Our Treatment Modalities

We have found that neurofeedback is helpful with a variety of symptoms, such as learning disabilities, autism, mood disorders, addictions, eating disorders, OCD and more [link]. Some of the best research behind neurofeedback has been with ADHD, where NFT has been given an efficacy level of 5 to treat ADHD (Arns, 2009). Others, such as Bessel van der Kolk have shown it to be incredibly helpful when dealing with trauma.

To put it simply, the goal of neurofeedback therapy (NFT) is to retrain the brain. Neurofeedback therapy (or sometimes called EEG biofeedback therapy), is a self regulation technique in which the individual learns to change their brain activity. During the training, an electrode(s) are placed in a predetermined location on the scalp, and the brain activity (EEG signal) is being measured. The brain activity is fed to the computer and gets analyzed. When the brain does the desired activity (as predetermined by the brain mapping) the individual receives in real time a visual and audio reward. Over time, this becomes the new way the brain is acting. These changes may improve cognitive functioning, emotions and behavior regulation.

There are many analogies for how neurofeedback works. One is that the brain is like an orchestra and the neurofeedback (NFT) is like the conductor. There are many different types of instruments (analogous to the many brain activities we can detect in the brain) and they all play together. Maybe one or two of them might not be synchronized or misplay some notes. The conductor listens carefully and, in real time, gives feedback or advice to the few musicians who are out of synch or misplayed a note. The conductor doesn’t have a voice/instrument (or a brain activity). The conductor first corrects the musician most out of synch. Then gradually, through a series of corrections or feedback to the most offending musician, the orchestra learns to play in nearly perfect harmony. This requires learning and practicing, which is why it must be repetitive. If practiced enough, these musicians will perform without the conductor correcting them. They can play the right way for a long long time once they learn how to play in harmony.

The location the electrodes are placed and what is considered “good” activity is considered a neurofeedback protocol. At Boston NeuroDynamics, each protocol is individualized and is based directly on your specific symptoms and goals, brain mapping, research and our experience.

Adverse reactions are mild and transient, and quickly resolved when addressed (either by modifying the frequencies and/or the location). Possible reactions include tiredness, headaches, sleep disturbance, and reactivity.

Biofeedback is a self regulation technique that teaches one to achieve voluntary control of physiological functions which are normally regulated autonomously (i.e. without consciousness awareness) such as heart rate, body temperature, and skin conductance. Regulation of these physiological activities can positively impact cognitive, physical and emotional functioning.

Biofeedback is a learning process, in which someone can increase or decrease behavior through the use of reinforcement.

How does it work? A sensor that records the physiological activity is placed, the signal is analyzed in the computer, which is then used to provide real time feedback to the person. Over time, they learn to improve their physiological activity.

Heart Rate Variability
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is one type of biofeedback, where a person learns to alter their heart rate via breathing to improve self regulation and functioning. During the training, a sensor that detects the heart beat is placed on the ear, finger, or around the chest. The times between the heart beats are being calculated (coherence). When the coherence is optimal, the person gets a real time visual and audio reward. Over time, the person learns how to regulate their heart rate.
This is really helpful because HRV stimulates the vagus nerve which is connected to the brain stem. This helps the brain to switch from fight, flight, or freeze mode to relax mode. The brainstem is also connected to the limbic system, so HRV helps calm that down as well.

Bioregulation therapy (BRT) applies a small electromagnetic field which helps improve the communication of the body cells. It combines biofeedback and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMT) to reduce stress and feel more regulated.

BRT focuses on cellular communication and the signals between them. All the cells in the body need to be in harmony to maintain balance and good health. Sometimes the communication between different cells (and therefor, different tissues and organs in the body) gets blocked or disrupted. This can occur for a variety of reasons, from chemicals and toxins to nutrition to emotional challenges and trauma.

While doing BRT, very low intensity electromagnetic waves use a variety of partners to stimulate the cells, clear blockages, and restore communication pathways. This helps the signals between the cells to naturally self regulate and heal. Over time, this can greatly improve your symptoms.

BRT is considered a safe, non-invasive, and painless technique, which can be coupled with other treatment modalities, such as therapy or biofeedback.

The specific photobiomodulation technique we use is Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), which uses light (photonic) energy to modulate the function of cells. This accomplished by stimulating molecular entities capable of absorbing discrete wavelengths.  Research has shown benefits in some neurological conditions such as autism, cognitive decline, concussion,etc. LLLT is an active, non-invasive treatment.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Treatment benefits include:

• Pain
• Inflammation (local and generalized)
• Reduce irritability in brain circuits
• Balance neurotransmitters (autism, ADHD)
• Cognitive decline

There have been studies that show positive impacts of photobiomodulation on many things, including body tissues. Recently, implications of this photobiomodulation on the brain has been shown to be effective with Autism Spectrum Disorder: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/5584_2018_234

Psychotherapy, sometimes called “talk therapy,” uses specific psychological methods to guide personal interactions between an individual and their therapist. There are different types of psychotherapy, including psychodynamics, trauma informed, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

These different methods can help a person change behavior, increase happiness, and overcome problems. The goal of therapy is to improve your well-being through a mutually respectful relationship between client and clinician.

There are many different methods to talk therapy. At Boston NeuroDynamics, our clinicians use therapy as a complement to treatment with neurofeedback. In this way, your thought process, verbal process, emotional process are enhanced, making talk therapy more effective than without neurofeedback.

Clients we work with have reported a greater sense of accessibility to things that upset them in life and enhancement of enhancement in the ability to process during neurofeedback.

Our therapy is an eclectic approach from psychoeducation, trauma informed therapy [link], and mindfulness strategies [link].

Trauma informed therapy is a type of psychotherapy which uses recent research to inform our approach in treating survivors of DT and PTSD. In trauma informed therapy we focus on how trauma impacts the mind and body and sense of well-being and safety. This approach helps survivors of traumatic life events by looking at the impact of the trauma and how it changes one’s day-to-day life.

Many people are worried that doing trauma informed therapy will include telling or reliving the experience – that is not the case. Instead, we spend the time exploring the feelings associated with the trauma. This takes president over the actual events. Then, we work together to recognize your specific triggers and reactions (state of arousal), which can greatly improve your quality of life.

Mindfulness in which you focus heavily on your senses and feelings at the moment, without interpreting or judging them. Mindfulness techniques involve breathing methods, guided imagery and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.

At Boston NeuroDynamics, we use elements of the SMART (Stress Management and Resilience Training) program developed by the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind and Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Based on scientific research, SMART program is designed to help participants regain control and build resilience through a variety of mind and body principles and self-care interventions,leading to reduced medical symptoms and enhanced quality of life.

Learn more about SMART training here: https://bensonhenryinstitute.org/smart-program/

This neuromodulation technique is a useful tool to alter and affect important areas of the brain, such as those related to the control of movement, pain, emotional regulation and cognition.

tDCS is considered a safe, non-invasive, and painless technique, which can be coupled with other forms of rehabilitation techniques, such as physical therapy, speech, or occupational therapy.

The Course of Treatment
tDCS is offered as an off-label treatment. During tDCS, a direct current will be transmitted via surface electrodes, potentially including EEG-type electrodes, and delivered by a battery-driven, constant current stimulator, a low amplitude direct current will be applied to the scalp in order to reach the brain. This device offers the option of monitoring the brain’s activity as a safety measurement, which may be used on a case by case basis.

Read more about the research behind tDCS: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=tdcs

Hemoencephalography (HEG) is a form of neurofeedback that measures the brain’s blood flow. People have found that HEG helps improve blood flow to the prefrontal lobe. 

The HEG device is placed on the forehead and works on the prefrontal lobe. This area controls executive function, inhibition (for example of the limbic system) and is supposed to “shut down” easily during emergencies. Because of this, it allows for positive feedback to work, and is reported to be helpful for migraines, in addition to ADHD, depression and anxiety.

Uses the same self regulation as biofeedback and neurofeedback, the positive feedback is based on the blood flow measured. There are two types of HEG. The first, Near Infrared Spectography (NIR) HEG, is based on the blood oxygen level and measured by light in red and near infrared wavelengths. The second is Passive Infrared (PIR) HEG, which is based on changes in the brains thermal activity and is measured by light in far infrared wavelengths.