The
clinical professionals at the Claudia
Black Young Adult Center at The Meadows understand the enormous complexity
of how the human brain functions in young adults, aged 18-26. Addictions, psychological trauma,
and certain mood disorders often surface during this time period in a person’s
life and may be connected to the presence of a dysregulated brain stem. In
recognizing this crucial aspect of recovery, we utilize proven treatments to
help regulate our patients throughout the healing process, which allows them to
embrace long-term recovery.
Neurofeedback
(NFB) is an integral part of our treatment
plan and the core of our onsite Brain Center at the Claudia Black Center. In
our Brain Center, our young adults have access to the latest and most efficient
technology designed to promote “self-regulation” skills that can enhance and
expedite the recovery process. Neurofeedback provides the patient with an
opportunity to observe and influence the activity of their brain through
practice and feedback. Both the addicted patient and those with a trauma
history learn to self-regulate and develop a feeling of internal control and a
sense of safety. Additionally, patients with ADHD learn how to produce the
brain wave patterns associated with focusing, which cause the symptoms of
impulsivity and distractibility to lessen.
Because
of life stress, the brain creates unhealthy patterns that influence people’s
everyday lives. With neurofeedback, individuals can reestablish healthier brain
wave patterns that decrease anxiety, lessen depression, lessen emotional
reactivity, and increase healthy emotional responses, improve mood, enhance
learning, strengthen concentration, gain more restful sleep, lessen negative
self-talk and increase self-esteem. In essence, neurofeedback is brain wave
training and a means to overcome conditions and habits that interfere with
everyday life. For neurofeedback to be effective, a minimum of 8 sessions and
ideally 10 or more are required.
Once
a young adult has completed the intake process at the Claudia Black Center, a
brain mapping assessment is performed. During the brain mapping assessment,
electrodes are placed on the patient's scalp to monitor brain activity for a
short period of time. The data obtained from the electrodes provides a detailed
brain map of the patient's brain waves and the specific locations of activity
in the brain. This process takes a total of four minutes; one minute each for
the first 3 mini mappings with eyes open and one minute for the last mini
mapping with the eyes closed. This gives better insight into how the brain
functions during different states of arousal.
Neurofeedback
treatment follows the initial brain mapping assessment. During the session,
which is typically 6-12 minutes, electrodes are applied to the client's scalp
to collect brain wave data. Brain waves are translated into images and sounds
via a specific computer. As patients watch their brain pattern on a monitor,
they can begin to regulate the Alpha, Beta, and Theta waves with the use of
breath, positive self-talk, and being present with a soft focus. Concepts are
also suggested to the patient to think about to show the changes in brain
activity. When certain thoughts arise or when feeling stress, the suggestions
are then provided to help change brain wave activity. This teaches the patient
skills to regulate the brain stem on his or her own outside of the
neurofeedback session.
Sarah,
a patient at the Claudia Black Center, came to treatment for substance abuse,
depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidal ideation and she was experiencing
horrific nightmares. After 14 neurofeedback sessions, Sarah’s nightmares were
gone and she was sleeping well. Her affect was brighter and her self-esteem
clearly improved. This was demonstrated by how she carried her body, how she
dressed, and her interaction with peers. Sarah was so excited about her
neurofeedback that when her parents came for family week, she made a point of
bringing them to the Brain Center to see the neurofeedback machine and to meet
me.
Jon,
another patient, was in treatment for substance abuse, predominantly alcohol
and marijuana, and co-occurring depression. He, like most of the young adults
at the Claudia Black Center, was struggling with poor self-esteem. He felt
overwhelming guilt and shame about never being good enough: not manly enough to
receive his father’s love. Jon was stuck in his obsessive negative self-talk.
To help him, I implemented a protocol specifically for issues with self-esteem
and being stuck. I used a neurofeedback game called “variable-dot mazes” which,
in essence, is like Pac-Man. Jon’s Pac-Man was not moving, he was stuck, but as
he started using positive affirmations of his self, Pac-Man began to cruise. We
kept that protocol up for his last 5 sessions with excellent results. When he
left after 10 sessions, he had reduced his Theta and Beta waves and increased
his Alpha waves. Neurofeedback helped him feel better about himself; feel more
empowered and helped him recognize that he had choices.
Neurofeedback
is an incredible asset to the treatment process and allows patients to maintain
a strong, clear mindful intention for their desired outcome.
Written by Simone Mays, Neurofeedback
Technician
Claudia Black Young Adult Center
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