Neurofeedback for Anxiety: A Promising Natural Therapy

What Is Neurofeedback?

Also known as electroencephalography (EEG) feedback, neurofeedback is a therapeutic method of training your brain to self-regulate. When you think of your brain, thought and memory may be the first thing that comes to mind. However, your brain is a complex biological system. It utilizes most of the energy your body burns each day, regulating your senses, movements, communication, thinking, memory, emotions, and more.

Neurofeedback is a tailored method of retraining your brain by reinforcing healthy brain functions. Electronic sensors are placed on your scalp to measure and train your brain activity in real-time. It’s effective in regulating anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, insomnia, and more.

Benefits include:

·      Non-invasive

·      Holistic

·      Supports neuroplasticity

·      Delivers rapid results

·      Custom-tailored to you

·      Safe & drug-free

What Is Brain Mapping?

Before your neurofeedback sessions can begin, we need to assess your individual areas of opportunity. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

To tailor your therapy, we conduct a Quantitative EEG brain map. We place a cap with sensors on your scalp to record brain activity for approximately 1 hour. This initial session measures and maps 20 different regions/locations of the brain.

Your results present us with a brain map that we utilize to pinpoint parts of your brain that are operating at an abnormal frequency (too fast or too slow). Your unique results aid in creating your personalized neurofeedback protocol.

Now you’re ready for your first neurofeedback session!

We may suggest complementary supplementation

After assessing your brain map, we may also suggest customized supplementation. As we mentioned above, your brain is a powerhouse. As such, it burns a lot of energy. If you aren’t providing it with the nutrients it requires to thrive, it can’t achieve peak performance. Again, think beyond your memory and thought, to all aspects of your health that your brain regulates.

If you have a nutrient deficiency it can exacerbate your anxiety symptoms. While there are general guidelines, nutrient intake should also be personalized to your unique needs. As such, we may suggest brain-optimizing supplements to accelerate your results.

What Does Neurofeedback Feel Like?

Rest assured, that neurofeedback is 100% pain-free. Most clients say that their session doesn’t feel like anything at all. Or that it feels soothing.

We’ve all heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” This couldn’t be further from the truth! The brain is plastic (from “neuroplasticity”), meaning you can actively participate in retraining it to self-optimize. For anxiety, this means training it to remain calm and focused.  

Your sessions consist of watching a movie for 30 to 40 minutes with sensors strategically placed on your head. As your mind wanders and your brain waves underperform or overperform, the movie screen fades. This trains your brain to refocus. As soon as your brain self-regulates, you’re “rewarded” with the movie continuing without interruption.

Yes, even your brain likes to be rewarded!

Does Neurofeedback Help With Anxiety?

If you’re new to alternative therapies, you might be wondering if neurofeedback is right for you. We understand that your time is valuable, so you want to invest it in proven therapies.

Neurofeedback is a scientifically proven therapy, and it’s increasingly recognized by traditional practitioners. Utilizing neurofeedback for anxiety has been on the rise since the results of a 2021 clinical study. Researchers conducted neurofeedback on 17 participants with a diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and 17 without a diagnosed GAD.

The 3-phase training successfully trained participants’ brains to regulate irregular brain waves that contribute to anxiety symptoms. The study delivered “statistically significant” improvement in anxiety and depressive symptoms.

What Results Can I Expect After Neurofeedback?

We cannot guarantee your results. However, we’ve had clients who’ve been in talk therapy for years or who have tried everything and have found neurofeedback to rapidly improve their quality of life—and provide sustainable results.  

Here’s how some of Soaak Clinic’s clients explain how they feel once they’ve completed a full block of treatments:

·      Improved mood and sense of well-being

·      Increased calmness and reduced anxiety levels

·      Enhanced focus and attention

·      Greater resilience and reduced stress responses

·      Improved learning capabilities

·      Enhanced cognitive abilities and mental clarity

·      Better quality sleep

·      Increased control over addictive behaviors

Does Neurofeedback Replace Talk Therapy?

Utilizing neurofeedback for anxiety may be utilized in combination with traditional talk therapy, but talk therapy isn’t part of every client’s treatment plan. The advantage of using neurofeedback, with or without therapy, is that it may accelerate the rate at which you can dial down your anxiety symptoms. If used in combination with talk therapy, you’ll build an extra set of tools for managing your anxiety.

Talk therapy provides a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Also, a variety of tools and coping mechanisms. It’s up to you to guide your journey and determine which therapy and tools are right for you.

How Long Does it Take For Neurofeedback to Work?

Most Soaak Clinics clients feel initial improvement in 3 to 5 sessions, with optimal results after 25 sessions. Your first 25 sessions need to be completed 2 to 3 times per week. Once the initial round of treatments is complete, 1 session per month is typically enough for maintenance.

Can I Try Neurofeedback if I Don’t Have Diagnosed Anxiety?

While you may not be diagnosed with GAD we’re all subject to stress and anxiety. If you’re in a time of change, transition, or high stress and don’t feel quite like yourself—neurofeedback may be an option to help you self-regulate. It can also be used to treat a variety of diagnosed conditions or for improved focus and cognitive performance.

We’ll need to conduct a free consultation to determine how neurofeedback may improve your performance or quality of life.

Want to Learn More About Neurofeedback for Anxiety?

If you live in or around Tulsa, Oklahoma and want to learn more about utilizing neurofeedback for anxiety—schedule your free consultation now!