Initially used with veterans suffering from PTSD, biofeedback is now an evidence-based practice (EBP) for numerous mental illnesses including, but not limited to, anxiety, ADHD, depression, Autism, and Traumatic Brain Injuries. But what is biofeedback? Biofeedback is training based on traditional behavioral conditioning techniques used to reinforce or inhibit specific forms of brainwave or EGG activity. The client is placed in a comfortable, relaxing chair where the therapist places sensors on specific parts of the brain. The client is then given instructions based on what their target brainwave is. For example, if the client is experiencing hyperactivity like seen in ADHD, they will receive the Alpha Theta wave protocol. A 2005 study out of UCLA, Effects of an EEG Biofeedback Protocol on a Mixed Substance Abusing Population, found that individuals who were given the treatment utilizing the biofeedback protocol exhibited enhanced retention, attention, and abstinence rates one year post treatment. Since this landmark study, other institutions have replicated the findings, which indicated either consistent or better improvements than the original UCLA study results. To learn more about biofeedback and the ways it may be beneficial to you or your family member, contact Dr. Ermshar.
