Neurofeedback For Kids? Absolutely.
You may have read an article or seen a news segment about brain training.
Neurofeedback is a form of technology assisted therapy which teaches kids (and adults!) how to change the way their brains work. It’s a form of EEG biofeedback therapy that has been around for decades
As humans, many of the issues we struggle with start in our brain. You know how we develop physical habits? Well, we also have brain habits. If your child is anxious, certain areas of his brain activate. If he is daydreaming, other parts of his brain fire. When these things happen repeatedly, they become brain habits.
And that’s what neurofeedback does- it helps us break old brain habits and strengthen new ones. Enjoyably and comfortably, neurofeedback training teaches your brain to activate in ways that help you operate more functionally.
How does neurofeedback for kids work? Well, I’m not going to go into much depth about that here, but please feel welcome to click here to read more about how neurofeedback works.
For now, lets just use an analogy. You know how when you learn a sport, you train and practice? We do this because repetition helps us improve our balance and our coordination. When we rehearse or practice, we aren’t just training our muscles. We are also training our brains and your nervous systems.
Neurofeedback is like a therapeutic workout for your brain. It teaches you to make changes in your EEG brainwaves. Changing these gives you greater control over your moods, your energy level and your ability to focus. One of the teens I work with calls it his ” brain workout” and compares it to his time at the gym. While he plays a video game in my office, his brain is learning to be more be more focused and calm.
Below are 4 reasons you should consider this potent, cutting edge child therapy.
1st Reason- Neurofeedback Strengthens Attention Skills
Does your child have trouble staying focused on homework? Does his or her mind wander. Do they drift off, get fidgety and have trouble sitting still and paying attention? Neurofeedback training teaches kids how to calm their bodies and clear their minds. Parents turn to neurofeedback for kids because it’s a natural, drug free, evidence based treatment.
In fact, The American Academy Of Pediatrics recommends neurofeedback for kids as a “Level 1 Best Support” treatment for kids who battle ADHD symptoms.
2nd Reason-Neurofeedback Teaches Kids How to Regulate Their Emotions.
Anxiety, anger, depression. It’s not just adults who struggle with these feelings. A sad fact is that both anxiety and depression are on the rise with young people. If your child could benefit from learning to regulate her emotions, neurofeedback can help.
3rd Reason- Neurofeedback Trains the Brain and The Nervous System.
Neurofeedback is helpful for a wide range of childhood problems. In my clinical work I have seen it benefit clients who deal with:
- Impulsivity
- ADHD
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Autistic Spectrum Symptoms
- Disorganized attachment.
- Trauma and PTSD
- Migraines, Headaches, and G.I problems
- Sleep problems
And there is one extra reason that many child therapy clients appreciate- Neurofeedback brain training is fun!
If you want to support your child in child in being the best that he or she can be, give neurofeedback serious consideration.
Feel free to contact me to learn more about how I help kid and teens.