International market demand for neurofeedback therapy drives practice growth
Beverly Hills, Calif. (November 12, 2010) – Mindy Fox, a highly regarded neurofeedback therapist in California, announced today the expansion of her services in the Los Angeles area to include the neighborhoods of Beverly Hills, Malibu and the Pacific Palisades. The growth is an indicator of market demand for alternative, natural and safe treatment for anxiety related conditions.
“Our practice has expanded at a speed much greater than anticipated,” said Mindy Fox, LMFT and California neurofeedback therapist. “Many patients who we treat were at one point seeking alternatives to prescription medications for conditions such as anxiety and depression. Even though most were not sure exactly what that meant, they did know they wanted to stop taking medication.”
Commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications are categorized as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, also known as sedatives or tranquilizers. These medications are commonly known by brand names such as Valium, Librium and Xanax. CNS depressants decrease brain activity producing a drowsy or calming effect that is beneficial to those suffering from anxiety or sleep disorders.
Alternatively, neurofeedback therapy retrains the brain. “Think of it as exercise for the brain,” said Fox. “Neurofeedback therapy strengthens the performance of your brain, so with a little encouragement, it heals itself and returns back to homeostasis.”
One of Fox’s patients who preferred to remain anonymous enjoys not having to take pills on a daily basis. “I had been taking anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications for at least 25 years, consisting of various things like Valium, Prozac and Zoloft.” said Joan, a resident of Beverly Hills. “I woke up one day and realized these pills weren’t improving my life, but rather subduing my reality. I wasn’t depressed or anxious after taking medication, but I was not happy or enjoying my life either.”
According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, if one uses CNS depressants long-term, the body will develop a tolerance for the drugs, and larger doses will be needed to achieve the same initial effects. This was the case with Joan. Continued use can lead to physical dependence and—when use is reduced or stopped— withdrawal.
Neurofeedback therapy retrains the brain, helping it remember how to deal with anxiety, depression and more, eventually leading to a more relaxed yet alert state of being. Electrodes are placed on the head, and the patient plays a video game or watches a peaceful scene, depending on their preference. After several sessions, the brain begins to shift itself into a more resilient state. This allows one’s brain to achieve a healthy state of arousal during stressful situations and even extend their range of normal functioning for improved performance.
Neurofeedback therapy is completely non-invasive. Some patients will see results within a few sessions, but it’s recommended they complete 20 sessions, with three sessions per week. Neurofeedback therapy is a highly individualized treatment that must be tailored to meet every client’s specific needs.
If you’re dealing with an issue like this, I would be happy to help. Please reach out by calling my office at 310-314-6933 or sending me a private email.
ABOUT MINDY FOX
Mindy Fox is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over eighteen years of experience. With a Master of Arts in Psychotherapy, Fox is also certified in somatic experiencing and trained in neurofeedback EEG (also referred to as eeg biofeedback therapy). Her expertise in psychotherapy, EMDR, and neurofeedback helps her treat clients with attention deficit disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, addiction, and depression issues. Fox employs body-mind therapy techniques such as EMDR, somatic experiencing, guided imagery, and neurofeedback, along with traditional methods to treat clients of all ages. Fox chairs the State CAMFT Trauma Response Committee and served as President of South Bay/Long Beach CAMFT Chapter.