WHAT IS SELF-REGULATION?

Do you ever feel like you have no control over your emotions? Do you find it difficult to manage disruptive impulses and behaviours? Well, self-regulation may be what you are missing. According to Ottawa Public Health, self-regulation is the ability to adjust our thinking, attention, emotions, behaviour, and bodies so we can be in a calm, focused, alert state when learning and responding to our environment. Self-regulation can be categorized into two different types:

Emotional self-regulation: Control of/influence over your emotions. The ability to cheer yourself up when you’re down and calm yourself down when you’re upset.

Behavioural self-regulation: Control of/influence over your behaviours. The ability to act in your long-term best interest, consistent with your values. If your values are violated, you may experience shame, guilt, and even anxiety which impairs emotional well-being.

Self-regulation is closely linked to brain maturation and generally develops over time with the support of nurturing parents and caregivers. However, self-regulation doesn’t always come naturally to everyone which is why recovering from stressors can be a challenge for so many.

HOW DOES SELF-REGULATION WORK?

Imagine you are studying for a very important exam. If you feel optimistic about the learning outcome, possess effective study strategies, and are able to monitor your thinking, you would be considered a good self-regulator. Yet, if one piece of this suggested cycle is not present, you may be unsuccessful. For instance, if you’re pessimistic about the outcome of the exam, you may not be motivated to study even with learning strategies and self-awareness at hand.

Essentially, self-regulation is a balancing act and consists of three things: recognition, approach, and action. You must first recognize your short-term feelings. For instance, do you feel like running away from a stressful situation? Are you angry at someone and feel like lashing out at them? In the moment, it may be difficult to address your transient feelings but you can use your body as an aid. For example, an increasing heart rate may be a sign that you are in a state of panic.

Once you recognize your feelings, you can begin to restore balance by shifting your focus and approaching your values. Once you become focused on your values, you will be able to see beyond the stress, anxiety and/or discomfort in that present moment and be able to look at the bigger picture. Also, when you recognize that you are becoming stressed or when you are losing focus you can plan breaks to ensure you are more effective with your time. It is only then that you’ll be able to act in your long-term best interest, consistent with your values.

USING NEUROFEEDBACK TO SELF-REGULATE

While self-regulation may seem like a simple concept, it can be difficult to achieve without some assistance. This is where neurofeedback can help.

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive therapy which allows individuals to practice being in a calm, alert, and focused mental state. During a neurofeedback session, an individual is rewarded with a visual and auditory stimulus when certain brain waves increase or decrease. The rewards act as a reinforcement for your brain which essentially teaches you to have better control over your brainwave patterns.

Essentially, neurofeedback training provides individuals the opportunity to exercise their ability to enter, recognize, and maintain the desired state. This takes time as everyone learns at different rates. When enough training is done, they improve their ability to self-regulate their brainwaves and mental state.

Click here for more information on Neurofeedback.

REFERENCES

http://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/professionals-and-partners/iecmh-self-regulation.aspx

Thibault, R. T., Lifshitz, M., Birbaumer, N., & Raz, A. (2015). Neurofeedback, Self-Regulation, and Brain Imaging: Clinical Science and Fad in the Service of Mental Disorders. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics,84 (4), 193-207. doi:10.1159/000371714

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Introduction to Peak Performance Neurofeedback: What You Need to Know

By Neuropotential Clinics • August 29, 2024

Peak Performance Neurofeedback offers an innovative approach to mental and emotional well-being. Focusing on real-time brain training, neurofeedback is a method that aims to help improve brain function through feedback on brainwave activity. Developed over decades and rooted in EEG technology, neurofeedback measures brainwaves using sensors placed on the scalp. This data is processed and presented through visual or auditory cues, helping individuals become more aware of their brain's activity. This awareness may promote self-regulation and improve focus, mood, and stress management, supporting overall cognitive and emotional health. Potential Benefits of Neurofeedback Peak Performance Neurofeedback at a neurofeedback clinic may offer a range of potential benefits. Cognitive benefits can include improved focus and enhanced memory. Emotionally, patients might experience reduced anxiety and better emotional regulation. Neurofeedback may improve sleep and reduce migraines physically. It aims to help individuals achieve better mental and emotional balance by focusing on brainwave patterns and providing real-time feedback. This method encourages the brain to self-regulate, supporting overall well-being and daily functioning. Who Can Benefit from Neurofeedback? Peak Performance Neurofeedback at a neurofeedback clinic may help individuals with conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. It can also benefit healthy individuals seeking to optimize their cognitive and emotional performance. These can include doctors, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs, high-level management, actors and actresses, and athletes, to name a few. Neurofeedback is suitable for children, adults, and seniors, providing a noninvasive way to improve brain function. This method encourages the brain to self-regulate through real-time feedback, supporting better focus, emotional balance, and overall well-being. Patients may find that neurofeedback helps them manage their symptoms more effectively and achieve their personal and professional goals. Tips for choosing a reputable neurofeedback provider Choosing a reputable neurofeedback provider is crucial for effective treatment. When considering Peak Performance Neurofeedback at a clinic, patients should ask about the provider's qualifications, experience, and success rates. They should also inquire about the type of equipment used and the customization of treatment plans. Professional guidance and monitoring are essential to ensure safety and maximize benefits. Making an informed decision involves understanding the potential risks and benefits, setting realistic expectations, and committing to the recommended treatment schedule. This approach can help patients achieve optimal results and improve their overall well-being. Peak Performance Neurofeedback offers numerous benefits, including improved focus, reduced anxiety, and better emotional regulation. This method can support mental and emotional well-being by encouraging the brain to self-regulate. For those interested in exploring neurofeedback, it is worth learning more about its potential. Neurofeedback could be a valuable step towards enhancing your overall health. To start, contact a reputable provider like Neuropotential Clinic for a consultation. Professional guidance can help you understand how neurofeedback may benefit you and tailor a plan to meet your needs.

Healing from Within: Exploring Somatic Experiencing Therapy

By Neuropotential Clinics • July 11, 2024

To aid those who have experienced stress, Somatic Experiencing Therapy (SET) emphasizes the physiological responses and emotions of the body. Trauma can show up in the body as tightness, pain, and other signs of discomfort. SET focuses on these bodily responses to try to release trauma-related energy. With this, people may feel and grow better. Understanding Somatic Experiencing Therapy Somatic feeling goes beyond standard talk therapy, which focuses on talking things out and looks at how stress affects the body. Somatic experience is all about figuring out how pain affects the body. If people pay attention to these body signals, they can slowly release stress energy and feel better. SET came from the research of Dr. Peter A. Levine, who saw how animals naturally release energy after being stressed, keeping the pain from becoming ingrained in their bodies. Because of this, ideas like pendulation, scaling, and closure were created in somatic feeling treatment. In contrast to standard talk therapy, which focuses on talking, SET uses body feelings and moves to help people deal with stress. Benefits of Somatic Experiencing Therapy Somatic Experiencing Therapy (SET) may provide a variety of cognitive, social and physical health benefits. SET may be a safe place where individuals can talk about their experiences and find solutions in times of hard emotions. When what is being referred to are psychological difficulties like nightmares, flashbacks and intrusive thoughts, SET helps patients process difficult memories. After integrating these possible occurrences into their story, many clients claim that they regain more control over their lives. This research has identified the successfulness of SET as an aid for people to achieve their goals. The study findings reveal that the wellbeing, resilience and happiness of individuals can be substantially affected by SET. If clients recognize and manage their physiological responses to stress, they will be better able to adjust to and manage future challenges. The goal of Somatic Experiencing Therapy (S.E.T.) is to help trauma survivors recover physically, socially, and psychologically. S.E.T. also promotes resilience and self-regulation. Conclusion In conclusion, addressing trauma at the bodily level is crucial for comprehensive healing. By recognizing the impact of trauma on the body and integrating somatic trauma therapy into treatment plans, individuals can experience profound physical, emotional, and psychological benefits. We encourage those seeking healing from within to explore Somatic Experiencing Therapy. This approach offers a unique avenue for processing trauma by focusing on the body's innate capacity for healing and resilience. Through guided techniques and a supportive therapeutic environment, individuals can journey towards reclaiming their well-being and restoring balance in their lives. For those interested in pursuing Somatic Experiencing Therapy, we recommend consulting with Neuropotential Clinics. Our team of experienced professionals specializes in providing comprehensive somatic trauma treatment tailored to meet each client's individual needs. With their expertise and compassionate approach, Neuropotential Clinics can support you on your path to healing and recovery. Remember, healing is possible, and you deserve to live a life free from the burdens of trauma. Take the first step towards healing from within with Somatic Experiencing Therapy.

Neurofeedback Therapy: A Non-Invasive Solution for Anxiety Disorders

By Neuropotential Clinics • July 11, 2024

Neurofeedback as an anxiety treatment is an entirely novel concept. The following explains how it works: Sensors are attached to you and monitor your brain waves; you receive visual or audible indications when your brain relaxes. So, over time, this training may help to regulate brainwave activity, which may help you better handle your anxiety. Now, let's discuss anxiety problems. They go far beyond merely feeling apprehensive before delivering a large presentation. Anxiety disorders are marked by excessive worry, panic attacks, and even physical signs like sweating and a fast heartbeat. They can make daily life very difficult. Because it directly affects the way the brain works, neurofeedback for anxiety could be a very effective way to lower worry and improve general health. With further research and development, it has the promising potential to become one of the most effective mental health treatments. Understanding Anxiety Disorders It is important to know what anxiety illnesses are in order to deal with the issues they cause. People who have anxiety disorders often worry or fear too much, which can make it hard for them to go about their daily lives. Some of the most common types of anxiety disorders are panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, major anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Some of the signs of all of these anxiety conditions are the same, like being angry, nervous, or having trouble focusing. Today, there are only therapeutic, medicinal as well as lifestyle modification methods which are available to treat anxiety disorders. Although these methods may prove effective for many, they tend to fail for some. Moreover, most of these methods also have specific side effects that worsen the condition. This is where Neurofeedback for Anxiety can help. There are specific Neurofeedback clinics that provide the benefit of advanced computerized technology, which retrains the brain of the patient to reduce symptoms of anxiety. While the research and development in this field is still going on, neurofeedback for anxiety disorders has the potential for significant change in the mental health field. What is Neurofeedback Therapy? The brain's ability to learn and change is called neuroplasticity, and neurofeedback takes advantage of this. Sensors are placed on the heads of neurofeedback patients to determine what their brain is doing and then help regulate it. Theta, delta, alpha, and beta waves in the brain are thought to be involved in how we think and feel. Neurofeedback tells people in real time about their brainwave rhythms. Patients practice being calm, relaxed, and present and are rewarded with auditory or visual feedback to help reinforce these changes. Patients can learn to control these feelings by practicing over and over again, which helps them feel less anxious over time. Clinical Applications of Neurofeedback for Anxiety Imagine that you are having a hard time worrying and that standard treatments aren't working well. Neurofeedback centers can help by giving you a personalized plan that may work for you. More and more research and case studies are coming out that look good. Neurofeedback training for anxiety conditions has higher success rates, and benefits that may last for a long time and doesn't involve any pills or treatments that could have side effects. The best part is that neurofeedback treatment is tailored to your brain. In wrapping up our discussion, let's circle back to the game-changing potential of Neurofeedback for Anxiety . We've uncovered how this innovative intervention works by training your brain to manage anxiety more effectively, all without invasive procedures or medications. If anxiety is holding you back, don't suffer in silence. Neuropotential clinics are staffed with professionals ready to guide you toward relief. By seeking professional guidance and exploring treatment options like neurofeedback, you are taking a proactive step toward reclaiming peace of mind. And here's the silver lining: The future looks bright. With ongoing advancements in neuroscience and mental health care, neurofeedback therapy is poised to become an even more promising solution for anxiety disorders. Take heart—there's hope on the horizon. In conclusion, Neurofeedback for Anxiety isn't just a buzzword. It provides hope for those seeking relief from the grip of anxiety. Let's leap together toward a future. Where anxiety is better managed.