CONDITIONS WE TREAT

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How we can help

At Stradwick Psychology & Neurofeedback Clinic, we can guide and support you through your journey of overcoming your presenting concerns. We offer a wide range of therapeutic interventions tailored to your individual goals.

Here are some of the conditions we treat:

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How we can help

At Stradwick Psychology & Neurofeedback Clinic, we can guide and support you through your journey of overcoming your presenting concerns. We offer a wide range of therapeutic interventions tailored to your individual goals.

Depression

What is it? Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is characterized by overwhelming feelings of sadness, isolation, and despair, weight and/or sleeping changes, a loss of interest in daily activities. These symptoms may cause significant impairment at home, work, or school, lasting two weeks or longer.

Individuals experiencing depression may have repeated thoughts about dying; some, not all, may think about or plan for suicide.

Neurofeedback Treatment for Depression:

  • EEG studies have shown that depression is associated with excessive slow-wave activity in the left frontal area of the brain and asymmetry between left and right frontal lobe alpha.
  • Excessive left frontal alpha is specifically associated with symptoms of sadness, decreased motivation, and energy as well as difficulties concentrating.
  • Research has shown that neurofeedback treatment can decrease symptoms of depression.
  • Neurofeedback can be used to train the brain to decrease the amount of alpha (slow-wave activity) in the left hemisphere of the brain.

For more information on how we can help manage your symptoms, please contact the clinic (613) 226-6767.

Psychotherapy for Depression:

At Stradwick Psychology & Neurofeedback Clinic, we utilize evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Trauma-Focused interventions.

Psychotherapy provides you with a supportive environment that promotes a deeper understanding of yourself and your presenting concerns. Therapy not only focuses on developing self awareness, but also helps you learn new strategies to cope with life’s difficulties and to alleviate symptoms of Depression.

Further readings:

Baehr, Baehr, and Rosenfield (2001) examined changes in depression in patients undergoing alpha asymmetry neurofeedback protocols.  They found improvements in patients’ depression scores on objective measures of depression.  Hammond (2005) revealed that the degree to which depressed patients were able to normalize their EEG activity during neurofeedback significantly correlates with improvement in depressive symptoms.

References:

1. Baehr, E., Baehr, R. & Rosenfeld, J. P. (2001). Clinical use of an alpha asymmetry neurofeedback protocol in the treatment of mood disorders: Follow-up study one to five years post therapy. Journal of Neurotherapy, 4 (4), 11–18.

2. Davidson, R.J. (1998). Anterior electrophysiological asymmetries, emotion, and depression: conceptual and methodological conundrums. Psychophysiology, 35 (5) (1998, Sep), pp. 607-614

3. Hammond. (2005). Neurofeedback treatment of depression and anxiety. Journal of Adult Development, 12, 131-137.

Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What is it? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex trauma-related form of mental distress. It is diagnosed in the presence of a) recent exposure to life-threatening trauma (death, sexual assault), directly or indirectly, b) re-experiencing of this trauma through flashbacks and intrusive memories, c) avoidance of trauma-related thoughts and feelings, d) mood-related difficulties, e) hyperarousal (difficulty concentrating, easy startling) for greater than 1 month following the trauma.

Neurofeedback Treatment for PTSD:

  • Neurofeedback training for PTSD begins with a training protocol to help promote physical and mental calmness.
  • Individuals with PTSD tend to have a poorly regulated stress response and demonstrate an over arousal pattern in the brain.
  • PTSD causes changes in the limbic (emotional) system causing hyperarousal in the brain.
  • Neurofeedback trains the brain to relax and refocuses the body to process sensory information as nonthreatening.
  • Neurofeedback treatments allows a person with PTSD to learn and re-experience a renewed capacity to auto-regulate. It can teach clients to reduce amplitude in the brain (at Pz) and can result in significant system reduction.

For more information on how we can help manage your symptoms, please contact the clinic (613) 226-6767.

Psychotherapy for PTSD:

At Stradwick Psychology & Neurofeedback Clinic, we utilize evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Trauma-Focused interventions.

Psychotherapy provides you with a supportive environment that promotes a deeper understanding of yourself and your presenting concerns. Therapy not only focuses on developing self awareness, but also helps you learn new strategies to cope with life’s difficulties and to alleviate symptoms of PTSD.

Further readings:

Multiple studies have been completed looking at the effectiveness of neurofeedback for PTSD. Research by Hodgdon, Gapden, van der Kolk, et al has shown that Neurofeedback can produce significant improvement in affect regulation.

References: 

1. Hodgdon, H., Gapen, M., van der Kolk, BA., et al. (2016). A Randomized Controlled Study of Neurofeedback for Chronic PTSD. PloS ONE 11(12): e0166752.doi:10.1371/journal.prone.0166752.

Peak Performance (optimal performance)

What is it? Peak performance training is about enhancing one’s brain functioning in order to improve reaction times, spatial-motor skills, intelligence, attention, awareness, and creativity.  Professional or competitive athletes, business executives, musicians, and students are the most common clients, who seek this type of training.

Neurofeedback Treatment for Optimal Performance:

  • Neurofeedback can help enhance one’s performance by identifying areas of the brain that contribute to a particular skill.
  • Optimal performance training can also address factors that affect performance, by decreasing symptoms of the anxiety and reducing muscle tension, as well as improving focus, motivation, and reaction time.
  • Clients who have engaged in peak performance training, tend to report an improved competitive edge, an increased ability to handle stress, and feel more capable of reaching their full potential.

For more information on how we can help manage your symptoms, please contact the clinic (613) 226-6767.

Further readings:

Research has shown that Neurofeedback training can be beneficial for athletes who are trying to enhance performance training. These benefits include improving attention/concentration, imagery, arousal level, and decreasing worry and rumination. The combination of cognitive, emotional, and psychophysiological benefits from neurofeedback results in improved performance (Pacheco, 2016).

References:

1. Pacheco, N.C. (2016). Neurofeedback for Peak Performance Training. Journal of Mental Health Counselling, 38(2), 116-123.

Anxiety

What is it? Anxiety disorders are often accompanied by symptoms of excessive worry, anxious rumination, avoidance, and/or fear. There are several types of anxiety disorders, which include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Specific Phobias.

Neurofeedback Treatment for Anxiety:

  • Individuals with anxiety disorders typically have too many fast waves (High Beta) or insufficient slow waves (Alpha) in the brain. Neurofeedback can be used to train the brain and decrease the amount of High Beta waves in the brain.
  • Neurofeedback protocols are aimed at lowering High Beta activity and increasing Alpha activity in the brain can lead to relaxed states with less feelings of worry, rumination, and fear.
  • Neurofeedback treatment for anxiety following protocols like the above is supported by research (Bhat, 2010; Hardt & Kamiya, 1978; Rice, Blanchard, & Purcell, 1993).

For more information on how we can help manage your symptoms, please contact the clinic (613) 226-6767.

Psychotherapy for Anxiety:

At Stradwick Psychology & Neurofeedback Clinic, we utilize evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Trauma-Focused interventions.

Psychotherapy provides you with a supportive environment that promotes a deeper understanding of yourself and your presenting concerns. Therapy not only focuses on developing self awareness, but also helps you learn new strategies to cope with life’s difficulties and to alleviate symptoms of Anxiety.

Further readings:

Neurofeedback can be used to train the brain by decreasing the amount of High Beta waves to an optimal state. Excessive High Beta sets the brain in a faster rhythm. This suggests that the brain can not “quiet down” and thus, the brain may be in continuous worry and rumination. Once the High Beta waves become more regulated, the individual may start to feel calm, less anxious, and/or be able to control their worries.

There are many research articles supporting the use of Neurofeedback in the treatment of different mental health disorders such as anxiety. Most research stems around Alpha training. Alpha waves are slow waves that are associated with a relaxed awake state and often associated with meditation and pleasant feelings. In 1978, Hardt and Kamiya found that protocols aimed at enhancing alpha were more successful in reducing anxiety than protocols aimed at lowering alpha in individuals with high levels of anxiety. However, it has also been shown that individual differences are apparent and need to be considered when making protocols. This suggests that protocols aimed at lowering High Beta activity and increasing Alpha activity in the brain can lead to relaxed states with less feelings of worry, rumination, and fear. Another study by Rice and colleagues in 1993 showed successful reduction of anxiety symptoms following neurofeedback training. Similarly, in 2010, Bhat conducted a study on 100 veterans who experience anxiety symptoms. He found that neurofeedback training was just as successful as anxiolytics in decreasing anxiety symptoms in his population.

References:

1. Bhat, P. (2010). Efficacy of Alpha EEG wave biofeedback in the management of anxiety. Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 19(2) 111-114. 2.

2. Hardt, J.V. & Kamiya, J. (1978). Anxiety change through electroencephalographic alpha feedback seen only in high anxiety subjects. Science, 201 (4350) 79-81.

3. Rice, K.M., Blanchard. E.B., & Purcell, M. (1993). Biofeedback treatments of generalized anxiety disorder: preliminary results.Biofeedback Self Regulation, 18(2) 93-105.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What it is? Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a developmental disorder that typically presents as inattentive subtype, hyperactive subtype, or a combination of the two.

Neurofeedback Treatment for ADHD:

Treatment can depend on the individual’s subtype of ADHD.

  • Individuals with inattentive subtype typically have too many slow waves (Theta) in the brain. Neurofeedback can train the brain to decrease the amount of Theta waves. Once the Theta waves become more regulated, the individual may start to feel more focused and attentive, and their concentration may improve.
  • Particularly strong evidence exists for neurofeedback-based treatment of inattentive-subtype ADHD (Arns et al., 2009;  Steiner et al., 2014).
  • Individuals with hyperactive-subtype ADHD may show patterns of dysregulation in faster (High Beta) waves. Neurofeedback can be used to train the brain and decrease the amount of High Beta waves. Once the High Beta waves become more regulated, the individual may start to feel calmer, less anxious, and/or able to control their impulses/emotions.

For more information on how we can help manage your symptoms, please contact the clinic (613) 226-6767.

Psychotherapy for ADHD:

At Stradwick Psychology & Neurofeedback Clinic, we utilize evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Trauma-Focused interventions.

Psychotherapy provides you with a supportive environment that promotes a deeper understanding of yourself and your presenting concerns. Therapy not only focuses on developing self awareness, but also helps you learn new strategies to cope with life’s difficulties and to alleviate symptoms of ADHD.

Further readings:

There are many research articles supporting the use of Neurofeedback in treatment for different mental health disorders, including ADHD.

  • A meta-analysis in 2009 with over 450 people examined the effects of neurofeedback treatment in ADHD. They found a large effect size for improvements in inattention and impulsivity, as well as a medium effect size for improvements in hyperactivity (Arns, de Ridder, Strenhl, Breteler, and Coenen; 2009).
  • Furthermore, another study randomly assigned 104 medicated students to one of three treatment groups: (1) neurofeedback; (2) cognitive training; and (3) no treatment. The biggest improvement was seen in the neurofeedback group for inattentive subtype.
  • The second-best improvement was also seen in the neurofeedback group but for the hyperactive subtype. The individuals in the cognitive training and no treatment groups showed no significant improvements.
  • Furthermore, these individuals had an increase in their medication dosages by their 6-month follow-up whereas the students in the neurofeedback group did not see the need to increase medication (Steiner, Frenette, Rene, Brennan, and Perrin).

References:

1. Arns, M., Breteler, M., Coenen, A., et al. (2009). Efficacy of neurofeedback treatment in ADHD: the effects on inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity: a meta-analysis. Clin EEG Neurosci, 40 (3), 180-189.

2. Brennan, R., Frenette, E., & Perrin, E. (2014). In-School Neurofeedback Training for ADHD: Sustained Improvements from a Randomized Control Trial. Pediatrics,133(3), 483-492.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Concussion

What is it?  Concussions are classified as mild traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force injures the brain.

Post-concussion symptoms include noise sensitivity, problems with concentration and memory, irritability, depression, anxiety, headaches, dizziness, and tinnitus.

Neurofeedback Treatment for TBI/Concussion:

  • Individuals who have suffered a TBI or concussion will typically have more slow waves in their brain. The increase in slow waves may lead to difficulties with concentration, problem-solving difficulties, and memory.
  • Individuals with TBI may experience coherence dysregulations between brain regions. This can contribute to post-concussion symptoms such as irritability, headaches, and anxiety. Therefore, it is important to regulate these brain waves and coherence dysregulations using neurofeedback training.
  • Research supports neurofeedback training to improve concentration and problem-solving symptoms post-concussion (Duff, 2004; Munivenkatappa, Indira, & Upadhyay, 2014; Tinius & Tinius, 1999)

For more information on how we can help manage your symptoms, please contact the clinic (613) 226-6767.

Psychotherapy for TBI/Concussion:

At Stradwick Psychology & Neurofeedback Clinic, we utilize evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Trauma-Focused interventions.

Psychotherapy provides you with a supportive environment that promotes a deeper understanding of yourself and your presenting concerns. Therapy not only focuses on developing self awareness, but also helps you learn new strategies to cope with life’s difficulties and to alleviate psychological symptoms of TBI/Concussion.

Further readings:

  • There are many research articles supporting the use of Neurofeedback treatment of post-concussion symptoms.
  • Research by Duff in 2004 and by Tinius and Tinius in 2000 show benefits of neurofeedback treatment with improving symptoms of post-concussion syndrome.
  • In 2000, Tinius and Tinius found that neurofeedback training decreased post-concussion symptoms related to inattention and problem solving. They used a continuous performance task most often used to diagnose attention deficits and found that individuals who had received twenty neurofeedback sessions performed significantly better than those who did not receive neurofeedback.
  • Recently, a case study of two patients with moderate head injury revealed that 20 sessions of neurofeedback training not only improved their cognitive scores and concussion symptoms, but it also led to significant changes in structural and functional connectivity in the brain (Munivenkatappa, 2014). Therefore, neurofeedback may serve as a useful treatment for individuals with concussions and traumatic brain injuries who suffer from post-concussion syndrome.

References:

1. Duff. (2004). The Usefulness of Quantitative EEG (QEEG) and Neurotherapy in the Assessment and Treatment of Post-concussion Syndrome. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 35 (4).

2. Munivenkatappa, Rajeswaran, Indira, Bennet, and Upadhyay. (2014). EEG Neurofeedback therapy: Can it attenuate brain changes in TBI? Neuro Rehabilitation, 35 (3).

3. Tinius and Tinius. (1999). Changes After EEG Biofeedback and Cognitive Retraining in Adults with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of Neurotherapy, 4 (2).

Epilepsy

What is it? Epilepsy is a common brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.  A seizure results from an abnormal electrical discharge in the cortex of the brain.

 

  • Approximately 1 in 100 Canadians have epilepsy.
  • The highest number of new cases are in seniors and young children, but epilepsy can begin at any age.
  • Seizures can vary in frequency and intensity.
  • Most seizures are brief events that last from several seconds to a couple of minutes. After the seizure ends, the brain returns to normal function.
  • Seizures can interfere with an individual’s ability to carry out a normal life due to effects on both physical and mental health.

Neurofeedback Treatment for Epilepsy:

  • Neurofeedback has been used to treat seizure disorders for many years.
  • Epilepsy is thought to be caused and maintained by abnormal brain activity. 
  • Neurofeedback works by stabilizing the brain, inhibiting slow-wave EEG (the brain wave activity associated with seizures) and reinforcing mid-range frequencies associated with preventing seizures.
  • Benefits of Neurofeedback include, a non-invasive treatment compared to medication and surgical intervention, helps to reduce/cease seizures, and improves the overall regulation of your brain.

For more information on how we can help manage your symptoms, please contact the clinic (613) 226-6767.

Psychotherapy for Epilepsy:

At Stradwick Psychology & Neurofeedback Clinic, we utilize evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Trauma-Focused interventions.

Psychotherapy provides you with a supportive environment that promotes a deeper understanding of yourself and your presenting concerns. Therapy not only focuses on developing self awareness, but also helps you learn new strategies to cope with life’s difficulties and to alleviate psychological symptoms of Epilepsy.

Further readings:

  • Considerable research supports the efficacy of neurofeedback treatment in reducing or eliminating seizures in patients with epilepsy (Sterman & Egner, 2006; Tan et al., 2009).
  • This has been achieved even in patients with poorly controlled seizures and those unresponsive to pharmacological treatment.
  • Research demonstrated that the reduction in seizures using neurofeedback was maintained at a 10-year follow up (Strehl, Birkle, Worz, & Kotchoubey, 2014), making neurofeedback a viable long-term solution for epilepsy.

References:

1. Birkle, S.M., Kotchoubey, B., Strehl, U., & Wörz, S. (2014). Sustained reduction of seizures in patients with intractable epilepsy after self-regulation training of slow cortical potentials–10 years after. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 604.

2. Egner, T. & Sterman, M. B. (2006). Neurofeedback treatment of epilepsy: from basic rationale to practical application. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 6, 247-257.

3. Hammond, D. C., Tan, G., Thornby, J., et al. (2009). Meta-analysis of EEG biofeedback in treating epilepsy. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 40(3), 173-179.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

What is it? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a Neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts brain development and causes problems in the following areas: communication, social interactions, and repetitive restrictive behaviour (repeating specific patterns of behaviour).

 

  • ASD can vary by level of severity and developmental impairment (mild to severe)
  • Since ASD tends to vary by degree and combination of symptoms, treatment tends to be specific to the individual.

Neurofeedback Treatment for Autism:

  • EEG studies have shown that individuals with Autism present an excessive theta activity associated to inattention, impulsivity, and hyperarousal. Additionally, there is another pattern of over arousal (excessive fast wave) associated with obsessions and over focusing (hyper focus). 

For more information on how we can help manage your symptoms, please contact the clinic (613) 226-6767.

Psychotherapy for ASD:

At Stradwick Psychology & Neurofeedback Clinic, we utilize evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Trauma-Focused interventions.

Psychotherapy provides you with a supportive environment that promotes a deeper understanding of yourself and your presenting concerns. Therapy not only focuses on developing self awareness, but also helps you learn new strategies to cope with life’s difficulties and to alleviate symptoms of ASD.

Further readings:

A study by Kerson, Linden, Gunkelman et al. indicated that Autistic individuals tend to present with two patterns:

  • Slow (theta/alpha) or fast beta EEG activity. More specifically, regions of the brain that are involved in social skills and emotional regulation, as well as emotional expression and emotional control.
  • Secondly, too low or too high coherence in regions that present difficulty in paying attention to emotional and social cues.
  • A study in 2002 by Jarusiewicz, indicated that 12 out of 20 children who received neurofeedback showed improvement in their condition based on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) and parent interviews. More specifically, ATEC levels improved significantly after neurofeedback training in terms of sociability, speech/language, health, and sensory/cognitive awareness.

References:

1. Jarusiewicz, B. (2002). Efficacy of Neurofeedback for Children in the Autistic Spectrum: A pilot study. Journal of Neurotherapy, 6(4).

2. Kerson, C., Linden, M., Gunkelman, J., et al. QEEG-Guided Neurofeedback: New Brain-Based Individualized Evaluation and Treatment for Autism. Autism Science Digest: The Journal of Autismone, 3.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

What is it? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves unwanted and disturbing thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that intrude into an individual’s mind and cause a great deal of anxiety or discomfort. Obsessions are often accompanied by compulsions (i.e. when the individual tries to reduce obsessions by engaging in repetitive behaviors or mental acts).

  • Obsessions may include fear of contamination, fear of accidental harm to self or others, a need for perfection, and/or forbidden thoughts.
  • Compulsions may include excessive hand washing or cleaning, frequent checking behaviours, counting, tapping, touching objects in a particular way, ordering/arranging, and/or mental rituals.

Neurofeedback Treatment for OCD:

  • EEG studies have shown that individuals with OCD have an overactive loop of neural activity between the orbital prefrontal cortex, the caudate nucleus, and the cingulate. Overactivity of these pathways result in constantly checking and rechecking.
  • The orbital prefrontal cortex is involved in automatic thinking and the feeling that something is wrong.
  • The caudate nucleus is responsible for the urge to act on personal memories or on instincts, such as cleaning or grooming.
    The cingulate is important in registering conscious emotion, and can keep focus or attention fixed on the feeling of unease.
    Neurofeedback protocols for OCD tend to work on reducing this overactivity in addition to decreasing very high amplitude beta.

For more information on how we can help manage your symptoms, please contact the clinic (613) 226-6767.

Psychotherapy for OCD:

At Stradwick Psychology & Neurofeedback Clinic, we utilize evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Trauma-Focused interventions.

Psychotherapy provides you with a supportive environment that promotes a deeper understanding of yourself and your presenting concerns. Therapy not only focuses on developing self awareness, but also helps you learn new strategies to cope with life’s difficulties and to alleviate symptoms of OCD.

Further readings:

There have been several published reports, including one by D.C. Hammond (2003) on the positive effects of Neurofeedback Training in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
A study by Sürmeli and Ertem (2011) provides good evidence for the efficacy of neurofeedback treatment in OCD. The results of this study encourage further controlled research in this area.

References:

1. Ertem, A., Sürmeli, T. (2011). Obsessive compulsive disorder and the efficacy of qEEG-guided neurofeedback treatment: a case series. Clin EEG Neurosci 42(3),195-201: PubMed PMID 21870473.

2. Hammond, D.C. (2003). QEEG-Guided Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Journal of Neurotherapy 7:2, 25-52: 10.1300/J184v07n02_03.

 

Learning Disorders & Dyslexia

What are Learning Disorders/Dyslexia? Learning disorders are problems that affect the brain’s ability to receive, process, analyze, or store information. These problems can make it difficult for an individual to learn as quickly as someone who isn’t affected by a learning disability.  Learning disorders present themselves in a variety of forms, including difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, expressive language, and mathematics.

Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterized by difficulty reading, spelling and recalling known words. Individuals with Dyslexia may have trouble recognizing or processing letters and the sounds associated with them. For this reason, someone with dyslexia will likely have trouble with reading and writing tasks or assignments.

Neurofeedback Treatment for Learning Disorders & Dyslexia:

  • EEG studies have shown that individuals with learning disorders/dyslexia display too much slow-wave activity (i.e. delta, theta, and alpha waves) and deficient fast-wave activity (i.e. beta) in the brain.
  • Neurofeedback helps train and rewire the brain of an individual with a learning disability by normalizing these brainwave patterns that lead to symptoms.
  • Neurofeedback protocols aimed at decreasing slow-wave activity and increasing fast-wave (beta) activity, primarily in the left hemisphere, have been successful at reducing LD/Dyslexia symptoms.
  • Neurofeedback also helps to enhance the brain’s ability to communicate through its neural pathways, including helping your brain become better at processing information and staying focused.

For more information on how we can help manage your symptoms, please contact the clinic (613) 226-6767.

Further readings:

  • A study by Fernandez et al. (2003) assessing the EEG and behavioural changes following neurofeedback treatment in individuals with learning disorders, revealed significant improvement in cognitive performance and the presence of greater EEG maturation.
  • Another study by Marinus et al. (2010) discovered significant improvement in spelling after receiving neurofeedback training.  A significant increase of alpha coherence was also found, which may be an indication that attentional processes account for the improvement in spelling.

References:

1. Fernández, T. et al. (2003). EEG and Behavioral Changes following Neurofeedback Treatment in Learning Disabled Children. Clinical Electroencephalography,145-152.

2. Marinus, H.M., et al. (2010). Improvements in Spelling after QEEG-based Neurofeedback in Dyslexia: A Randomized Controlled Treatment Study. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 5 – 11.