Biofeedback is widely used to treat stress-related disorders. Promising findings in PTSD have been reported in two specialized areas of biofeedback utilizing heart-rate variability (HRV) monitoring and brain wave patterns.

​

The following are a few facts about biofeedback so that you can better understand the process and how it can benefit PTSD:

​

• Biofeedback can help individuals learn how their bodies react to stressors that affect the autonomic nervous system and trigger the “fight or flight” responses seen in those with PTSD

• Through biofeedback therapy an individual can come to an understanding as to how the body is reacting to stress-inducing stimuli

• An understanding of physical reactions helps individuals learn how to better control their stress reactions

 

Biofeedback allows individuals to increase their awareness about what happens to their body when under stress. This can allow for the development of coping tools that bring stress and anxiety under control and ability to work through the triggers for their PTSD episodes. These changes occur through small instantaneous changes in your brain’s electrical activity. Every half second, your brain activity is compared to your targets for change. You get a signal and “reward” when you meet the goal. No signal or reward when you do not.

 

For example: In 20 sessions, with feedback every half second, you get 72,000 chances to learn. That’s a lot of repetition and practice. Brain science has shown that repetitive exercise of brain networks reshapes the brain. Biofeedback Training allows you to reshape our brain.

​

Although the technology is sophisticated, the process is simple, drugless, painless, and non-invasive.  Your body gets the opportunity to learn how to alter your brain activity the same way you learn every other skill – through feedback and practice. Research has proven ways to help you improve your brain function through intensive brain training exercises. Biofeedback has consistently helped clients feel calmer and less anxious. It has helped them to let the past be in the past. And move ahead.