Neurofeedback
The images below show the gradual improvement of brain functioning after Neurofeedback brain training. The images are infrared pictures of the prefrontal cortex of a brain with a mood disorder. As uniform color increases in the images, the individual’s mood improves. Neurofeedback is a powerful treatment modality on its own or as a complement to psychotherapy.
Session #1
This image was taken after the first session of Neurofeedback training. It shows some color returning to the forehead but high variability in color across the forehead which indicates more training is needed.
Session #2
After the second session we see a further increase in color that indicates more prefrontal activity and improved mood. The frequency of sessions is once or twice per week.
Session #3
The post-training image after the third sessions shows a decrease in color variability as the rest of the forehead increases in brightness.
Session #4
A significant increase in color and a decrease in variability is seen after the fourth session. Improved mood is now lasting longer and will continue to get better as Neurofeedback training continues in subsequent sessions.
More About Neurofeedback
There are many paths to change and growth. In addition to psychotherapy, spirituality, and psychiatry a powerful modality of change is neurofeedback. Neurofeedback trains your brain by reading its thermal or electrical data and feeding it back to you via an external device such as a computer screen. Neurofeedback can treat many conditions including:
- ADHD
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Autism ASD and Asperger’s Syndrome
- Emotional overwhelm due to unregulated sensory processing
- Headaches Migraines
- Mood disorders
- Paranoia, Delusions, Hallucinations
- Traumatic brain injury frontal lobe
- PTSD or trauma
How We Help at SVT
At Silicon Valley Therapy we offer neurofeedback that collects thermal data. One of the challenges with electrical neurofeedback or EEG is the disruption of data collection due to artifacts. Thermal data is less susceptible to artifacts. An example of an artifact is eye blinking. The thermal neurofeedback we use at Silicon Valley Therapy is called pIR HEG (passive infrared hemoencephalography) or HEG Neurofeedback.
About HEG Neurofeedback
HEG Neurofeedback up-regulates the executive functioning part of the brain which resides in the prefrontal cortex. Executive functions include organization, planning, working memory, flexible thinking, and all-important impulse control (key area of treatment for ADHD). Impairments in executive functioning is what HEG Neurofeedback helps with. Improvements in the choices that people make for their own well-being are the benefits of enhanced executive functioning. Addictive behavior or chronic repetitive unhealthy choices can be addressed by improving executive functioning with HEG Neurofeedback.
HEG Neurofeedback offers what might be considered a psychological theory of everything
Stephen Hawking attempted to create a theory of everything that would explain the universe in one simple mathematical formula. HEG Neurofeedback offers what might be considered a psychological theory of everything. This is accomplished by “reducing the rate and magnitude of response to benign stimuli” (Carmen, 2017). Underlying many mental health problems is chronic stress. Chronic stress can be defined as a prolonged excessive response to benign stimuli.
A recent Gallup poll placed the United States in the #4 position of most stressed countries in the world. Socioeconomic stressors, in addition to trauma, create an increased rate and magnitude of response to benign stimuli. Reducing stress is essential to mental health across all diagnoses. HEG Neurofeedback’s fundamental goal is to reduce the rate and magnitude of response to benign stimuli or in other words reduce an excessive response to stress.
Client Success Story
When the PFC (prefrontal cortex) is upregulated all kinds of good things happen. One example is resolving stuttering…
Frank was a life-long stutterer who carried all the residual shame that goes along with this condition. Within a few weeks of Neurofeedback treatment, Frank’s stuttering began to dissipate! Frank shared his delight in tears stating that his only regret is lamenting that he hadn’t tried Neurofeedback decades ago.
Resources and FAQ
Train the Brain: Integrating Biofeedback and Neurofeedback into Treatment
HEG Neurofeedback on athletic performance and headachesHow often should I do HEG Neurofeedback?
The conservative estimate is once per week but it does depend on an individual’s prefrontal cortex fatigue. If the mental effort during a session exceeds the energy available then rest is needed for the brain to recover. Some people can manage to do more than one session per week and your provider will help you determine what is the ideal recovery period for you. If you have any brain challenges or limitations once per week is also recommended. Twice per week may work for people who experience less fatigue during session. An infrared image can help determine the amount of fatigue that occurred during a session. A dark spot on the forehead indicates this. The most important factor is to make sure that recovery has occurred in between sessions.
Get Started
The first step is always the hardest. You are not alone and we are here to help.
- Schedule a free phone consultation or appointment.
- Contact us to discuss further.
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Silicon Valley Therapy does not offer crisis counseling or emergency services. Please use the following resources in the event of a crisis:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800.273.TALK (8255)
National Domestic Violence Hotline 800.799.7233
Crisis Text Line: Text “Courage” to 741-741
Santa Clara County Psychiatric Services 650-573-2662
Santa Cruz County Psychiatric Services 800.952.2335
Veterans Crisis Line 800.273.8255
Dial 911 for immediate help
Therapeutic Supervised Visitation
Written By SVT Team
What is Therapeutic Supervised Visitation?
Therapeutic supervised visitation (TSV) is a type of visitation that takes place in either the home or at a neutral location. This form of intervention is used to address barriers, promote safety, permanency, and improve the well-being for children. This approach has been used for many years to help children and families who have experienced traumatic events, such as domestic violence and/or child abuse.
Who Therapeutic Supervised Visitation is for?
TSV is designed to help parents understand how their behavior affects their children and other family members. This method offers parents the opportunity to learn more about themselves, their children, ways to improve their communication skills and parenting practices. Therapeutic Supervised Visitation allows parents to spend time with their children in a safe and controlled environment.
Therapeutic supervision can be done in one-on-one sessions or family sessions with both the parents and their children present. In these sessions, the therapist works with all parties involved to help them learn how to communicate better with each other and resolve their differences peacefully. This process takes time and patience, but it can be very beneficial in helping everyone involved to better understand what caused the issues in the first place and how to avoid them in the future.
Why Therapeutic Supervised Visitation is Important?
Therapeutic supervision is especially helpful when there are concerns about:
- A child's safety
- An ongoing conflict between parents
- A parent's inability to manage their own stress and emotions
- A parent's mental health issues that could impact the child
Direct observation of parenting practices is essential to improve family relationships. Specific issues that prevent bonding and attachment with children are typically addressed during supervised visitation as well. TSV enables a parent to visit their children in a safe and appropriate environment with supervision made by a qualified mental health professional.
The therapist may invite the parent to meet separately from their children to provide ideas for a successful visit or education on building their parent-child relationship. The utmost priority of Therapeutic Supervision Visitation is the safety and care of the children. This type of supervision is to ensure that the children feel comfortable and do not experience any distress during their visit.
A number of studies have shown that Therapeutic Supervised Visitation can be an effective tool for reducing conflict between parents and provide the child with a stable environment. TSV also brings an opportunity for parents to practice positive behaviors with their children.
By meeting with a professional regularly you will have the opportunity to talk about your progress and any issues that arise within your family unit. You will also benefit from guidance regarding how to best manage specific situations that may arise within your family.
How to Get Therapeutic Supervised Visitation
Therapeutic supervised visitation is commonly ordered through a legal process and there may be abuse or parental conflict involved in the process. Whenever there is an indication of trauma, abuse, or excessive conflict this type of visitation can be warranted and effective. Upon completion of Therapeutic Supervised Visitation, a report can be written with an assessment and next steps.
Here is a Self-Help Guide to Supervised Visitation from the Judicial Brand of California.
If you are outside of the state of California we advice you look into state's government website for details on what is required for Supervised Visitation.
How We Can Help You
When you feel like the world is falling apart around you, it's hard to know where to turn.
You're not alone—and we want to help.
Silicon Valley Therapy offer Therapeutic Supervised Visitation with mental health professionals who are highly skilled in working with families and children. Therapeutic supervised visitation is not a replacement for family therapy, reunification therapy, or individual therapy. If you are uncertain about what services are best for you, contact us for a free consultation so we can help guide you to the best service to meet your needs.