What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is defined as the technique of making brain activity perceptible to the senses in order to consciously alter the brain's activity. This is done by recording brain waves with an electroencephalogram (EEG) and presenting the data visually or audibly. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is used for detecting and recording brain waves.
The best way to describe what’s going on in simpler terms is to think of your brain like it’s a guitar and each string is a different brain wave. Neurofeedback is a tuning device and you are a self-taught, self-playing instrument. You don’t really know if you are playing the right notes or even the right chords, you just play. When you play the guitar, I can read all the notes you’re playing with the EEG. When you start out some notes may be too high an octave, others too low causing the whole song to sound a little off key. Neurofeedback helps you fine tune those notes so they can harmonize so you can play a beautiful and well balanced song.
Benefits of Neurofeedback
In order for Neurofeedback to work efficiently, sessions should be at least twice a week. Some benefits of Neurofeedback are:
Ability to create a sense of calm and leave one feeling more centered
It is tailored to each individual
No medication is required
It balances the brain - not easily over/under aroused
Meet Michelle, Our Neurofeeedback Technician
I started working with mentally disabled individuals in 2010, which led me to want to be in the healthcare field. I knew I always wanted to help people I just didn’t know how. In 2015, I graduated with an Associates of Science in Medical Assisting. I then went back to school to be an ultrasound technician in 2016 where I received another Associates of Science while working part-time with elderly individuals who had mental illnesses such as Alzheimer's and dementia. In 2019, life led me to the doors of Boone Hospital Center where I helped build a bariatric department. I returned to school in 2022. I felt like I had learned everything I could from Bariatrics and wanted to go back and explore school on how I could help them with mental issues and learn more about the brain in both mentally and the physicality of it. I knew that I needed to look into jobs in the counseling world or at the very least in the psychology department. I eventually found a listing for Neurofeedback technician and was curious. Once I learned that it had to do with brain waves I was immediately interested since I already had a background in ultrasound. I applied and was hired and am super excited to learn all I can from it. In September of 2023 I will be graduating with my Bachelors of Science in pre-counseling. Eventually I will go back to school for my masters’ to become a counselor, after I feel like I know Neurofeedback pretty well.
Why Did We Bring Neurofeedback In?
The decision to introduce neurofeedback services in Jefferson City stemmed from recognizing the substantial gap in accessible Neurofeedback treatment. The Counseling Hub sought the disparity and close the gap so to speak. By offering these services in a more central area, people don’t have to make the commute to St. Louis or Kansas City. This really helps alleviate the burden of time, cost, and inconvenience associated with seeking specialized care.
What is My Goal?
My personal goal for clients who seek out and receive neurofeedback treatment is for them to learn to control their own physiology to resolve their mental health symptoms. To clear the cloudiness that is in your head space so that you can see things like yourself and the world more clearly. I don’t have the answers, only you do, but I can help you navigate through it to find them by building trust and a safe space to grow without feeling judged or insignificant. I will be a cheerleader, and at times an adversary to challenge you where growth is possible. I believe that the world around you will change once you are aware of yourself, who you are and your self-worth. It will do so on its own based on the decisions you make.