What are the different types of Neurofeedback I use?
Infraslow Neurofeedback (ISF)
ISF focuses on the lowest frequencies of the brain. These slow frequencies coordinate the heart, the digestive system, the blood, and the autonomic nervous system. It is the autonomic nervous system which includes our sympathetic (fight or flight responses) and parasympathetic nervous system (rest, repair, or shut down responses).
Currently most of us are under constant stress and if you have gone through trauma, your body has especially gone through stress. When trauma occurs many times the brain is dysregulated, either with hyper-excitability or hypo-excitability. ISF helps regulate brain waves which are in chronic autonomic stress. The autonomic nervous system is found in the default mode network (when we daydream or introspect), anterior cingulate gyrus (where we process emotions and regulate behavior), and the salience network (figuring out what is most important right now).
ISF helps the brain communicate between the nervous system and emotional networks. It allows the heart, blood, digestive system and brain to be more flexible; to move from trauma responses to stability – a calm and alert state. This helps those suffering from anxiety, depression, and much more. In fact, those with migraines usually show an overactive parasympathetic nervous system.
ISF stabilizes the autonomic nervous system which gives an incredible calming effect and one’s response is usually relief.
Amplitude Training
The brain has multiple electrical brain waves. These waves are categorized by their frequencies and their amplitudes. The frequencies of these waves are measured by how many waves are created a second and the amplitude shows us the power of these waves. Each of these frequencies relates to specific characteristics and behaviors. With amplitude training we can train specific frequencies to increase or decrease in their amplitude.
A qEEG can show us specifically which areas of the brain are under or overactive. Based on this analysis we can determine what brain wave to work on and where. When there is an area we are training and the brain functions well (the brain wave we want to increase or decrease) it is given a reward in the form of tones and visuals. The sounds are softer and the visuals are dimmer when the brain is not functioning the way we are desiring. The brain is very quick to realize what is going on and will adjust to receive the rewards. The level of functionality and connectivity modifies while training is in progress.
Alpha-theta
This training involves deep state processing with eyes closed. Alpha and theta brain waves are both slow waves which are rewarded. Theta is slower than alpha. The goal of alpha-theta training is to have the theta brain waves be greater in amplitude than the alpha brain waves. When this crossover occurs, the effect allows for a deeply relaxed state. When training goes well the client can let go of emotional, psychological, and physical defenses. The ability to enter this reverie state results in significant opportunities for change. Many clients experience an inner healing and peace.
This type of training is often used to facilitate deep relaxation, enhance creativity, and promote emotional healing.