Brain Builders Neurotherapy

08/09/2024

What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is EEG Biofeedback. It is a form of computer-guided learning in which instruments detect and feed information about the brain’s electrical or metabolic fluctuations back to the client in a way that allows them to learn how to self-regulate their brain’s activity. Neurofeedback provides information about the brain’s rhythms that is reflected back to the client through changes in sound, visual patterns, or tactile vibrations. The brain easily recognizes that changes in its “firing and wiring” cause changes in the visual and auditory patterns. It begins to interact with the feedback in programmed ways, allowing it to gradually strengthen its self-regulation skills.

Through neurofeedback, clients are empowered to regulate their own specific cerebral functions including EEG amplitude and connectivity, event-related potentials, infra-slow frequencies and regional cerebral blood flow. Neurofeedback provides a stronger sense of self because the clients are directly empowered to change themselves. As physical exercise strengthens and molds the body, neurofeedback (brain exercise) strengthens and molds the brain.

08/09/2022

How does light affect sleep and our overall health? Our new intern Yael has summarized this study to aid in learning more about this! For more information on this study please visit

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2113290119

02/08/2022

What is "brain training" and what can it be used for?

Brain training, or neurofeedback, consists of exercises that help regulate brain activity and reduce unwanted symptoms. New research has found that individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can benefit from such exercises.

A new study from the Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University investigates the efficacy of neurofeedback as a form of treatment for PTSD patients. Certain networks have been previously shown to exhibit abnormal connectivity in post-traumatic stress disorder individuals. When connectivity is restored within these networks, PTSD severity has shown to decrease. After comparing two groups of participants with PTSD (one that received 20 weeks of neurofeedback and one that did not), researchers found that 61.1% of participants no longer met the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder and therefore decreased in severity. They concluded that neurofeedback can be comparable to other known therapies for PTSD like trauma-focused psychotherapy. Neurofeedback is an accessible, effective treatment option that can even be done at home!

For more information on the study go to: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213158220303272?via%3Dihub

For more information on Neurotherapy and our services, go to our website! www.norcalbrainbuilders.com

12/09/2021

We’re on Instagram!
We’re thrilled to launch our new social media profile, please check it out for more updates on Neurohealth, office updates, and get to know our staff!
Follow: brain_builders_neurotherapy

11/24/2021

Meet our newest intern in Walnut Creek! Justice Stafford has a big spirit and is a self-love enthusiast. She is a native of the tri-state area where she developed her grit and drive for helping others. She graduated from Howard University in 2012 where she earned her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences as well as obtained a Masters in Social Work in 2015. She is currently in the linked Sport Psychology MA/PsyD program and her dream is to continue to work with family, adolescents, and adults while catering to their mental health needs.

11/18/2021

Welcome Brightlyn to our Brain Builders Team!

My name is Brightlyn Johnson and I am a treatment technician here at Brain Builders Neurotherapy. I am originally from Lincoln, Ca where my passion for psychology was fostered. I am currently in my fourth year at Sonoma State, working towards two Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Sociology. I look forward to getting my Masters in Clinical Psychology in the future.

11/18/2021

Anxiety Effectively Treated With Exercise

https://neurosciencenews-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/neurosciencenews.com/anxiety-exercise-19619/amp/

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have found new evidence that exercise can help reduce anxiety levels. During a twelve week program, participants with moderate to high levels of anxiety were placed in group exercise classes that were either strenuous or moderate. Moderate exercise includes the heart reaching 60% of its maximum heart rate, while strenuous exercise requires reaching 75% of its maximum heart rate. Each group did three 60-minute training sessions a week. The training sessions included cardio and strength exercises.
Results from the study showed that “anxiety symptoms were significantly alleviated even when the anxiety was a chronic condition, compared with a control group who received advice on physical activity according to public health recommendations.” The majority of participants went from a moderate or high level of anxiety to a low level of anxiety. The researchers also saw that the higher the intensity of exercise, the more their anxiety levels improved. With results like these and few side effects, primary care doctors can start prescribing exercise as an effective, individualized treatment to combat anxiety symptoms.

A 12-week program of moderate to strenuous exercise significantly helps relieve anxiety symptoms, a new study reports.

10/25/2021

Brain Builders Neurotherapy/ Optimal Minds Neuropsychology is seeking a part-time employee to serve as a treatment technician in a growing practice. We will provide training and guidance as you learn and practice.

Job duties include:

• Implementing neurofeedback protocols and monitoring clients during neurofeedback sessions
• Monitor client responses to training sessions, coordinate with clinical supervisor if training adjustments need to be made
• Collect EEG data for processing
• Administrative duties such as client scheduling, record keeping, and responses to
inquiries
• Ensures that medical record documentation protocols are complied with in an ethical
and timely manner
• Keep clear, detailed, and concise records of training sessions, goals, and treatment
response in a timely manner
• Clean and sterilize equipment, monitor supplies levels, and notify appropriate parties
when supplies are low
• Model and promote healthy communication, customer service, and positive
representation of the organization

Benefits:

• Gain valuable experience in the psychology and neurotherapy field
• Pays hourly
• Flexible schedule but availability on Sundays preferred

Education/Qualifications:

• Associate’s
• Bachelor's (preferred)
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good time management and organizational skills
• Interpersonal relationship skills necessary in order to relate to a wide variety of internal
and external contacts including clients, families, referral sources, other employees, etc.

Please send your resume and a cover letter to Dr. Nehring at drnehring@norcalbrainbuilders.com

COVID-19 considerations:
Due to the nature of our work, telehealth is not available as a treatment option and all services are provided in person. We strictly follow COVID-19 guidelines and are diligent in taking the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please refer to our COVID-19 safety plan for details. Employees are asked to follow these guidelines and to have either been vaccinated or be willing to undergo vaccination in order to work in our clinic. All clients are required to wear a mask and fill out Covid-19 screening.

10/09/2021

How old is your brain? As you grow older, your brain ages at its own pace based on factors such as genetics, diet, and lifestyle choices. An “older” brain means lower brain volume, decreased brain vasculature and worsened cognitive abilities.

For those who have experienced depression, midlife comes with worsened memory and faster cognitive decline than their non-depressed counterparts. Now, new research has found a new factor in increased brain age: anxiety.

A study done at the University of Pittsburgh has indicated that features commonly found in anxious individuals expedite brain aging. Using machine learning to predict brain age, researchers found a strong correlation between brain age and inability to suppress negative thoughts, and excess worry and rumination, resulting in faster neurodegeneration, and memory and attention deficits.

These findings highlight a need for anxiety intervention techniques, especially during the anxiety-inducing pandemic. Techniques commonly used today include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, lifestyle changes, and neurofeedback. Neurofeedback has been proven to improve anxious symptoms through regulating brain functioning.

Brain Builders Neurotherapy offers neurofeedback and other non-medication tools to address anxiety. Visit our website at http://norcalbrainbuilders.com/ to learn more.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29792244/
https://dana.org/article/worrying-and-the-aging-brain/

Using a machine learning model, researchers describe how excessive worrying can accelerate brain aging and cognitive decline.