When it comes to finding the right treatment or program of treatments for your daughter’s mental issues, it can be a long, frustrating, and arduous road. The road also often feels especially bumpy and exhausting when the various treatments are not having the desired effects. However, as parents, we must keep trying until we find something that works. This includes trying treatments that are less well-known like neurofeedback treatments. After all, the iconic Swiss psychologist Carl Jung once famously said that “Knowledge rests not upon truth alone, but upon error also.”

What Exactly Are Neurofeedback Treatments?

Understandably, the moniker “neurofeedback” can feel a bit futuristic and intimidating. However, once we get past the clinical-sounding name, the concept of neurofeedback treatments becomes much more accessible. A good explanation of neurofeedback is found in the peer-reviewed journal Basic and Clinical Neuroscience. The article’s authors explain that “Neurofeedback is a kind of biofeedback, which teaches self-control of brain functions to subjects by measuring brain waves and providing a feedback signal.”

The article also states that “Neurofeedback usually provides the audio and or video feedback,” and then “positive or negative feedback is produced for desirable or undesirable brain activities, respectively.”

To break it down in even simpler terms, an individual experiences various external stimuli (such as a movie or series of images) while their brainwaves are being monitored. These brainwaves give feedback by which the individual can change their cognitions (thoughts) and emotions in real time. With the help of a neurofeedback specialist, this process can also help access certain underlying issues that are causing negative behavior patterns.

Understanding the Benefits and Limitations of Neurofeedback Treatments

As with most mental health treatment modalities, there are pros and cons to neurofeedback treatments. Also, as with most treatment modalities, it is critical to understand these pros and cons before committing to neurofeedback.

However, when considering any mental health treatment, it is recommended that you consult with a professional. A mental health and/or addiction specialist can assess the bigger picture to determine whether a treatment is reasonable and also doesn’t pose any serious complications (such as interactions with medications or comorbidities).

The Benefits of Neurofeedback Treatments

One of the more positive aspects of neurofeedback treatments is that there have been only extremely rare reports of physical side effects (minor headaches and muscle tension). The following are just a few of the other benefits of neurofeedback treatments:

  • Neurofeedback treatments have been shown to lessen feelings of anxiety (including for those not struggling with an anxiety disorder).
  • This modality has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression.
  • For individuals who have trouble concentrating, neurofeedback can improve focus and attention span.
  • This therapy has been shown to help individuals process traumatic memories.
  • Neurofeedback treatments can help individuals regulate negative and uncontrolled behaviors.
  • It requires no medication and is also wholly non-invasive.

The Limitations of Neurofeedback Treatments

Just as important as knowing the positive aspects of neurofeedback treatments is knowing the negative ones. This information can ultimately help with decision-making during recovery.

The following are some but not all of the limitations of neurofeedback treatments:

  • Neurofeedback treatments can be time-consuming.
  • For certain people, it has been shown to cause heightened anxiety, feelings of panic, and racing thoughts even after the treatments have taken place.
  • It can be somewhat expensive and is sometimes not covered by insurance.
  • Depending on where you live, it can be hard to find licensed practitioners.
  • Unlike other types of neuropsychology like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), the results of neurofeedback treatments can take time.
  • Without consistent participation, the benefits of neurofeedback treatments can dissipate.

As we can see, the benefits of neurofeedback treatments tend to lie in the psychological, while the limitations lie in the practical. However, that doesn’t mean that either benefits or limitations should be minimized.

The Importance of Customized Care at Clearview

Here at Clearview, we offer a wide variety of mental health treatment modalities, including neurofeedback treatments. We believe in the importance of multifaceted customized care. Our belief is that the more treatment options and specialists that we have at our disposal, the better chances our students have to succeed in their recovery.

At Clearview we like to say that we light the path for our student’s recovery. Neurofeedback treatments are just one of the treatments that help us make that lighted path a reality. Carl Jung also once said that “As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.” Our goal is to help our students not only find their kindling but also keep that kindling going as they continue to light their own path of long-term recovery.

When it comes to treating issues of mental health and addiction, it is important to explore all treatment avenues. This includes looking into neurofeedback treatments. Utilizing neurofeedback can help individuals recognize the underlying thoughts and emotions that drive their behaviors so they can then begin to adjust accordingly. When used in a comprehensive multifaceted treatment plan, neurofeedback can be an excellent addition to most recovery programs. However, as with any treatment modality, it is important to remember that neurofeedback also has its limitations. If you feel like your daughter is struggling with issues of mental health, we can help. For more information on neurofeedback treatments and recovery, please reach out to Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.