Do you have a son or daughter with ADHD and are looking for an alternative to medication? Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, safe form of treatment for ADHD with decades of evidence supporting its effectiveness. Neurofeedback for ADHD is rated as a level one (highest level) treatment by the American Academy of Pediatrics and is becoming increasingly popular with parents looking for more effective treatment with fewer side effects.
How ADHD Therapy can help your child
Parents always come to my office concerned about their child’s behavior at school and home. Most of the time they are seeking help to assist their child who is having a problem in sustaining attention in tasks or play activities, doesn’t listen when spoken to directly, or has difficulty in following through on instructions and fails to finish work. When this kind of behavior leads to the child getting into trouble at school parents can start to doubt their parenting skills. It’s not easy always getting feedback that your son or daughter has been sent to the principal’s office for “talking back to the teacher”, “fighting with a friend”, or “acting impulsively”.
In fact, ADHD is related to the low arousal of the brain, which means that the brain waves are not regulated the way normal brain waves would be. As a result of these irregular brain waves, people suffering from ADHD get easily discouraged, bored, irritable, and depressed. As childhood develops into adolescence, this can also lead to risk-taking behaviors and alcohol and drug use. It affects self-esteem and leads to a diverse range of mental illnesses when not appropriately treated. The best way to stop these problems from occurring is to go to the heart of the issue, the irregular brainwaves.
Neurofeedback has been known as a non-invasive treatment with successful results. It helps the brain to regulate itself in a way that the person treated is able to concentrate, focus on the task and finish what he or she started.
How does Neurofeedback for ADHD work?
The goal of all Neurofeedback is to transform an unhealthy, abnormal brainwave pattern into a normal, healthy, organized pattern. When this happens, the brain becomes more stable and is able to operate optimally and efficiently. Neurofeedback for ADHD works by changing the brainwaves that underlie feelings, thoughts, emotions, awareness, and ability to self-regulate.
Before treatment, a brain map is conducted to help see which frequencies and area(s) of the brain are most affected, and to help determine the treatment protocol. At the beginning of each session, the therapist places two electrodes on the client’s head and then starts up the brain training software. This might sound a bit intimidating, but, actually, it is quite relaxing and enjoyable; the client gets to sit back and watch a show or movie of interest while the non-invasive training takes place. Gradually with each session, unhealthy or abnormal brainwaves are transformed into a normal, healthy, and organized pattern.
When the underlying causes of ADHD are addressed through Neurofeedback therapy, the effects can be seen in all areas of life. Young people who have received Neurofeedback for ADHD often find it easier to concentrate, feel less irritable and are able to do better at school. As they become better able to cope with the demands of life, their mood improves and they gain confidence and self-esteem. Many people start to see improvements after only a few sessions, building steadily on these improvements to achieve lasting gains.
Therapy for Neurofeedback in Los Angeles
When choosing to pursue a course of Neurofeedback, it’s important to get a properly qualified Neurofeedback therapist. Jennifer Willemsen, MA, LMFT received her training at the New Mind Neurofeedback Institute and has experience providing Neurofeedback to a wide range of clients for problems including, ADHD, anxiety, depression, learning difficulties and Autism. To find out more or to schedule an appointment in Los Angeles, get in touch today. You can call or fill out the contact form.
