submitted by Dr. Maria DiDonato, D.Ed. Psychologist, Achievement & Wellness Center
Lucille (not her real name), a college student from Warminster, suspended her college career because of severe anxiety and depression.
Her aspirations were put on hold as she migrated through the emotional roller coaster of severe emotional dysregulation.
She began experiencing depression in elementary school and anxiety became an issue in middle school. Both drove significant emotional dysregulation as she entered college.
Despite her many attempts at treatment and medication, her efforts were unsuccessful as she moved from one program to another without relief. She reported feeling “overwhelmed” and “terrible in general.” Realizing she was not getting relief, she stopped all her medications and decided to start neurofeedback.
When Lucille came in for her first session, she was clearly very depressed and cried through the first and next few sessions.
However, her 24-hour self-reports showed improvement as she reported that she was sleeping better, had more energy, felt calm and relaxed, less hyper, had better concentration felt happier, more awake and physically better.
Gradually, the training effects lasted longer and her mood in session was more positive. Counseling was progressing better as she became more emotionally regulated.
Now, Lucille comes in for sessions smiling and very happy with lots to talk about. As treatment progresses, she reports having fewer anxiety episodes. Recently, she got a job that she enjoys, and she feels her challenges are manageable.
As Lucille’s treatment progresses, she is beginning to experience a new outlook and positive expectations for her future.
With neurofeedback, the brainwaves will balance to a more regulated state and she will be able to manage life’s experiences with a better balance of thought and emotional stability.
Neurofeedback is brainwave biofeedback that trains the brain to produce more of the positive waves.
The result is a more regulated emotional state wherein the individual can have a more balanced and successful lifestyle.