5 Unexpected Benefits of Neurofeedback
So, you’ve read the website and watched the informational videos. (Hopefully! If not, go ahead-- I’ll wait!) You now know a little bit now about what neurofeedback is, who it can help, and how it works but now you’re wondering, “So what should I really expect? Would I actually benefit from this?”
The answer is a resounding YES! People of all ages, abilities, diagnoses and backgrounds have used and benefited from neurofeedback. Through the years of applying neurofeedback in combination with counseling, biofeedback, meditation training, lifestyle coaching, EMDR, etc, we’ve come across a short list of unexpected improvements that clients commonly report, despite what their “presenting issues” were.
1. Enhance your work productivity.
Your boss can thank us later. Yep. Neurofeedback allows the brain to begin functioning more efficiently which in turn allows you to think faster, problem solve more effectively and work more efficiently. Get more done in less time. Who doesn’t want that?
2. Increase motivation.
Has that gym membership been debited from your account month after month but yet you’ve been MIA? Have you had a project or hobby idea lingering over your head for years but have never found the energy or inspiration to get started? Have you let yourself down again and again when you fail to follow through with your diet plan or new lifestyle routine? Our clients often notice that with neurofeedback they suddenly find their “spark” again, they find their energy and they get serious about the things they’ve wanted to for far to long.
3. Become a “morning person”.
That’s right! I can attest to this one personally. Neurofeedback helps us to make the most of our sleep. Many of us may THINK we sleep well but don’t realize that the quality of our sleep is lacking. We may not be spending enough time in the various stages of sleep necessary for repair and healing. People who undergo neurofeedback often experience a positive shift in the quality of their sleep. For me, I’ve always struggled with waking up in the mornings. I was a chronic “snoozer” and would wake up feeling groggy, cranky and lacking energy. I always wished I could just pop out of bed when the alarm went off, energized and clear headed and ready to tackle the day. This is my reality now. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my cranky morning moments (just ask my husband 😉) but the vast majority of the time I wake up with energy and clarity, and I no longer hit the snooze button.
4. Reduce your “bad” habits.
Need 4 cups of coffee to get going in the morning? Drink too much wine in the evening to unwind from a stressful day? Even if you don’t have a “problem” with drugs and alcohol doesn’t mean your habits are healthy ones. When we rebalance our brain wave activity through neurofeedback, we often lose the urge to use substances to help us feel “balanced”. Some clients even notice that when they do fall prey to old habits that their brain and body have an unpleasant response. Coffee and wine are expensive! You’re welcome 😊
5. Improve personal insight.
This is the BIG one. Across the board we see this so often with our clients it’s impossible to ignore. What does “improved personal insight” mean? Well, it means positive changes in nearly every aspect of your life. By improving your insight and awareness about your own thoughts, feelings and experiences you can better understand who you are, what your desires are and how to achieve them. Relationships improve, you find a deeper spiritual connection, you take better care of yourself, you seek positive new opportunities and experiences, essentially—you become the greatest and highest version of yourself. Don’t get us wrong, sometimes positive change requires hardship and difficult decisions. At times this improved personal insight has enlightened clients to end toxic relationships, start a new career, move across the country… these major changes can be stressful, and difficult. But with your new and improved balanced brain, powerful tools for managing stress and a kick-ass therapist to help you along the way, you’ve totally got this.
Written by: Britney Cirullo, MA, LPCC-S, LICDC, BCN