submitted by Dr. Maria DiDonato, D.Ed. Psychologist, Achievement & Wellness Center, achievewell.net
Sally, (not her real name), a mature woman from Northampton, endured severe early childhood trauma. She carried the painful effects of the trauma all her life which seriously interfered with her life.
She reported being depressed all her life, struggling to maintain relationships and jobs.
On intake, she reported being nervous and scared just being in our office. She cried during the initial session and in many succeeding sessions this made it difficult for her to discuss anything from her life for a long time.
Sally reported that during her life she often re-enacted the trauma she endured.
Over the years, attempts and medication and counseling were not successful, since discussing the trauma was retraumatizing to her. Her emotional life was always negatively impaired by the effects of the trauma she endured.
For her, everything appeared to translate to some form of fear, anger, or rage.
A neurofeedback treatment plan that addresses the areas of the brain affected by trauma was begun.
Because trauma is stored in the brain in a nonverbal way, it’s more effective to address it nonverbally. By calming the effects of the trauma, neurofeedback allows the individual to take control.
Gradually, as her brain calmed down, she was able to engage in counseling and remain calm during the sessions and in her life.
Sally started to experience more stability with her emotions and less like she was on a roller coaster ride.
As her emotional state calmed down, she began experiencing longer periods of stability at home and work. Through the course of training, she began smiling more, having more positive thoughts and enjoying a happier lifestyle.
Neurofeedback is a form of brainwave biofeedback that uses a system of rewards to train the areas of the brain that are dysregulated.
Over time, the brain learns the new brainwave patterns and positive changes will occur behaviorally and emotionally. The effects are believed to be long-lasting and possibly permanent.