So I have clients who come to me to do traditional talk therapy,  yes.  And these clients indicate that how I work with them is very effective, either in a short or long term therapeutic relationship.  But many of these clients also see the benefits in combining traditional approaches with more scientific, up-to-date approaches that help heal unresolved biological problems that keep dysfunctional behaviors in place. and that talk therapy cannot address in many cases.

Example:  I have a person who was referred to me by a colleague who I share offices with.  This individual has long standing anxiety, depression, and debilitating stress issues.  My colleague referred this person to me because we have worked as supervisors in the past in a local mental health agency; but he also knows my background and training in approaches like brain biofeedback, somatic psychotherap and so on- and how using it along with talk therapy can speed the healing process.  So with this person who has long time issues, I know from years of experience that it could take months or longer to produce noticeable changes in his life because of his age and his family of origin patterns and because how our brain develops neurologically in dysfunctional environments; what we are doing, thinking and experiencing is what we are becoming- literally.

Most therapists don’t talk about the difficult cases- they talk about their success cases.  But to be honest, we have to be straight about the limitations of ONLY talking about our problems.  Because of defense mechanisms that started during traumas in our childhoods, we need scientific approaches to address them. Yes, talking can be most helpful, but without other ways of affecting the neurotransmitters and hormones, which are at the basis of our automatic and unconscious survival self, movement is often slow, and up and down at best.  And any honest therapist will admit this openly.

So I see this gentleman and we do traditional talk therapy WHILE he receives brain biofeedback.  Since I use a form of brain biofeedback, also called neurofeedback, that goes underneath the conscious mind and communicates directly with his sub-conscious or instinctual self, letting it know in its language about its turbulent and dysfinctional behaviors (we measure energy differences in the brain or called brainwave activity) this man in experiencing a cessation of suffering with is immediate and will become cumulative with ongoing visits.  After last weeks session (number 2 visit), he said that he had a beautiful evening, driving home enjoying the scenery, enjoying the beauty of the mountains- rather than his norm of suffering with stress and anxiety.  Yes, his patterns returned the next day, though not exactly to the same degree; and with ongoing sessions, he will notice a lifting of symptoms and with the talk therapy, we will help him begin to make the necessary changes in his daily life to avoid generating these feelings, emotions, and thoughts in the future.

So, sure, let’s do traditional counseling- combined with the most up to date and effective neurofeedback approach that matches our current science in brain neuroplasticity, or the brains ability to let go of old neurological, dysfunctional networks and improve its effectiveness and resiliency by producing new and higher ordered networks.  Any improved calm and improvement in our brains energy expenditure has a major impact on our life as we now recognize that it takes tremendous energy to keep dysfunctional behavior going.   Brain research now shows that most of our suffering states are generated inside our nervous system in the present moment- or in other words, it is ultimately how our brain reacts unconsciously to life events.

09 Dec 2011

The process of learning to navigate and locate thousands of city streets and places of interest causes structural changes in the brains of London taxi drivers, according to a new study published in Current Biology on 8 December. The findings should encourage those interested in life-long learning and undergoing rehabilitation after brain injury, as they show the adult brain is more “plastic” than we thought when faced with new challenges, said the authors.

To become licensed to drive a cab in London, would-be taxi drivers have to acquire what is commonly termed “The Knowledge”, which entails learning and locating 25,000 streets and 20,000 landmarks, as well as their intricate layout. It usually takes three to four years to accomplish the feat, and only around half the trainees eventually pass the exams.

Katherine Woollett and Eleanor Maguire of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, University College London, conducted the research. Maguire’s earlier studies of London taxi drivers found they have more gray matter in the back part of the hippocampus than non-taxi drivers, and less in the front part.

The hippocampus, which sits deep inside the brain in the medial temporal lobe, plays a key role in consolidating short-term memory into long-term memory and also in spatial navigation. Maguire’s earlier studies suggested that the observed changes occurred in order to accomodate an “internal map” of London’s streets and landmarks.

In this latest study, Woollett and Maguire looked for evidence that might support or disprove this suggestion. They enrolled a group of trainee taxi drivers, and another group of drivers who were not taxi drivers (as the controls) and measured them now and again over time. They took two types of measurements: brain scans and tests of memory.

At the start of the study period, there was no discernible difference between the two groups in either measure: their brain structures were largely similar and so were the scores on memory tests.

However, by the end of the study period, some three to four years later, those trainees who passed the exams showed an increase in grey matter at the back of the hippocampus, while those who did not pass did not, and neither did the non-taxi driver controls.

The authors found that the structural brain changes in those who passed occurred in step with changes in their memory test results.

“In those who qualified, acquisition of an internal spatial representation of London was associated with a selective increase in gray matter (GM) volume in their posterior hippocampi and concomitant changes to their memory profile,” write the authors.

Maguire told the press:

“The human brain remains ‘plastic’ even in adult life, allowing it to adapt when we learn new tasks.”

By following the trainee taxi drivers over time as they acquired – or failed to acquire – ‘the Knowledge,’ we have seen directly and within individuals how the structure of the hippocampus can change with external stimulation,” she added.

She and Woollett suggest their findings may reflect the generation and persistence of new neurons in response to significant cognitive challenge: the hippocampus is known to be one of the few areas of the brain where new neurons do form.

Successful training could also help to strengthen the connections between existing neurons, they add.

However, what is not so clear, is whether those who passed the exams already had some inherent advantage that was not apparent in the measures at the outset.

“Could it be that those who qualified are genetically predisposed towards having a more adaptable, ‘plastic’ hippocampus? This leaves the perennial question of ‘nature versus nurture’ still open,” said Maguire.

Written by Catharine Paddock PhD
Copyright: Medical News Today

West Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) -

The lack of a good night rest plagues people of all ages.

If you’re among millions of Americans who aren’t getting enough sleep, you should know that it could be the root of other health issues such as obesity. Relief can come in the form of an unconventional and non-invasive therapy.

Insomnia led Myron Congdon to seek another alternative to taking sleep medication.

Congdon said, “”Sometimes I would get up for a couple of hours or sometimes I would simply stay awake and simply toss around in bed.”

That would lead to 3 to 4 hours of sleep a night.

Now Myron is undergoing a mix of neuro and bio feedback.

Relaxation techniques can only go so far according to Psychotherapist Rae Tattenbaum. She said, “Relaxation is good, however what we really need is balance and most people are too tense to practice the relaxation exercises.”

This technology monitors the turbulence causing the imbalance in Congdon’s central nervous system.

Tattenbaum said, “What causes turbulence? Worry, aggravation.”

That turbulence triggers an interruption.

“He’s hearing an interruption and what he is feeling is a sense of well being and relaxation.”

A feeling Congdon was deprived of due to the lack of sleep. He said, “Fuzzy in the daytime at times, yawning when you’re not suppose to be yawning, when you’re suppose to be paying attention to someone else.”

Weekly sessions have led to sleeping better.

Congdon said, “What I’m getting is, I’m going back to sleep much more often than I was before.”

“With the technology, you sleep an hour longer and you return to sleep faster,” said Tattenbaum.

Also part of the process is getting ready to go to sleep.

The success rate is about 75 percent. Tattenbaum says its effective for patients of all ages, including children.

Source:  http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/health/unconventional-therapy-to-fight-insomnia

Published in MyWestHartfordLife.com

West Hartford psychotherapist uses neurofeedback training to improve student performance
Monday – July 25, 2011

The student who can never sit still during a teacher’s lesson is often viewed as a “problem child.” However, in many cases these kids are in fact facing their own learning barriers, such as restlessness, inability to maintain visual focus and being easily distracted. As a result, the academic requirements make the child feel “bullied” by the environment as they do not sense that they are able to succeed.

West Hartford psychotherapist Rae Tattenbaum is a pioneer in the use of a unique training that has offered dramatic results helping children with all of the above difficulties.  Neurofeedback training is a form of Biofeedback based directly on the brain’s electrical activity. The process includes monitoring the brain’s activity through the placement of tiny sensors placed on the scalp. While the therapist monitors the session on one computer, the client receives visual and audio feedback from another computer through images and sound that are controlled directly by their brain.  Ultimately, this process can help quiet the brain treating a number of conditions that impact success.

“Time and time again I’ve seen neurofeedback accomplish major changes in children with conditions that impair the ability to focus,” said Tattenbaum.  “This is a therapy and requires repetitive in-person sessions in order to work.”

Among the many patients Tattenbaum has treated over the years is Lebanon student Jack, starting when he was just 8 and a half.  Jack was referred to Tattenbaum due to his inability to sit still long enough to learn subjects such as math and reading.  Shortly after he began working with Tattenbaum’s multi-step program, change was soon evident.

In a journal, Jack’s mother Barbara wrote, “Jack’s DRA level was an 18 when he started with you back in 2009. I asked his teacher what level he’s reading at now and it’s a DRA of 34.  Currently, the DRA level has increased to 39.”

His teacher also noted, “he continues to make solid progress, and I have noticed growth with his reading expression as well.”

During the neurofeedback process, Tattenbaum works on training the electrical activity of the brain, in turn providing the brain more information about itself.  This process allows for better organization of the brain and clearer focus.

“The brain uses visual and auditory information to re-organize itself and release old patterns of “stuckness”. Neurofeedback allows the brain to relax, leading to an increase in alertness and focus,” said Tattenbaum.  “Before long, people realize that fidgeting, daydreaming, planning events, worrying and other brain activity interrupt the feedback.”

For Jack, the neurofeedback training has changed him from a student who was unable to focus on the task at hand to one that’s determined to succeed in school.

“His DRP (degrees of reading power) was a 51, which is just a few points away from goal,” adds his teacher.  “He made some incredible gains this year and we’re so proud of him!”

Rae Tattenbaum is a recognized leader in the field of Neurofeedback and Biofeedback and the innovator of a groundbreaking methodology.  She is the first in her field to develop a comprehensive and integrated approach, which has been proven to enhance performance in business, academics, athletics and the performing arts, as well as increase mental balance, productivity and wellness for those with learning, attention and physical disabilities.  A good portion of her practice involves helping children overcome anxiety and trauma.

Tattenbaum earned her MSW from the Columbia University School of Social Work after receiving a BA in Advanced Study in Theatre Arts at Hofstra University.  Her office is located in West Hartford, Connecticut. She serves clients in Connecticut, New York, Boston and the New England area. You can learn more about her program online.

by David Delaney

His father brings nine-year-old Harold (not his real name) to my office. Neither he nor his mother is able to get him to go to sleep at night; sometimes they find him wandering around late because he cannot sleep. He gets up repeatedly when they put him back to bed. This kind of behavior is wearing on his parents!

They are really at their limits and have no solutions other than medication which they are not attracted to. Then he wants to sleep with them, and when he does, he thrashes all night long and they cannot get the rest they need; and everybody now knows that good hygiene is vital to our health and well being if you have seen any of a number of PBS specials on the brain and sleep hygiene.

Get on the Brain Train…

Because the brain (Central Nervous System, hereafter CNS) is adaptable, changeable, it is possible to literally train it to let go of the habit of causing it’s own perturbation or stress, experienced as anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, inability to focus, to let go of stress states that become negative habits and prevent us from orienting toward relaxation.

The Orienting Response…

The mechanism that allows us to maintain present and a relaxed focus has been termed the Orienting Response. The Orienting response, also called orienting reflex, is the reflex that causes us to respond immediately to a change in our environment (what is different about this moment? it asked constantly) first described by Russian physiologist Sechenov in the 1850s in his book Reflexes of the Brain, and the term was coined by Ivan Pavlov, who also referred to it as the “What is it?” reflex. This Orienting Response takes us toward relaxed, present moment focus, rather than being hi-jacked by past, unresolved events that manifest as repetitive negative feelings, emotions, and thoughts that are counter to our personal survival. If we cannot remain oriented to the present, we cannot face life’s constant changes. Without a strong Orienting Response, we therefore are out of touch with what is happening moment to moment.

Why is our brain unable to remain present to what is happening?

Chronic or acute stress, overload, traumatic reactions, injuries, illness, flight-flight responses, and acquired family and cultural behaviors can all cause stress to build-up and negatively influence the function of our Central Nervous System. Stress can be seen on a brainwave electroencephalograph monitor (EEG) when there is perturbation occurring in the CNS. Perturbation (literally being ‘perturbed”) is seen not as regular wave patterns, but as irregular, highly volatile patterns, meaning inefficient, ineffective use of our personal energy causing us to behave in ways that are counter to our own best interests.

Brain upset…

When there is perturbation in the CNS, you do not feel relaxed, calm, alert, present, and in harmony with yourself and the world, but feel angry, depressed, anxious, hyper, unable to rest: perturbed. By evoking this Orienting Response through brain training, your brain is able to literally ‘drop’ these negative states and come back to the present moment. There have been thousands of people since the 1970’s who have benefited from this sort of training including Olympic athletes, NASA astronauts, business professionals, professional performing artists, people with depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury- just to name a few.

Brain Neuroplasticity…

Many people do not know that the brain can learn new ways of behaving on its own, but now with so much research over the past few decades, it is clear that our CNS is constantly learning and growing in response to what is asked of it- or shrinking if not challenged. It is now known that a blind person’s brain who utilizes their hands to read brail will develop more sophisticated nerve branches in that area of the CNS which controls that function that you or I will. People’s brains that have had a stroke are able to produce new neural pathways to help them recover functions which they lost, if appropriately directed.

A relaxed CNS allows us to let go of the past to be in the present…

After one session of brain training, Harold falls sleep right away 4 nights that week. His mother arrives for session number two clearly relieved. She wants to continue training him so that he can help him achieve a more relaxed way of being, helping him move away from his hyperactive tendency.

Source:  1- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orienting_response

(C) 2009, David Delaney.  Cannot be used without the written permission of the author.

Fight-or-flight is the collection of physiological (body) and psychological (mind & emotions) changes that occur when you face a perceived threat–when you face situations where you feel the demands on you outweigh your resources to effectively cope.

When some event in your life triggers the state of fight or flight, a series of changes occur within your body and mind, often without our awareness. They include:

•A quickening of the pulse

•A burst of adrenaline (can mean shaking, feeling queasy, or hyper-alert)

•Redirection of blood from your brain and core to periphery

•The release of cortisol (stress hormone), putting you in a heightened state of alert. Your internal alarm system is on- even though you might not hear it!

Within seconds of any situation which causes you to become upset, which is fight-or-flight, the primitive amygdala (trauma center in your mid-brain) automatically sounds a general alarm.  The adrenal system promptly floods the body with adrenaline and stress hormones. Non-essential physiological (body) processes switch off.  Digestion stops, skin cools, and blood is diverted from viscera and small muscles into the outer, large muscles in preparation for a burst of emergency action (fight/flee/freeze).  Breathing quickens and becomes shallow, the heart races, and blood pressure skyrockets, infusing the body with oxygen while the liver releases glucose for quick fuel.  The entire body is suddenly in a state of high alert, ready for fight-or-flight.

Fight-or-flight is designed only for emergencies: not for everyday living!

Our culture today places so many demands on us, that we live in this state too often for good health and well-being.

In this state, learning ability, as well as other mental functions (including problem solving, reasoning ability, and relating to others) are inhibited. This response is incredibly powerful and can indeed be life-saving.

However, we experience this response on a regular basis through pressure at work, traffic jams, anticipating the future or stewing about a past event, family and relationship challenges, the intensity of school, and many more situations that are not life-threatening.

What makes it worse is the body’s design: if we get to really fight or turn and actually run, all those electro-chemical responses get used up.

But to be in this fight-or-flight state and not have to fight or run for our life, is extremely disabling and explains why stress is indeed the biggest killer.

What we need most of our day is the opposite state, called the Relaxation Response. It brings us out of the fight-or-flight state. Research shows that our approach to Neurofeedback will induce the balanced production of alpha and theta brain waves, which will then reduce our heart rate and blood pressure, relax muscles, and increase the quantity of oxygen flow to the brain.  Incredibly, because your brain is plastic (adaptable) it will remember how does this in the future because it changes in response to experience.  In other words, you can train your brain; you can increase your brain fitness.

Many researchers have also noted that this Relaxation Response is very beneficial for super-learning, enhanced creativity, healing, and optimal performance in life.

“The relaxation response is a physical state of dynamic rest that changes the physical and emotional responses to stress.”

Herbert Benson, M.D.

Herbert Benson, M.D., is the Director Emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute (BHI), and Mind/Body Medical Institute Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. A graduate of Wesleyan University and the Harvard Medical School, Dr. Benson is the author or co-author of more than 180 scientific publications and 11 books (listed below):

The Relaxation Response, 1975

The Mind/Body Effect, 1979

Beyond the Relaxation Response, 1984

Your Maximum Mind, 1987

The Wellness Book, 1992

Timeless Healing: The Power and Biology of Belief, 1996

The Relaxation Response – Updated and Expanded

(25th Anniversary Edition), 2000

The Breakout Principle, 2003

Mind Over Menopause, 2004

Mind Your Heart, 2004

The Harvard Medical School Guide

(c) David Delaney, 2009.  All rights reserved.

Erick Turner and other researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University subpoenaed the FDA to release all the studies on antidepressant effectiveness in its archives.  Because science journals prefer positive findings over negative ones, Turner and his colleagues were unsurprised to find unpublished studies concluding that SSRIs are no more effective the placebo*

(Definition- Placebo: a. A substance containing no medication and prescribed or given to reinforce a patient’s expectation to get well. b. An inactive substance or preparation used as a control in an experiment or test to determine the effectiveness of a medicinal drug.)                                                                              (Definition-SSRI: selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor – an antidepressant drug that acts by blocking the reuptake of serotonin so that more serotonin is available to act on receptors in the brain)

They were astonished by the number of such negative studies.  Reseaarch reporting positive effects for antidepressants was 12 times more likey to be published than studies reporting negative results.  Turner & colleagues concluded that publication bias had inflated the common impression of the effectiveness of SSRI’s by about a third overall, and for some medications, the figure was twice as high.

Indeed, it now appears that the early widely touted success of SSRI’s was based on an overly simplified methodology and cherry-picking of results. A meta-analysis (analysis of many studies) shows that between 42 and 47% of subjects respond to the placebo.  They conclude that an effect of 10-15% greater than placebo hardly justifies psychatiatic and popular confidence in SSRIs as the first-time treatment for one of the most common mental disorders.

NeurOPTIMAL™ Neurofeedback training simply communicates to your brain every time is starts to ‘wobble’ (or begins to produce erratic electro-chemical activity).  Because we now know that the brain learns from it’s own experience, and is also designed to improve its effectiveness over time, when not overloaded, it can re-organize and regulate itself.  This erratic electro-chemical activity that is a result of unresloved stress.  NeurOPTIMAL helps your brain, or Central Nervous System, let go of these automatic and mechanical survival reactions that have become habits and come back to the present where all is well. It is that simple!