Achieving Emotional Balance
Emotional balance is the ability of the mind and body to maintain equilibrium and flexibility in the face of challenge and change. Emotional balance promotes physical health, and is a prerequisite for personal wellbeing and growth.
What we experience as our mind is made up of our thoughts and emotions, and our happiness depends on us remaining in a balanced mental/emotional state. We all experience negative thoughts and emotions from time to time but if we stay in any state for too long we lose the ability to return to our balanced, neutral position.
We might find ourselves “locked” in any number of negative states; such as anger, fear, worry, dissociation, self-sabotage or depression; agitation, impulsivity, anxiety, panic attacks and sleep trouble, lack of drive and motivation, or poor concentration. These stuck emotions run just below the level of consciousness, intangible yet often overwhelming. These uncomfortable emotions can dominate our thinking process and give rise to inappropriate reactions that impair our ability to be at our best.
Neurofeedback teaches the brain how to break out of these involuntary habits, allowing a shift back into our natural, contented state – with greater happiness and resilience in whatever circumstances we face.
What we experience as our mind is made up of our thoughts and emotions, and our happiness depends on us remaining in a balanced mental/emotional state. We all experience negative thoughts and emotions from time to time but if we stay in any state for too long we lose the ability to return to our balanced, neutral position.
We might find ourselves “locked” in any number of negative states; such as anger, fear, worry, dissociation, self-sabotage or depression; agitation, impulsivity, anxiety, panic attacks and sleep trouble, lack of drive and motivation, or poor concentration. These stuck emotions run just below the level of consciousness, intangible yet often overwhelming. These uncomfortable emotions can dominate our thinking process and give rise to inappropriate reactions that impair our ability to be at our best.
Neurofeedback teaches the brain how to break out of these involuntary habits, allowing a shift back into our natural, contented state – with greater happiness and resilience in whatever circumstances we face.
Example reference in helping teens resolve anger: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121024164731.htm
REFERENCES:
Level 4: Efficacious
Anxiety:
Nature: Translational Psychiatry (2013)
Orbitofrontal cortex neurofeedback produces lasting changes in contamination anxiety and resting-state connectivity
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
Summary; Changes in resting-state connectivity in the target orbitofrontal region correlated with these improvements in anxiety. Matched subjects undergoing a sham feedback control task showed neither a reorganization of resting-state functional connectivity nor an improvement in anxiety. These data suggest that NF can enable enhanced control over anxiety by persistently reorganizing relevant brain networks and thus support the potential of NF as a clinically useful therapy. link...
Brody, S., Rau, H., Kohler, F., Schupp, H., Lutzenberger, W., & Birbaumer, N. (1994). Slow cortical potential biofeedback and the startle reflex. Biofeedback & Self-Regulation, 19(1), 1-12.
Burti, L., & Siciliani, O. (1983). Increase in alpha-rhythm in anxious subjects using biofeedback: A preliminary study. Psichiatria Generale e del Eta Evolutiva, 21(2-4), 79-97.
Chisholm, R. C., DeGood, D. E., & Hartz, M. A. (1977). Effects of alpha feedback training on occipital EEG, heart rate, and experiential reactivity to a laboratory stressor. Psychophysiology, 14(2), 157-163.
Egner, T., & Gruzelier, J. H. (2004). The temporal dynamics of electro encephalographic responses to alpha/theta neurofeedback training in healthy subjects. Journal of Neurotherapy, 8(1), 43-57.
Egner, T., Strawson, E., & Gruzelier, J. H. (2002). EEG signature and phenomenology of alpha/theta neurofeedback training versus mock feedback. Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback, 27(4), 261-270.
Fisher, S. (2007). Fpo2 and the regulation of fear. NeuroConnections Newsletter, January 2007, 13, 15-17.
Garrett, B. L., & Silver, M. P. (1976). The use of EMG and alpha biofeedback to relieve test anxiety in college students. Chapter in I. Wickramasekera (Ed.), Biofeedback, Behavior Therapy, and Hypnosis. Chicago: Nelson-Hall.
Glucek, B. C., & Stroebel, C. F. (1975). Biofeedback and meditation in the treatment of psychiatric illness. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 16(4), 303-321.
Graap, K., Ready, D. J., Freides, D., Daniels, B., & Baltzell, D. (1997). EEG biofeedback treatment for Vietnam veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Neurotherapy, 2(3), 65-66. [Conference Paper]
Hammond, D. C. (2005). Neurofeedback with anxiety and affective disorders. Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America,14(1), 105-123.
Hardt, J. V., & Kamiya, J. (1978). Anxiety change through electroencephalographic alpha feedback seen only in high anxiety subjects. Science, 201, 79-81.
Holmes, D. S., Burish, T. G., & Frost, R. O. (1980). Effects of instructions and biofeedback in EEG-alpha production and the effects of EEG-alpha biofeedback training for controlled arousal in a subsequent stressful situation. Journal of Research in Personality, 14(2), 212-223.
Huang,-Storms, L., Bodenhamer-Davis, E., Davis, R., & Dunn, J. (2006). QEEG-guided neurofeedback for children with histories of abuse and neglect: Neurodevelopmental rationale and pilot study. Journal of Neurotherapy,10(4), 3-16.
Kirschbaum, J., & Gisti, E. (1973). Correlations of alpha percentage in EEG, alpha feedback, anxiety scores from MAS and MMQ. Archives fur Psychologie, 125(4), 263-273.
Kerson, C., Sherman, R.A., Kozlowski, G.P. (2009). Alpha suppression and symmetry training for generalized anxiety symptoms. Journal of Neurotherapy 13(3), 146 – 155.
Mills, G. K., & Solyom, L. (1974). Biofeedback of EEG alpha in the treatment of obsessive ruminations: An exploration. Journal of Behaviour Therapy & Experimental Psychiatry, 5, 37-41.
Moore, N. C. (2000). A review of EEG biofeedback treatment of anxiety disorders. Clinical Electroencephalography, 31(1), 1-6.
Moore, J. P., Trudeau, D. L., Thuras, P. D., Rubin, Y., Stockley, H., & Dimond, T. (2000). Comparison of alpha-theta, alpha and EMG neurofeedback in the production of alpha-theta crossover and the occurrence of visualizations. Journal of Neurotherapy, 4(1), 29-42.
Norris, S. L., Lee, C-T., Burshteyn, D., & Cea-Aravena, J. (2001). The effects of performance enhancement training on hypertension, human attention, stress, and brain wave patterns: A case study. Journal of Neurotherapy, 4(3), 29-44.
Peniston, E. G., & Kulkosky, P. J. (1991). Alpha-theta brainwave neuro-feedback therapy for Vietnam veterans with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical Psychotherapy, 4, 47-60.
Peniston, E. G., Marrinan, D. A., Deming, W. A., & Kulkosky, P. J. (1993). EEG alpha-theta brainwave synchronization in Vietnam theater veterans with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse. Advances in Medical Psychotherapy, 6, 37-50.
Plotkin, W. B., & Rice, K. M. (1981). Biofeedback as a placebo: Anxiety reduction facilitated by training in either suppression or enhancement of alpha brainwaves. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 49, 590-596.
Putnam, J. (2000). The effects of brief, eyes-open alpha brain wave training with audio and video relaxation induction on the EEG of 77 Army reservists. Journal of Neurotherapy, 4(1), 17-28.
Raymond, J., Varney, C., Parkinson, L. A., & Gruzelier, J.H. (2005). The effects of alpha/theta neurofeedback on personality and mood. Brain Research & Cognitive Brain Research, 23(2-3), 287-292.
Rice, K. M., Blanchard, E. B., & Purcell, M. (1993). Biofeedback treatments of generalized anxiety disorder: Preliminary results. Biofeedback & Self-Regulation, 18, 93-105.
Sattlberger, E., & Thomas, J. E. (2000). Treatment of anxiety disorder with slow-wave suppression EEG feedback: A case study. Biofeedback, 28(4), 17-19.
Sittenfeld, P., Budzynski, T. H., & Stoyva, J. M. (1976). Differential shaping of EEG theta rhythms. Biofeedback & Self-Regulation, 1, 31-46.
Thomas, J. E., & Sattlberger, B. A. (1997). Treatment of chronic anxiety disorder with neurotherapy: A case study. Journal of Neurotherapy, 2(2), 14-19.
Valdez, M. (1988). A program of stress management in a college setting. Psychotherapy in Private Practice, 6(2), 43-54.
Vanathy, S., Sharma, P. S. V. N., & Kumar, K. B. (1998). The efficacy of alpha and theta neurofeedback training in treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Indian Journal of Clinical Psychology, 25(2), 136-143.
Level 4: Efficacious
Anxiety:
Nature: Translational Psychiatry (2013)
Orbitofrontal cortex neurofeedback produces lasting changes in contamination anxiety and resting-state connectivity
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
Summary; Changes in resting-state connectivity in the target orbitofrontal region correlated with these improvements in anxiety. Matched subjects undergoing a sham feedback control task showed neither a reorganization of resting-state functional connectivity nor an improvement in anxiety. These data suggest that NF can enable enhanced control over anxiety by persistently reorganizing relevant brain networks and thus support the potential of NF as a clinically useful therapy. link...
Brody, S., Rau, H., Kohler, F., Schupp, H., Lutzenberger, W., & Birbaumer, N. (1994). Slow cortical potential biofeedback and the startle reflex. Biofeedback & Self-Regulation, 19(1), 1-12.
Burti, L., & Siciliani, O. (1983). Increase in alpha-rhythm in anxious subjects using biofeedback: A preliminary study. Psichiatria Generale e del Eta Evolutiva, 21(2-4), 79-97.
Chisholm, R. C., DeGood, D. E., & Hartz, M. A. (1977). Effects of alpha feedback training on occipital EEG, heart rate, and experiential reactivity to a laboratory stressor. Psychophysiology, 14(2), 157-163.
Egner, T., & Gruzelier, J. H. (2004). The temporal dynamics of electro encephalographic responses to alpha/theta neurofeedback training in healthy subjects. Journal of Neurotherapy, 8(1), 43-57.
Egner, T., Strawson, E., & Gruzelier, J. H. (2002). EEG signature and phenomenology of alpha/theta neurofeedback training versus mock feedback. Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback, 27(4), 261-270.
Fisher, S. (2007). Fpo2 and the regulation of fear. NeuroConnections Newsletter, January 2007, 13, 15-17.
Garrett, B. L., & Silver, M. P. (1976). The use of EMG and alpha biofeedback to relieve test anxiety in college students. Chapter in I. Wickramasekera (Ed.), Biofeedback, Behavior Therapy, and Hypnosis. Chicago: Nelson-Hall.
Glucek, B. C., & Stroebel, C. F. (1975). Biofeedback and meditation in the treatment of psychiatric illness. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 16(4), 303-321.
Graap, K., Ready, D. J., Freides, D., Daniels, B., & Baltzell, D. (1997). EEG biofeedback treatment for Vietnam veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Neurotherapy, 2(3), 65-66. [Conference Paper]
Hammond, D. C. (2005). Neurofeedback with anxiety and affective disorders. Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America,14(1), 105-123.
Hardt, J. V., & Kamiya, J. (1978). Anxiety change through electroencephalographic alpha feedback seen only in high anxiety subjects. Science, 201, 79-81.
Holmes, D. S., Burish, T. G., & Frost, R. O. (1980). Effects of instructions and biofeedback in EEG-alpha production and the effects of EEG-alpha biofeedback training for controlled arousal in a subsequent stressful situation. Journal of Research in Personality, 14(2), 212-223.
Huang,-Storms, L., Bodenhamer-Davis, E., Davis, R., & Dunn, J. (2006). QEEG-guided neurofeedback for children with histories of abuse and neglect: Neurodevelopmental rationale and pilot study. Journal of Neurotherapy,10(4), 3-16.
Kirschbaum, J., & Gisti, E. (1973). Correlations of alpha percentage in EEG, alpha feedback, anxiety scores from MAS and MMQ. Archives fur Psychologie, 125(4), 263-273.
Kerson, C., Sherman, R.A., Kozlowski, G.P. (2009). Alpha suppression and symmetry training for generalized anxiety symptoms. Journal of Neurotherapy 13(3), 146 – 155.
Mills, G. K., & Solyom, L. (1974). Biofeedback of EEG alpha in the treatment of obsessive ruminations: An exploration. Journal of Behaviour Therapy & Experimental Psychiatry, 5, 37-41.
Moore, N. C. (2000). A review of EEG biofeedback treatment of anxiety disorders. Clinical Electroencephalography, 31(1), 1-6.
Moore, J. P., Trudeau, D. L., Thuras, P. D., Rubin, Y., Stockley, H., & Dimond, T. (2000). Comparison of alpha-theta, alpha and EMG neurofeedback in the production of alpha-theta crossover and the occurrence of visualizations. Journal of Neurotherapy, 4(1), 29-42.
Norris, S. L., Lee, C-T., Burshteyn, D., & Cea-Aravena, J. (2001). The effects of performance enhancement training on hypertension, human attention, stress, and brain wave patterns: A case study. Journal of Neurotherapy, 4(3), 29-44.
Peniston, E. G., & Kulkosky, P. J. (1991). Alpha-theta brainwave neuro-feedback therapy for Vietnam veterans with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical Psychotherapy, 4, 47-60.
Peniston, E. G., Marrinan, D. A., Deming, W. A., & Kulkosky, P. J. (1993). EEG alpha-theta brainwave synchronization in Vietnam theater veterans with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse. Advances in Medical Psychotherapy, 6, 37-50.
Plotkin, W. B., & Rice, K. M. (1981). Biofeedback as a placebo: Anxiety reduction facilitated by training in either suppression or enhancement of alpha brainwaves. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 49, 590-596.
Putnam, J. (2000). The effects of brief, eyes-open alpha brain wave training with audio and video relaxation induction on the EEG of 77 Army reservists. Journal of Neurotherapy, 4(1), 17-28.
Raymond, J., Varney, C., Parkinson, L. A., & Gruzelier, J.H. (2005). The effects of alpha/theta neurofeedback on personality and mood. Brain Research & Cognitive Brain Research, 23(2-3), 287-292.
Rice, K. M., Blanchard, E. B., & Purcell, M. (1993). Biofeedback treatments of generalized anxiety disorder: Preliminary results. Biofeedback & Self-Regulation, 18, 93-105.
Sattlberger, E., & Thomas, J. E. (2000). Treatment of anxiety disorder with slow-wave suppression EEG feedback: A case study. Biofeedback, 28(4), 17-19.
Sittenfeld, P., Budzynski, T. H., & Stoyva, J. M. (1976). Differential shaping of EEG theta rhythms. Biofeedback & Self-Regulation, 1, 31-46.
Thomas, J. E., & Sattlberger, B. A. (1997). Treatment of chronic anxiety disorder with neurotherapy: A case study. Journal of Neurotherapy, 2(2), 14-19.
Valdez, M. (1988). A program of stress management in a college setting. Psychotherapy in Private Practice, 6(2), 43-54.
Vanathy, S., Sharma, P. S. V. N., & Kumar, K. B. (1998). The efficacy of alpha and theta neurofeedback training in treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Indian Journal of Clinical Psychology, 25(2), 136-143.