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By Renee Chillcott, LMHC
LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System) was developed in 1990 by a man named Len Ochs. This was not, however, when Neurofeedback as a science and practice was developed. Neurofeedback or it may also be known as, EEG Biofeedback, EEG Neurotherapy, or Neurotherapy has been studied and practiced since the late 60’s. It is exercise for your brain; allowing you to see the frequencies produced by different parts of your brain in real-time and then through visual and auditory feedback, teaches the brain to better regulate itself. Neurofeedback can be used to help detect, stimulate, and/or inhibit activity in the brain safely and without medication. It can help restore a wider “range of motion” in brain states, much like physical therapy does for the body. EEG Neurofeedback helps you regulate the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the CNS determines how we function in life.
In a traditional Neurofeedback session, neural patterns are measured and recorded while a sound reinforcement (a beep) rewards the brain for making positive changes in the pattern. While the client sits comfortably watching a movie or pictures appear on the screen (a calm and focused state), the EEG equipment measures the frequency or speed at which electrical activity moves in the areas where electrodes have been placed. This information is sent to the therapist’s computer. The therapist is then able to determine what frequencies are out of balance. For example, when the EEG shows that you are making too many “slow” or “sleepy” waves (delta/theta) or too many “fast” waves (high beta), the therapist adjusts a reward band to encourage more balanced activity. This encouragement or “reward” happens through an auditory reinforcement of “beeps” and sometimes through visual reinforcement of changes on the screen.
With the LENS system, electrodes are placed on the head in a similar manner, however, in addition to measuring and recording the neural patterns, the LENS system sends a gentle radio wave frequency through the electrodes that matches and reduces the intensity of the electrical patterns in the brain. The ultimate goal is for the brain to be taught through the feedback of it’s own energy. In our office we may use the LENS system exclusively or in conjunction with traditional Neurofeedback.
What does this mean to you, the client?
Increased reduction of THETA waves, accelerating healing time. This can be very effective for ADHD clients that have a large THETA/BETA ratio as well as Traumatic Brain Injuries from accidents, chemicals, Lyme Disease, and Autism to name a few.
As waves sent into the brain can occur quicker than auditory reinforcement, the sessions are significantly reduced. This is very helpful for autistic children who have difficulty sitting for extended periods of time and it allows us to “add” LENS onto traditional treatment protocols.
Very effective at helping the brain re-organize neural firing patterns, most significantly, when there are “stuck” neural firing patterns. Again, accelerating healing time and improving symptoms more quickly.
Is LENS safe?
LENS, as well as traditional Neurofeedback is extremely safe. As discussed in several articles and books regarding the LENS Neurofeedback system, it uses a frequency of radiowaves that is significantly less than the frequency emitted from electrical wiring within walls and “these levels are lower in intensity than the electrical field that surrounds digital wrist watches”. The frequency is also delivered in very short intervals, ranging from 1 second to 1 minute. Moreover, the LENS Neurofeedback system not only requires very little participation from the client, it also accommodates for traditional Neurofeedback artifacts of movement and restlessness. This has made LENS a highly beneficial treatment option for people on the Spectrum or suffering from motor skill impairments. Neurofeedback is an FDA approved treatment that is safe and effective for children and adults of all ages. Call us today to determine how LENS and Neurofeedback can help you.
What conditions
does the LENS help with?
Cognition – Problems sequencing, memory, providing and maintaining attention, concentration, clarity and organization.
Mood – Anger, sadness, explosiveness.
Motor – Lack of grace, problems of eye-hand coordination, balance, increased muscle tone (from spasticity) and tremor.
Motivation – Problems initiating tasks, shifting from one activity to another, and/or completing tasks.
Anxiety – Problems of anxiety system activity (too much uncomfortably-contained energy), persistent “anxiety”, restlessness, rumination, agitation, distractibility, difficulty breathing, palpitations, tremor exacerbation, and sleep interruption.
Reactivity – Hyper-reactivity, hypersensitivity, multiple chemical sensitivities.
Pain – Brain-generated pain (mis-mapping the origins and qualities of signals), and vascular pain.
Addictions/Dependencies – Lack of clarity about emotions and self-comforting, defensiveness, argumentativeness and cynicism.
Fatigue – Fatigue; or fatigue as a phenomenon secondary to the effort of trying to overcome the pain and/or the above impediment to functioning more easily.
Performance Optimization – Increases in functioning in the above areas in absence of any diagnosis.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Getting started is easy, just give us a call. The Brain and Wellness Center staff will answer all of your questions, and help you get scheduled. If you are wondering what services are best for you? We can help determine that at the time of the intake, in a telephone consultation, or you can schedule a face to face consultation and see our facility. Call, email or message us today! Brain and Wellness Center, 7301 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Suite 102A, Boca Raton, FL 33433. (561) 206-2706, e-mail us at info@bocabraincenter.com, or text us at (561) 206-2706 or visit our website at
www.BocaBrainCenter.com.
Renee Chillcott, LMHC
Renee Chillcott is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor that has been practicing Neurofeedback training since 2005. Renee attended The University of Central Florida where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology in 1995. She then went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling with Nova Southeastern University in 2001. She has been a mental counselor in a variety of settings including Outpatient Treatment Agencies, Alternative Education Settings, and Private Practice. Renee received her license in Mental Health Counseling in 2004. Renee decided to enter the field of Neurofeedback because there was very little information made available to people/parents about alternatives to medication. Through the use of Neurofeedback she saw more significant and permanent changes in not only her clients, but also her own family and herself. This inspired her to become the owner/operator of The Brain and Wellness Center, located in Boca Raton. At The Brain and Wellness Center, adults, teens, children and families enjoy a variety of services from multiple providers. Neurofeedback, Brain Mapping, Acupuncture, Nutritional Counseling, Learning Programs, and counseling are among a few of the services offered.
