Specialized Treatment For You
Biofeedback
Table of Contents
Gabe Lau, PhD, PE
Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Gabe Lau is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Providence Treatment Companies.
What is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback therapy is a non-drug treatment in which the client learns to control bodily processes that are normally involuntary, such as muscle tension, blood pressure, or heart rate. Clinicians often combine it with relaxation training as well as mindfulness training.
As it is noninvasive and does not involve drugs, the potential for risk or undesired side effects is minimal. This low risk makes it suitable for persons with an addiction, as well as pregnant women.
How it Works
There are three common types of biofeedback therapy:
- Thermal biofeedback that measures skin temperature
- Electromyography (EMG) that measures muscle tension
- Neurofeedback, or EEG feedback
Neurofeedback is a specialized type of biofeedback that measures brain wave activities. It may help clients with attention deficit, addiction, anxiety, seizures, depression, and other kinds of brain conditions.
During a neurofeedback session, the therapist attaches electrodes to the client’s skin, and these send signals to a monitoring box. These electrodes do not send electricity to the brain; rather, they simply monitor electrical activity. The therapist views the measurements on the monitor, and through trial and error, identifies a range of mental activities and relaxation techniques that can help regulate stress responses. Eventually, the client learns how to control their bodily processes in the face of stress, anxiety, or tension. Some of the training is brought home for more application in the client’s daily life.
According to a recent University of Maryland Medical Center study, biofeedback seems to affect levels of stress and anxiety. Many of the contemporary diseases we struggle with in our society like heart disease, diabetes, GI issues, migraines, skin concerns, and addictions are made worse by unmanaged stress. When a person feels stressed, their internal processes such as blood pressure can become irregular with an increased heart rate. Biofeedback trains the individual to focus on ways to relax and practice mental exercises that can alleviate symptoms.
In 2015, a Japanese study found that this therapy reduced the frequency and severity of symptoms in people with migraine headaches.
Offering Customized Help for Professionals
Biofeedback at Providence Treatment
Providence has partnered with Widener University’s Graduate School of Psychology to provide professional biofeedback to our clients. The outcomes have been positive, and clients are beginning to be less reactive, and able to manage their stress with relaxation techniques and training.
Providence works hard to provide cutting-edge treatments to our clients. We craft our offerings to serve all sorts of professionals, from pilots to doctors to lawyers. For more information about biofeedback, neurofeedback, or any of our other therapy options, reach out to us. Call our friendly staff at 866-247-3307 today.
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