Trauma takes many forms. It may occur as the result of one single event, a number of smaller ones, or it could build up gradually due to a stressful environment, such as family or work. When brain activity is altered by traumatic events, it can burden us for years, decades, or for life.

The brain employs self-preservation strategies to deal with traumatic events. If we successfully use a strategy to protect us in a threatening situation, the same behaviour pattern can be triggered again and again in other situations that at some level remind us of the threat. What may have been a necessary protective response in the past seldom serves us in the present.

Neurofeedback works at a deep subconscious level, breaking the outdated behaviour cycle of trauma. It offers a precise approach, targeting only the area of concern. It is non-invasive and highly effective, giving the brain the tools to change the core pattern and move past traumatic events – without having to relive or talk about them.

Hyper Vigilance & PTSD

A heightened state of awareness is part of the fight / flight response. When this behaviour becomes entrenched this ‘hyper-vigilance’ is like the brain being locked into ‘battle stations’; primitive brain resources assigned to constant alert for the slightest hint of threat, causing inappropriate or even aggressive reactions in everyday situations.

Freeze & Dissociation

When a threat is utterly overwhelming and too much for the fight / flight system to cope with, the brain can go into a state known as ‘Freeze’; a numbing or collapse, akin to the playing dead response found in nature. This sort of trauma is experienced as a general shutdown, lack of vitality, emotional separation and detachment – even just being at a loss for words when feeling threatened.

“Our goal has been to make our military leaders, policymakers, and military families dealing with the effects of PTSD aware of the tremendously positive benefits that neurofeedback can offer. The findings make clear the need for immediate research into this powerful treatment option as well as the expansion of pilot programs beyond Camp Pendleton and into VA medical centers and in all of our military branches.”

Pam Tarr, Homecoming for Veterans Executive Director

In my 38 years of practice, I have never seen any treatment that comes close to producing the results that Neurofeedback offers... I have seen results achieved in days and weeks that previously took months and years to achieve, using the best methods available to us.

Jack Woodward, MD, Board Certified Psychiatrist