Brain mapping and neurofeedback therapy are non-invasive tools which help you teach your brain how to enhance its performance. They have been scientifically shown to help people with a range of symptoms and medical problems such as anxiety, executive functioning, and sleep hygiene, among others. Brain mapping and neurofeedback services are now available from Dr David Helfand, PsyDin Vermont, New England, and across the US. Read on to learn more about these tools and how they help you meet your personal and relationship goals.
What Is Brain Mapping?
A brain map is a diagnostic test of the brain’s general function. Think of a brain map as a musical tuner — it does not change how the instrument works in any way. It simply provides information on how your brain works, what functions are in (and out of) tune, and what’s running too fast or slow.
Brain mapping can be a powerful tool to help you learn more about how your brain works along with its strengths and deficiencies. This information is helpful both for individuals and couples who want to know how brain function affects the relationship. Brain mapping can especially help couples where one or both partners has issues with anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, and other challenges.
You’ll gain deeper insights into why your brain triggers certain responses in particular circumstances. For any problematic behaviors and reactions, a brain map can help you find the appropriate therapeutic interventions faster.
The results of a brain map include the following:
- Neurofeedback protocols for customized brain training.
- Recommendations to customize your meditation practice.
- Lifestyle and DIY recommendations that you can start immediately.
- Therapy recommendations to help guide you towards the right kind of provider, or for your current provider to improve your treatment plan.
Additional information about brain mapping and neurofeedback therapy is available at BCIA.org and ISNR.org. These websites also have local listings for providers in your area.
What Is Neurofeedback Therapy?
Neurofeedback therapy is essentially physical therapy for your brain. It helps you learn how to strengthen, stretch, or otherwise control areas of your brain that are misperforming or need support.
Neurofeedback For Better Relationships
Some relationship difficulties arise from poor communication or conflict resolution skills. These and other issues for couples can often be traced back to brain function. Neurofeedback can significantly help manage and improve the relationship where standard approaches don’t seem to work. Here are a few common examples:
Auditory Comprehension Deficit.
People who struggle with an auditory comprehension deficit have a hard time processing spoken and written language. In relationships, this can show up as the impression that the affected partner isn’t paying attention. “It’s like he doesn’t listen to me” is a common complaint. In most cases, the affected partner truly wants to be a good listener but isn’t processing the incoming information at the same rate as it’s being delivered. This is treatable and understandable. Letter-writing is a good option for couples who are affected by an auditory comprehension deficit, and neurofeedback therapy can improve language comprehension over time.
Trauma
People who have a history of trauma, especially trauma experienced in childhood, are more easily triggered into fight or flight responses. Trauma can significantly rewire your brain. While this is an adaptive coping mechanism, it can also impact how well you relate to others, especially in romantic relationships. A history of trauma often leads to social anxiety, hypervigilance, and trouble with self-soothing, all of which can negatively impact a relationship.
Fast Processing Speed
If one or both partners have brains with especially fast processing speeds, arguments tend to snowball and escalate very quickly. Coping with someone with a short fuse, who is prone to emotional outbursts that go from 0 to 60 at the drop of a hat is difficult. In these situations, both partners need to learn how to pace themselves and slow down during conversations to avoid needless explosions.
Neurofeedback And Couples Retreats
Many couples choose to add brain mapping and neurofeedback services as part of a marriage retreat. It is useful to do a deeper dive into the brain’s function and responses while you and your partner are working on improving your relationship and communication.
Most often, these additional services are scheduled on the second day of a three- or four- day retreat. While the full report is available in about 4-6 weeks, general findings are available immediately and can be put to use during intensive counseling. The couple has the opportunity to follow up and discuss the findings in the full report once available.
To learn more about how brain mapping and neurofeedback services can enhance your marriage retreat experience, contact us at the link below.
