Biofeedback Therapy
What is Biofeedback Therapy?
Biofeedback therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that helps Clients learn to recognize and subtly control involuntary physiological processes to achieve a desired effect. Some of these involuntary physiological processes include heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, pain perception, and more. Increasing awareness and control of these physical systems enable Clients to function in a more relaxed and conscious state.
This results in improved mood, ability to focus and engage, enhanced creativity, and enjoyment of activities. Biofeedback is a type of resilience training, rather than a treatment process, that focuses on improving a Client’s performance, health, and ability to manage the physical and emotional stressors in life. Because this is resilience training, the goal is to enable a Client to achieve the desired result through practice and improvement and call upon these skills without the continued use of instruments used during sessions.
What conditions can it help?
A wide range of conditions can be successfully addressed with Biofeedback training, particularly those that are caused by stress and can be solved by conscious relaxation techniques. The mind is generally considered the most powerful computer in the world and actively investing in the mind/body connection through Biofeedback can elevate and improve the capabilities of that bond.
Almost any individual body, regardless of the current level of function, can be trained to perform better. Some examples of common conditions that can be addressed by Biofeedback include:
What Conditions Can Biofeedback Therapy Help?
Depression
PTSD
Delayed and/or disturbed sleep
Tension and Migraine Headaches
Raynaud’s Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome
Incontinence
High blood pressure
Chronic pain
Performance Enhancement
Stress
Anxiety
Asthma
Heart disease
How Does Biofeedback Therapy Work?
Biofeedback Therapy
There are many different types of Biofeedback and which type is most appropriate and effective depends upon the Client’s desired result discussed in collaboration with the Therapist.
Electrical sensors are connected to the body and measure physiological processes. The readings are provided to the Client in the form of feedback, both auditory and/or visual, and show when there are physiological changes taking place that otherwise may go unnoticed.
The Client learns to recognize when these changes occur and then learns how to consciously relax to return the body to a balanced state. This increased awareness and feedback is used to help the body return to a more optimal state with improved function.
Types of Biofeedback Therapy
HRV/Blood Volume Pulse Biofeedback Therapy
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Training is one of the most popular forms of Biofeedback therapy for anxiety and performance enhancement. HRV Training is a technique that measures blood volume pulse and breathing techniques via computerized feedback to help manage anxiety and tension, elevate mood and/or improve sleep.
By measuring breathing patterns, these patterns can be displayed on a computer monitor and the person can learn how to practice the pattern that is best for them and can then apply this in their daily life, therefore helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and the impact of many other acute or chronic conditions.
Respiratory Biofeedback Therapy
Respiratory Biofeedback uses a sensor placed around the abdomen and chest to monitor breathing patterns and respiration rate.
Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) and Sweat Gland Biofeedback Therapy
GSR Biofeedback uses skin conductivity from the fingers and measures the amount of sweat created on the skin surface triggered by emotional stimulation.
Temperature Biofeedback Therapy
Skin temperature biofeedback uses a thermistor that is attached to a finger to detect changes in skin temperature. A thermistor is a highly sensitive resistor particularly responsive to changes in temperature. Emotional stress can cause a decrease in body temperature. Clients are trained to recognize the onset of this occurrence and learn stress management techniques to return to a balanced, calm state.
How to set up an Appointment
The Biofeedback Specialists here at Seasons Counseling include the Founder and Managing Director, Dan Marcone and Therapist Nikki Reis Munoz. Please contact the Front Desk at 407-960-3938 or office@seasonscounselingorlando.com to schedule a 50-minute appointment to discuss the specifics regarding your situation and biofeedback recommendations. They look forward to working with you and getting started on making positive life changes.