Eight years ago my husband and I invested in a ‘one week intensive’ series of neurofeedback sessions. It was very expensive, and we had to travel out of state in order to access any practitioners. I had been experiencing an ever-increasing sense of ‘overwhelm’ in my work life, and my husband was interested in the possible ‘life-enhancement’ aspect of the sessions. The treatment began with qEEG’s to get an idea of how best to proceed.

Following the initial qEEG, I remember feeling confused when the technician, (because that’s what she was) handed me a book on sensorimotor methods of trauma recovery. After years of CBT, I was certain I had healed to the extent possible, and couldn’t understand why she felt it necessary to encourage me to ‘revisit’ that stuff. Now I think she probably saw all the markers for developmental trauma on the initial qEEG.

We both benefited markedly from our neurofeedback. I recall experiencing the absence of anxiety that had been my normal state. This allowed me to return to work with a completely fear-free frame of mind, and my first day back on the job proved that my ‘productivity’ had increased dramatically. Sadly, the effect was not lasting, and I descended once again into a hellishly anxious and stressful ‘norm’. At the time there were no local options for further neurofeedback training, and I trudged on. White knuckling sucks.

I wasn’t able to pursue further sessions at that time, but am beginning with a local therapist who offers NeurOptimal training next week. I have some doubts about this system – it’s a ‘one size fits all’ approach, without any specific protocols for elevated limbic activation, BUT, it has shown promise for folks with anxiety, poor impulse control, etc.

I’m currently reading “Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Developmental Trauma, Calming the Fear-Driven Brain”, and I have to agree that Sebern is able to articulate this complex topic with ease and clarity. Just reading the book is filling me with renewed hope, and if I have to keep searching for a more sophisticated NFB provider, I will.

Just found your blog today, and am looking forward to reading all of your posts. I can see that you have much wisdom to share. Thanks for being there!

Heather