Neurofeedback and Virtual Reality

Neurofeedback is an evidenced-based practice that can create lasting change in brain activity which allows the brain to function more efficiently.  Based on the electrical activity of the brain, neurofeedback is a specialized application of biofeedback of brainwave data in an operant conditioning paradigm.  This modality has the potential to enable the individual to learn how to change the physiological activity to improve health and performance.  The client may experience lasting changes in thinking, emotions, and behaviors as supported by the learned physiological changes.

The client works closely with the therapist for part of the session with continued focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques for the remainder of the time.  The combination of traditional “talk” therapy and neurofeedback increases the likelihood of success for the client.  Neurofeedback is useful for anxiety, depression, and a variety of other diagnoses.

Virtual reality is a method of therapy in which the client is immersed in a virtual world and is primarily used for fears or phobias.  The program used in this practice improves the quality of treatment of the therapist by providing the client with an in depth experience using exposure therapy.  Virtual reality is used to treat a variety of mental health disorders with the use of complex technology.

The experience is guided by the therapist using biofeedback to monitor physiological reactions to the stimuli presented.  The current environments are aimed at the treatment of common anxiety disorders and phobias.  Additionally, there are modules for mindfulness and relaxation.