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An Expert Says
"Neurofeedback is on the cutting edge of the mind-body revolution. I believe it is one of the treatments that will keep us moving toward an era of new approaches of naturally managing our health. Deborah Stokes is an extremely gifted therapist who is on the forefront of her profession."
Candace B. Pert, Ph.D., former chief of Brain Biochemistry at the National Institute of Mental Health and author of Molecules of Emotion and Your Body is Your Subconscious Mind.
FAQ
What are the Benefits and Risks of EEG Neurofeedback?
EEG Neurofeedback has been around for over 30 years, although it has gained attention mostly in the past few years. It has been used for a variety of conditions which appear to be associated with irregular brain activity including attention deficit disorder with and without hyperactivity and specific learning disabilities. The procedure has also shown promise with certain behavioral disorders, sleep problems, depression, migraine, anxiety, chronic pain, minor head injury and seizure disorders. In my experience and in the reported studies, most individuals benefit to a greater or lesser extent from this procedure. Nonetheless, no representation is made that any individual client will improve or become "cured" by the training.
Our work and studies in the literature suggest that the positive effects of Neurofeedback are lasting. Nonetheless, clients have, on occasion, sought a few booster sessions which appear to be helpful usually long after the initial treatment regimen. Clients who have head injuries or toxic exposures to chemicals or extreme stress after treatment can appear to lose some of the benefit. It is unclear whether this reflected the undoing of earlier training or was the result of new damage.
With regard to risk or harm, there is no evidence, either from my experience or from the literature, that the treatment is harmful or that it creates or has negative side effects. It is non-invasive and painless. Any side effects seem to be in terms of unanticipated improvement with other problems that were not the focus of treatment. Some clients have reported that training seemed to cause temporary worsening in some symptoms including feeling more anxious, more distractible or more tired. These changes were not serious and usually resolve on their own or can be corrected by shifting the brain wave target range and electrode locations. Typically, these problems resolve quickly. Therefore, it is very important that you keep us informed of any changes or negative effects, even if they seem unconnected to the Neurofeedback, so that training can be modified.
What if I am on Medications?
You should also be aware of the relationship between Neurofeedback and medications. Obviously, many people undergo Neurofeedback with the goal of reducing or eliminating the need for medications. However, do not alter your medications without consulting your physician. Also be aware that Neurofeedback could affect your body response to other medications you are taking for conditions unrelated to the ones for which you are undergoing Neurofeedback. Should new symptoms appear to be developing, it is your responsibility to keep us informed as well as your physician.
How Do I Get Started?
After you have read this website you can schedule an initial consultation. This is a 50 minute session where you will have a chance to ask Dr. Stokes any remaining questions you may have. It will also be determined during this session if you are a candidate for Neurofeedback or if other treatments need to be considered instead of or along with Neurofeedback.
For more information about how Neurofeedback can help you, or to make an appointment for your initial consultation with Dr. Stokes, please call 703-684-0334 or send an email to: Brainew@gmail.com
There are others who appear to offer similar services at more discount rates. Why is this?
Usually, the case is that these are not licensed professionals and many are operating illegally without the fulltime onsite supervision of a licensed professional. You should always ascertain beforehand whether the person who is determining Neurofeedback protocols for you or your child has a license in a mental health field or is licensed as a physician and that they are a full-time presence at the clinic where you decide to go. Side effects, although rare, can happen, and you will want a seasoned professional who is able to discern this and to respond appropriately if and when this happens. Our clinic frequently receives calls from folks who have tried unqualified discount providers and are either worse off than when they started or are unchanged.
Dr. Stokes has been practicing neurotherapy fulltime since 2000. Our neurotherapy clinic is the only one within a 500 mile radius with a fully licensed and certified multidisciplinary staff of psychologists, social worker and dietitian. All are experienced neurotherapists who are grounded in principles of brain health. We offer many forms of biofeedback to include 2 types of frequency-based forms of EEG biofeedback, six types of peripheral biofeedback, 2 types of EEG disentrainment biofeedback, 5 Hemoencephalography machines (a type of peripheral biofeedback for the brain), and other forms of equipment for home rental, all of which help to maximize our success. Additionally, we provide individual and group psychotherapy, neuropsychological and psychoeducational testing, and nutritional counseling.
How can I learn to do Neurotherapy or Neurofeedback as a career?
If you hold a license for independent practice in mental health or medicine you would qualify to take a course of study approved by the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA). Then you could purchase your equipment and obtain supervision and mentoring to begin your own practice. See our Home Page for information on Internships.