By Shane Young, M.A., NCC, LPC
Undeniably, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruption in our lives and dysregulation in our brains. I am doubtful that anyone reading this article has not been affected by the outbreak in one way or another. Whether it’s contracting the COVID-19 virus or suffering indirectly such as: being cooped up in the house for months, loss of a job, working the front lines as an essential employee, or preparing your children for online or back to school attendance. It is easy to say that many are traumatized by today’s events.
Leading psychiatrists nationwide are reporting that mental health clinicians will soon be flooded with clients. They are warning us of a “tsunami” of mental illness from problems stored up during lockdown. Even though many mental health organizations remain open, either for in-person or telehealth services, caseloads have dropped significantly for many clinicians. The drop in current caseloads could cause a tidal wave of clients seeking mental health services once our economy is fully functioning. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, (2020), “A Census Bureau Survey found that one in three Americans are now reporting symptoms of depression or anxiety—more than three times the rate from a similar survey conducted in the first half of 2019.” (Mental Health Household Pulse Survey). The Disaster Distress Helpline, a federal crisis hotline, “experienced an 891 percent increase in calls in March compared to the same period last year.” (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2020).
The current data is alarming to say the least. Mental health professionals need to be ready for the influx in clients. These clients will need the best and most advanced therapy interventions available since many clients will suffer from a variety of mental health conditions that can sometimes become complex. Thankfully, Neurofeedback is an advanced computer-based technology that has been proved to balance and optimize the brain. Many argue that Neurofeedback is the safest and most effective form of treatment for mental health conditions. Neurofeedback is non-invasive, interactive, fun, and a medication-free option that helps you retrain and strengthen your brain. Not only are the benefits of Neurofeedback long lasting but it promotes brain neurogenesis which creates new neural pathways long after the sessions have ended.
Adults of all ages and children can benefit from Neurofeedback. Neurofeedback—sometimes referred to as Biofeedback for the brain—is one type of Neurotherapy that has been successfully used to improve conditions such as depression, anxiety, addictions, headaches, memory problems, sleep problems, ADD/ADHD, PTSD and many more conditions. Many of these conditions people are suffering from because of either contracting the COVID disease or because of the indirect implications as mentioned.
As Drs. Ted Chapin and Lori Russell-Chapin point out in their book, Neurotherapy and Neurofeedback: Brain-Based Treatment for Psychological and Behavioral Problems, “the goal of Neurofeedback would be to reregulate and normalize brain functioning. Neurofeedback has the capacity to restore brain efficiency and begin to optimize personal and behavioral performance once again.” (Chapin & Russell-Chapin, 2014, p. 152).
At the Neurotherapy Institute of Central Illinois, Drs. Ted Chapin and Lori Russell-Chapin suggest 20 sessions for optimal results. Sessions are scheduled 2 to 3 times per week and last about an hour. In my opinion, the best part of the entire process is taking part in the 19 Channel qEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalogram) assessments prior to and post 20 sessions, if the client chooses to. In nearly every assessment review, the brain mapping has shown remarkable improvement in brain reregulation and in most cases brain neurogenesis.
Whether you or a loved one is experiencing depression, anxiety, sleep problems, brain fog, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, or any other mental health symptom, Neurofeedback is an effective solo treatment or can be used successfully as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Shane G. Young, MA, NCC, LPC trained Neurotherapist at the Neurotherapy Institute of Central Illinois, a division of Chapin and Russell, Associates, located at 3020 W. Willow Knolls Dr. Peoria, IL 61614. Call us at 309.681.5850, visit us online at www.chapinandrussell.com/neurotherapy/, or find us on Facebook at @chapinandrussell · Mental Health Service. Shane G. Young can be contacted by email at Syoung@neurotherapyinst.com.