Rebecca Shafir M.A.CCC
Over the last several years mental health providers have been receiving a growing number of requests for effective treatments that did not involve medications. Side effects, cost, ineffective results or an inability to tolerate the meds were some of the concerns that drove these requests.
With roots in the classic medical model I was suspect of non-traditional approaches lacking strong double blind studies, or interventions that required more time, money or vigilance than our patients could spare. However, with the number of requests for alternatives hovering around the 30-40% mark, that was enough incentive to jump start my quest for answers.
Neurofeedback, a form of biofeedback, showed the most promise for satisfying patient requests for alternatives. After much study and interviewing of experts, one method stood out as most appropriate for the on-the-go ADD community – Low Energy Neurofeedback System or LENS. This system gently conditions healthier brain wave (EEG) patterns using weak electromagnetic signals as a carrier wave for the feedback to assist in reorganizing brain physiology. This method requires no work on the client’s part and is relatively quick and cost-effective to administer. Other forms of neurofeedback require active participation (an operant conditioning model) and months of endurance on the client’s part. LENS, however, is a passive process that takes only minutes per session. And, as with other kinds of neurofeedback, LENS is harmless and non-invasive.
If people want more details on LENS I can supply them. Suffice it to say, that over the last 3 years in offering LENS, 75-80% of my patients reported significantly improved sleep, energy, mood, clarity; and reduced headaches. With children I noticed its “enabling” effect to implement strategies which were previously unsuccessful. LENS is just one of many answers to the growing requests for effective treatment options. For more information see www.ochslabs.com