tremendous amount of pressure on students to excel, regardless of academic ability. It doesn’t seem to matter whether one has learning challenges or is an exceptionally gifted student. Indeed, being a typical student seems to carry a special burden in such a competitive environment. It’s no wonder that many seek out tools to help them not just cope, but thrive, despite the pressure.
Feeling Stuck. Many people, including older adults, seek neurofeedback because they feel stuck in life and aren’t performing or feeling the way they’d like. Feeling overwhelmed, unhappy, anxious, and angry often come from the body overresponding to what life sends our way, and neurofeedback is great for helping self regulate.
Seeking the Best Tool. In the wake of the Decade of the Brain, there are many games and gimmicks for brain performance and brain health, and most are not really supported by science. Neurofeedback has been around for over 50 years, and when people realize how powerful such a gentle tool can be, they want to use it. This is especially true for older adults who want to recover or maintain cognitive function and for students who are wanting a boost or a leg up academically and emotionally.
Desperation. Frankly, many people come to try neurofeedback after they’ve tried everything else. It’s a shame, but neurofeedback becomes a last resort when it could have been a first resort.
Natural Enhancement. Neurofeedback is an interesting combination of exercise and teaching. It is non-invasive and creates long-lasting results without chemicals, without “zapping” the brain, and without harm.
Destressing and Coping Better. Some seek neurofeedback to cope in the wake of a major life challenge. I’ve had clients seek training after car accidents, peer suicides (especially among high-school students), and other types of trauma. Neurofeedback is no replacement for psychotherapy or medical treatment, but it’s an excellent way to calm the body’s nervous system.
One thing people do not come to my practice for is treatment of a specific diagnosis. I am quite clear that my paradigm is one of optimizing brain performance through training, however that looks for the individual client, and not one of treating for brokenness. And, frankly, the brain does not really subscribe to the diagnostic manual for mental health disorders.
If you see yourself or a family member in this post, call for a consultation to learn more in a no-pressure environment about how neurofeedback can help you.