Neurofeedback therapy, also known as neurotherapy, is a powerful, non-invasive tool for helping children with various mental and behavioral challenges. It has been used to treat conditions such as ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism, among others. Neurofeedback for kids uses EEG sensors (read more on Brain Mapping here!) to measure brain activity in real time and provide feedback to the patient so that they can learn how to better regulate their emotions and behavior. In this blog post, we will explore the six benefits of neurofeedback therapy for kids and how it can help them lead healthier, happier lives.
1) Helps with focus and concentration
When it comes to helping children with attention, concentration, and focus issues, neurofeedback therapy can be extremely effective. Neurofeedback is a type of
counseling for kids that uses EEG technology to monitor brainwaves and provide feedback on how to improve focus and concentration. It is especially helpful for those struggling with ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Through this therapy, kids are able to develop better focus skills, better self-regulation, and improved attention span. Neurofeedback training also helps kids become more aware of their own behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. This heightened awareness can lead to an increase in their ability to concentrate and focus on tasks at hand. Counseling for kids is also often used in conjunction with neurofeedback therapy to assist in the process of identifying and addressing emotional and behavioral issues that may be contributing to focus problems.
2) Reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be difficult for children to manage, and often times, can interfere with their development. Neurofeedback therapy has been proven to help reduce these behaviors in children. Neurofeedback helps the child's brain become more organized and balanced, which helps them regulate their emotions and behavior more effectively. Neurofeedback has also been shown to be particularly beneficial for children with ADHD who struggle to stay focused and regulated.
Counseling for kids is another important component when it comes to managing impulsivity and hyperactivity. A counselor can work with your child to better understand the triggers that may be causing these behaviors, as well as provide coping strategies and tools to help them manage their emotions and impulses. With the combination of counseling and neurofeedback therapy, your child can learn how to better regulate their emotions and behavior, leading to improved focus and concentration.
3) Aids in emotional regulation
Neurofeedback is especially helpful for kids who struggle with emotional regulation. The goal of neurofeedback is to teach children how to regulate their own emotional states and manage their stress levels. This can be beneficial for children who are anxious, moody, or have difficulty handling strong emotions. Neurofeedback helps children learn to understand the signals their brain sends and how to respond accordingly.
Studies have shown that neurofeedback can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in children. Neurofeedback has been used as a supplement to traditional counseling for kids and has been found to be more effective than traditional therapy alone. With neurofeedback, children learn how to self-regulate their emotions by learning to control their reactions to stressors and how to use calming techniques. By teaching children how to self-regulate their emotions, they are better equipped to handle the challenges life throws at them.
4) Helps with sleep
One of the most important benefits of neurofeedback therapy for kids is its ability to improve sleep. Neurofeedback has been found to be especially helpful for children who have difficulty sleeping, including those with insomnia and parasomnia. Neurofeedback helps kids regulate their circadian rhythms, which is critical for a good night's sleep. Through counseling for kids, parents and caregivers can also be taught techniques to help their child wind down before bedtime and create better bedtime habits. Neurofeedback therapy can even help with nightmares, night terrors, and other disruptive sleep patterns. If you’re looking for a way to help your child get more restful sleep, consider the benefits of neurofeedback therapy.
5) Improves processing speed
One of the major benefits of neurofeedback for kids is that it helps to improve processing speed. Neurofeedback works by training the brain to respond more efficiently to certain tasks, allowing a child to better understand and process new information quickly and accurately. This can be especially beneficial for kids who have difficulty focusing or have learning disabilities, as it can help them comprehend information more effectively and retain it for longer. In some cases, neurofeedback has even been used in conjunction with traditional counseling for kids to boost its effectiveness. By improving their processing speed, neurofeedback can help kids become more confident in their ability to absorb and apply new knowledge and skills in their lives.
6) Decreases stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety can have an immense impact on a child's life, and it can be difficult for them to manage on their own. Neurofeedback therapy provides a non-invasive way to help kids reduce their stress and anxiety levels. This type of therapy has been found to be highly effective for reducing the symptoms of stress and anxiety in both children and adults. It works by teaching the brain to regulate itself better, allowing the child to better control their emotions and react to stress more calmly. Additionally, neurofeedback therapy can complement traditional counseling for kids, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or play therapy, and give the child additional tools to cope with stress and anxiety.
Get Started with Neurofeedback for Kids at Connected Brain Counseling
Connected Brain Counseling is a Denver based private practice offering neurofeedback therapy with licensed clinicians that specialize in work with both adults and children. Get started with a free 20 minute phone consultation with Connected Brain Counseling here