Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Therapy in Los Angeles
Crossroads Institute brought on Dr. Michael Linden, a pioneer in qEEG-based neurofeedback treatment, and his team from Attention Learning Center in 2021 to provide neurofeedback and biofeedback services in California. These services focus on modifying your brainwaves to effect changes in your attention, emotions, cognition, socialization, and behaviors. Crossroads Institute is unique in that we provide brain training services in the context of a full suite of mental health services, so you can be confident that you are receiving the highest quality services that are appropriate for your concerns.
What is Brain Training?
Brain training is typically considered to be an alternative to medication-based treatment for a variety of conditions. Brain training services can also be adjunctive to medication services in cases where total symptom relief cannot be obtained based on medication and/or psychotherapy alone. We provide qEEG-based neurofeedback treatment, which is best supported by research on the efficacy, and HRV (Heart Rate Variability) biofeedback, which is proven effective in anxiety management.
Biofeedback vs. Neurofeedback
At Crossroads Institute, we offer both biofeedback and neurofeedback services. Biofeedback is a method of monitoring and feedback that uses sensors to measure things like breathing rate, heart rate, skin conductance, and muscle tension. This information is then used to help the person learn to control their body’s response to stress and anxiety and to reduce autonomic nervous system arousal. Benefits of HRV biofeedback include improved responses to stressors, increased resilience, mental clarity, and sleep quality.
Heart Rate Variability is an indicator of vulnerability to stress. Improving HRV with biofeedback can improve emotional regulation leading to greater flexibility and the ability to adapt to and recover from stressors. Chronic stress leads to lower HRV which results in a decreased capacity for problem-solving, increased states of anxiety, irritation, anger outbursts, high levels of intolerance, and emotional reactivity. With practice, the self-awareness and skills gained from HRV biofeedback can be a valuable tool to improve overall emotional and physiological functioning.
Neurofeedback, a type of biofeedback, is a method of directly training the brain. Sensors are used to measure brainwaves, and this information is then used to help the person learn to self-regulate and condition their brain activity. Both biofeedback and neurofeedback are effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. They can also help improve focus, attention, memory, behavior, and sleep.
How Does Neurofeedback Training Work?
Neurofeedback uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation and conditioning of brain function. During neurofeedback training, (EEG) sensors are placed on the scalp to measure brain activity. This information is then fed back to the individual in the form of auditory and visual real-time feedback.
What is a qEEG Brain Map?
A quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) brain map assesses an individual's brain function. qEEG brain mapping involves recording and analyzing (based on researched databases) the electrical activity of the brain waves to identify any areas that are not functioning optimally. This information is then used to create a personalized neurofeedback training program that targets specific areas of concern.
What to Expect During Neurofeedback Therapy Sessions
Neurofeedback training is done in a series of sessions, with each session lasting 30-60 minutes. During neurofeedback training, patients are typically asked to perform tasks such as watching a movie or playing a video game while the sensors measure their brain activity. The feedback they receive is based on whether their brain activity is within the desired range for the particular task. For example, if someone is trying to reduce stress and anxiety, the feedback might be a relaxing image or sound when their brain activity is in the desired range. Conversely, if someone is trying to improve focus, the feedback might be an exciting image or sound when their brain activity is in the desired range.
Benefits of Neurofeedback
There are several potential benefits associated with neurofeedback training. These include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved focus and concentration
- Eased symptoms of ADHD, Autism/Aspergers, memory, depression, migraines, and sleep disorders
- Improved physical well-being
- Improved quality of life
What Does Neurofeedback Help With?
Some of the conditions that neurofeedback is effective in treating include:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Memory/Dementia
- Processing speed
- Learning disabilities
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Insomnia
- Migraines
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sleep disorders
Neurofeedback FAQ
The goal of neurofeedback training is to help the individual learn to control his or her brain activity to improve mental, behavioral, and emotional health. Ultimately, we aim to help the individual become more self-sufficient and reduce the need for medications.
We provide qEEG Guided Neurofeedback and Direct (stimulation) Neurofeedback and treatment type will depend on the client’s presenting problems, the results of the QEEG brain map, as well as other related testing. Crossroads Brain Training directors individually decide what the best brain training options are for each client.
qEEG Guided Neurofeedback is personalized based on the qEEG brain map results and usually involves 2-3 unique neurofeedback protocols (calming, alertness, memory, processing speed). Direct Neurofeedback is a type of ultra-low pulse electrical stimulation that activates areas of the brain, resulting in less depression and improved alertness and memory. Both types of Neurofeedback can be used separately or in combination with biofeedback.
Numerous studies have shown neurofeedback to be an effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety with some research indicating that it can be even more effective than medication. For other conditions, such as memory, socialization, sleep, and depression, neurofeedback can be effective.
The number of neurofeedback sessions required to see results varies from person to person. Some people may see improvements after 5-10 sessions, while others may need more. The range of sessions needed is between 30-60 sessions in order to complete the personalized protocols and obtain more lasting results; although some people may need fewer or more than this.
Learn More About Brain Training
Biofeedback & Neurofeedback
Near Los Angeles, California
At Crossroads Institute, we offer neurofeedback and biofeedback services for children, adolescents, and adults in California. Our neurofeedback and biofeedback therapists are highly trained and experienced in providing this type of therapy. If you are interested in learning more about neurofeedback or would like to schedule an appointment, please click on the link below to get started.