Neurofeedback treatment has been an interesting experiment.
After hearing about positive results from multiple independent sources, I decided to take the plunge. My desired outcome for neurofeedback treatment would be to improve my focus, cognition, and overall mood and brain functioning.
I've always struggled with attention issues and procrastination, ultimately leading to feelings of guilt and shame for not accomplishing my goals. I knew I needed to make a dramatic change in my habits if I was ever going to exit the seemingly endless cycle I was caught in.
When I discovered that a practitioner in my area did five treatments for a total of $100, I knew it would be worth a go.
After my fourth treatment I am beginning to see results
We have spent the first four sessions focusing on reconnecting me with my body, as I tend to dissociate from myself quite often. Through a real-time biofeedback system using an EEG machine, I sit with my therapist with my eyes closed and do my best to remain in my body and not let my thoughts overtake my presence. When I reach the desired state of brainwave activity, a beep goes off, letting me know I am doing it right.
I realized something incredibly helpful the third session that carried over into the last session. When I focus on a singular point with my eyes, my overall attention increases exponentially. My eyes have a tendency to wander, and when they do I begin to have a flood of distracted thoughts.
It was incredible to have this confirmed by the EEG machine. Whenever I would focus my attention on a fine, singular point, the monitor would almost instantly begin to beep. It's fascinating to me how interrelated our visual focus is with our mental focus. Give it a try and see how it impacts your attention!
Now, I don't mean to suggest that I am suddenly a new person.
I am four sessions in, and I will likely need quite a few more before I am able to 'graduate' from neurofeedback treatment. However, the results have been highly encouraging. My day to day focus is improving, and having the EEG monitor give me the reference points to where my brain needs to be is a useful tool.
But as stated earlier, the most important realization thus far has been connecting my visual and mental focus with each other. Additionally, I am finding myself more in my physical body, and less distracted by my stream of consciousness. It is encouraging to know that this treatment has had tangible results just four sessions into treatment.
All images from the pixabay.com