Brain Builders Neurotherapy

08/09/2024

What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is EEG Biofeedback. It is a form of computer-guided learning in which instruments detect and feed information about the brain’s electrical or metabolic fluctuations back to the client in a way that allows them to learn how to self-regulate their brain’s activity. Neurofeedback provides information about the brain’s rhythms that is reflected back to the client through changes in sound, visual patterns, or tactile vibrations. The brain easily recognizes that changes in its “firing and wiring” cause changes in the visual and auditory patterns. It begins to interact with the feedback in programmed ways, allowing it to gradually strengthen its self-regulation skills.

Through neurofeedback, clients are empowered to regulate their own specific cerebral functions including EEG amplitude and connectivity, event-related potentials, infra-slow frequencies and regional cerebral blood flow. Neurofeedback provides a stronger sense of self because the clients are directly empowered to change themselves. As physical exercise strengthens and molds the body, neurofeedback (brain exercise) strengthens and molds the brain.

08/09/2022

How does light affect sleep and our overall health? Our new intern Yael has summarized this study to aid in learning more about this! For more information on this study please visit

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2113290119

02/08/2022

What is "brain training" and what can it be used for?

Brain training, or neurofeedback, consists of exercises that help regulate brain activity and reduce unwanted symptoms. New research has found that individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can benefit from such exercises.

A new study from the Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University investigates the efficacy of neurofeedback as a form of treatment for PTSD patients. Certain networks have been previously shown to exhibit abnormal connectivity in post-traumatic stress disorder individuals. When connectivity is restored within these networks, PTSD severity has shown to decrease. After comparing two groups of participants with PTSD (one that received 20 weeks of neurofeedback and one that did not), researchers found that 61.1% of participants no longer met the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder and therefore decreased in severity. They concluded that neurofeedback can be comparable to other known therapies for PTSD like trauma-focused psychotherapy. Neurofeedback is an accessible, effective treatment option that can even be done at home!

For more information on the study go to: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213158220303272?via%3Dihub

For more information on Neurotherapy and our services, go to our website! www.norcalbrainbuilders.com

12/09/2021

We’re on Instagram!
We’re thrilled to launch our new social media profile, please check it out for more updates on Neurohealth, office updates, and get to know our staff!
Follow: brain_builders_neurotherapy

11/24/2021

Meet our newest intern in Walnut Creek! Justice Stafford has a big spirit and is a self-love enthusiast. She is a native of the tri-state area where she developed her grit and drive for helping others. She graduated from Howard University in 2012 where she earned her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences as well as obtained a Masters in Social Work in 2015. She is currently in the linked Sport Psychology MA/PsyD program and her dream is to continue to work with family, adolescents, and adults while catering to their mental health needs.

11/18/2021

Welcome Brightlyn to our Brain Builders Team!

My name is Brightlyn Johnson and I am a treatment technician here at Brain Builders Neurotherapy. I am originally from Lincoln, Ca where my passion for psychology was fostered. I am currently in my fourth year at Sonoma State, working towards two Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Sociology. I look forward to getting my Masters in Clinical Psychology in the future.

11/18/2021

Anxiety Effectively Treated With Exercise

https://neurosciencenews-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/neurosciencenews.com/anxiety-exercise-19619/amp/

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have found new evidence that exercise can help reduce anxiety levels. During a twelve week program, participants with moderate to high levels of anxiety were placed in group exercise classes that were either strenuous or moderate. Moderate exercise includes the heart reaching 60% of its maximum heart rate, while strenuous exercise requires reaching 75% of its maximum heart rate. Each group did three 60-minute training sessions a week. The training sessions included cardio and strength exercises.
Results from the study showed that “anxiety symptoms were significantly alleviated even when the anxiety was a chronic condition, compared with a control group who received advice on physical activity according to public health recommendations.” The majority of participants went from a moderate or high level of anxiety to a low level of anxiety. The researchers also saw that the higher the intensity of exercise, the more their anxiety levels improved. With results like these and few side effects, primary care doctors can start prescribing exercise as an effective, individualized treatment to combat anxiety symptoms.

A 12-week program of moderate to strenuous exercise significantly helps relieve anxiety symptoms, a new study reports.

10/25/2021

Brain Builders Neurotherapy/ Optimal Minds Neuropsychology is seeking a part-time employee to serve as a treatment technician in a growing practice. We will provide training and guidance as you learn and practice.

Job duties include:

• Implementing neurofeedback protocols and monitoring clients during neurofeedback sessions
• Monitor client responses to training sessions, coordinate with clinical supervisor if training adjustments need to be made
• Collect EEG data for processing
• Administrative duties such as client scheduling, record keeping, and responses to
inquiries
• Ensures that medical record documentation protocols are complied with in an ethical
and timely manner
• Keep clear, detailed, and concise records of training sessions, goals, and treatment
response in a timely manner
• Clean and sterilize equipment, monitor supplies levels, and notify appropriate parties
when supplies are low
• Model and promote healthy communication, customer service, and positive
representation of the organization

Benefits:

• Gain valuable experience in the psychology and neurotherapy field
• Pays hourly
• Flexible schedule but availability on Sundays preferred

Education/Qualifications:

• Associate’s
• Bachelor's (preferred)
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good time management and organizational skills
• Interpersonal relationship skills necessary in order to relate to a wide variety of internal
and external contacts including clients, families, referral sources, other employees, etc.

Please send your resume and a cover letter to Dr. Nehring at drnehring@norcalbrainbuilders.com

COVID-19 considerations:
Due to the nature of our work, telehealth is not available as a treatment option and all services are provided in person. We strictly follow COVID-19 guidelines and are diligent in taking the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please refer to our COVID-19 safety plan for details. Employees are asked to follow these guidelines and to have either been vaccinated or be willing to undergo vaccination in order to work in our clinic. All clients are required to wear a mask and fill out Covid-19 screening.

10/09/2021

How old is your brain? As you grow older, your brain ages at its own pace based on factors such as genetics, diet, and lifestyle choices. An “older” brain means lower brain volume, decreased brain vasculature and worsened cognitive abilities.

For those who have experienced depression, midlife comes with worsened memory and faster cognitive decline than their non-depressed counterparts. Now, new research has found a new factor in increased brain age: anxiety.

A study done at the University of Pittsburgh has indicated that features commonly found in anxious individuals expedite brain aging. Using machine learning to predict brain age, researchers found a strong correlation between brain age and inability to suppress negative thoughts, and excess worry and rumination, resulting in faster neurodegeneration, and memory and attention deficits.

These findings highlight a need for anxiety intervention techniques, especially during the anxiety-inducing pandemic. Techniques commonly used today include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, lifestyle changes, and neurofeedback. Neurofeedback has been proven to improve anxious symptoms through regulating brain functioning.

Brain Builders Neurotherapy offers neurofeedback and other non-medication tools to address anxiety. Visit our website at http://norcalbrainbuilders.com/ to learn more.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29792244/
https://dana.org/article/worrying-and-the-aging-brain/

Using a machine learning model, researchers describe how excessive worrying can accelerate brain aging and cognitive decline.

08/22/2021

How Does the Air You Breathe Affect Your Brain Health?

Studies based in the Puget Sound area of Washington have shown an association between air pollution and dementia.

Known risk factors for dementia include lifestyle and genetics but recently, air pollution has been found to be a key modifiable risk factor. Researchers from University of Washington followed over 4,000 Washington residents and studied the average air pollution exposure of those who were diagnosed with dementia compared to those who weren’t. Results indicated 1 microgram per cubic meter more of air pollution correlated with 16% higher incidence of dementia. In 2019, this difference in air pollution amounts was found in just the 6 miles between Pike Street Market in downtown Seattle and Discovery Park residential areas.

As air pollution becomes a more prevalent public health problem, even small changes in exposure can lower risk of dementia or respiratory issues. For preventative care, individuals can wear masks and invest in air purifiers at home, changes that are popularized due to COVID-19. Since increased air pollution due to fires may be unavoidable in many locations, it becomes critical to maintain optimal brain health through all other means possible- physical and mental exercise, proper nutrition, stress management, maintaining optimal body weight and minimizing other toxic exposures (ci******es, alcohol). Home use neuromodulation devices such as Vielight photobiomodulation are also showing great promise as a means of helping brains stabilize or reverse symptoms of dementia. For more information on this, please go to www.norcalbrainbuilders.com.

Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/fine-particulate-air-pollution-dementia-19058/

A small increase in fine particular air pollution over a decade within certain areas of Seattle was associated with significantly increased dementia risks for those living in the areas.

08/10/2021

Learn Neurofeedback and Neuromodulation while you provide psychotherapy to our clients!

Brain Builders Neurotherapy needs talented psychotherapists to provide talk therapy for our patients who need both psychotherapy and neurofeedback. We provide services to all age groups and conditions: Mood Disorders, PTSD, Developmental Trauma, Stroke, ADHD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Learning Disabilities, Autism, Addiction, Neurocognitive Decline, and Chronic Pain.

We have a lovely office located directly across the street from Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. We will consider part-time or full-time applicants. We will provide referrals, billing services, and office space so that all you have to do is therapy! Over time, you will learn firsthand about the many forms of neurofeedback and neuromodulation that we offer through our clinic. Depending upon your interest level, we will mentor you in how to use neuromodulation and neurofeedback as non-medication tools to support better emotional regulation and cognitive performance.

Our ideal candidate is caring, works well in a team setting, and is passionate about learning new skills and sharing their skills with others.

Please send us a resume along with a letter describing your therapeutic approach to drroberts@norcalbrainbuilders.com. Please tell us whether you are interested only in providing psychotherapy or wish to also learn to do Neurotherapy, and your availability for part or full-time work.

08/10/2021

If you are looking for part-time work in the field of a cutting-edge approach to emotional and cognitive health, please read:

Brain Builders Neurotherapy/ Optimal Minds Neuropsychology is seeking a part-time employee to serve as a treatment technician assistant in a growing practice. This job is flexible around your classwork and we will provide training and guidance as you learn and practice

*Assisting with qEEG testing and qEEG guided neurofeedback brain training to adults and children
*maintenance and cleaning of Neurotherapy equipment
*Assisting with administering and scoring of neuropsychological tests
*Light administrative duties such as scanning/ filing and managing intake paperwork.

Opportunities for advancement and no prior experience are required but fast learners and psychology-oriented applicants are preferred.
If you are driven, reliable, enthusiastic about learning, and desire to grow your experience and prospects in Neurotherapy or related fields, please send your resume to admin@norcalbrainbuilders today.

08/08/2021

Your Coffee Addiction Could Lead to Dementia

“Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my morning cup of coffee” is a common joke on most sitcoms but constant coffee chugging could adversely impact your brain health. Coffee is the most used drug in the world yet the risks and benefits continue to be unknown.

New research from the University of South Australia found that high coffee consumption, namely six cups of coffee or more a day, correlates with smaller brain volume, increased risk of stroke, and a 53% increased risk of dementia. Heavy coffee consumption can become a public health problem but there have also been known benefits of moderate coffee consumption thus as long as you take your coffee with a dose of moderation, your love of coffee should not harm your brain health.

People who require high levels of external caffeination often have issues with brain arousal and activation. There are ways to address this without stimulant intake or other medication such as through neurofeedback and neuromodulation. Visit our website at: http://norcalbrainbuilders.com for more information.

People who drink six or more cups of coffee a day have a 53% increased risk of developing dementia and a higher risk of stroke, a new study reports.

08/01/2021

Is Your Child a Highly Sensitive Person?

Does your kid seem perceptive and inquisitive? Does your child react easily to new situations and feels their positive and negative feelings deeply? If so, they may have sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) and experience the world more deeply than more.

SPS is a trait in which the central nervous system and cognitive processes are highly aware of physical, social, and emotional stimuli. Those with high SPS are known as highly sensitive people (HSP) and scientists believe this trait evolved to emphasize caution in the face of novelty. In modern society, the constant influx of attention-grabbing information and daily stress can activate a sensitive person’s autonomic nervous system’s fight or flight response resulting in responses such as withdrawal, procrastination, and flu-like symptoms. On the other hand, their senses can be engulfed in experiences of love and beauty more deeply which can lead to more creativity and deeper bonds with others.

In a recent paper published in Neuropsychobiology, Bianca Acevedo and her team of researchers at UC Santa Barbara use functional MRI to study the brain mechanisms involved in information processing when the person is at rest. Their experiments showed sensitive brains had greater connections in the memory consolidation and retrieval circuit which prepares individuals for responding to future similar situations. Weaker connections were also found in regions that modulate pain and anxiety and in the emotion processing and stress regulation circuit which could explain why highly sensitive people report experiencing overstimulation and anxiety. These differences indicate sensitive brains process and remember experiences more deliberately and deeply than others.

Acevedo’s study suggests that sensitive brains can manage their behavior and cognitive responses by relaxing and taking a break for a few minutes. By being aware your child may have a unique brain, you can appreciate and help positively develop your child’s ability and understand their cognizant way of navigating the world.

Brain Builders Neurotherapy offers non-medication tools to address sensory processing. Visit our website at: http://norcalbrainbuilders.com/

DO YOU NEED A NEW START? Empowering our members to maintain brain, health, emotional freedom and optimal performance across the lifespan. CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED The brain constantly reshapes and rewires itself based upon its experiences….it’s called neuroplasticity. Neurotherapy harnesses the...

07/23/2021

Is it Depression or Inflammation?

Do you have depression or is your brain simply inflamed? According to scientists, your depression may simply be a symptom of an inflamed brain and could be managed by simple lifestyle or diet changes.

Research done in a study at King’s College London found that depression and inflammation may be linked. This finding may lead to improvements in depression treatments through anti-inflammatory treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medication, and lifestyle and diet changes.

The study found depression and inflammation may be a self-perpetuating cycle. Depressed individuals produce more immune cells, such as monocytes, which can induce other immune responses, such as inflammation. Once it has infiltrated the brain, inflammation can create a negative feedback loop that exacerbates depression by manipulating the brain’s interpretation of emotions so that the body believes it’s experiencing a threat. As a result, the body continues to produce an immune response, which perpetuates the depressive cycle.

These findings indicate new possibilities in treating depression. One potential possibility is anti-inflammatory treatment for depression in lieu of antidepressants. This would combat inflammation’s reduction of mood-determining chemicals, such as serotonin. In addition, incorporating anti-inflammatory lifestyle and diet changes such as exercise and fish oil supplements, can improve brain health. These changes would reduce inflammatory processes and the brain’s stress response to depression.

Brain Builders Neurotherapy offers non-medication tools to address depression. Visit our website at: http://norcalbrainbuilders.com/

Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/951135

Depression and inflammation are biologically linked – a finding that may have important implications for patients whose condition fails to respond to treatment with antidepressants.

06/25/2021

Fighting Alzheimer’s Disease:
A Drug with Potential or a Scientifically Proven Headset?

Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive brain disorder that targets memory and other brain functions, affects six million Americans and in a desperate bid to help, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Aduhelm (aducanumab). Its approval has caused a public uproar, disapproval from scientists, and three of the FDA’s independent advisory panel members resigning due to disapproval with the decision. On the other hand, Vielight devices have had multiple successful clinical trials in the fight against neurocognitive disorders.

The approval for Biogen’s Aduhelm occurred through the accelerated approval pathway, an FDA process that fast-tracks drug approval not based on direct evidence of the drug’s efficacy, but on predictions of potential benefits based on completed clinical trials. A future clinical trial proving the expected benefits do occur is also required to keep the drug approved.

The approval was made after two clinical trials occured based on the hypothesis that Aduhlem shows a dose-and time-dependent reduction of amyloid beta plaques, which are unnaturally high in Alzheimer’s patients. However, one of the trials showed no effectiveness of the drug, the FDA’s independent advisory panel recommended against approval of the drug, and Biogen had internal disagreements regarding the drug’s efficacy.

Scientists such as Dr. Paul Aisen, director of the University of Southern California's Alzheimer's Therapy Research Institute in San Diego and a paid adviser to Biogen, criticizes the claim that Aduhlem’s removal of amyloid plaques correlates with lowering the progression of Alzheimer’s. Although Alzheimer’s has been researched extensively, whether or not removal of amyloid plaques would benefit Alzheimer’s patients has not been proven.

Aduhelm is now a FDA-approved $56,000 a year drug and shows potential benefits against mechanisms thought to be connected to the disease, but it has yet to show direct evidence of combating the disease. On the other hand, a neuromodulation device, Vielight, which is modestly priced at $500 - $2,400, has direct evidence indicating improvements in memory and behavior in Alzheimers, Parkinsons and other neurocognitive disorders based on early trials. Its effectiveness against neurocognitive disorders is based on photobiomodulation mechanisms that give the brain energy using near-infrared light. This neurostimulation increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, promotes tissue repair, and energizes brain metabolism overall. The devices are currently being fast-tracked through FDA clinical trials and can be found at https://www.vielight.com/. Brain Builders Neurotherapy can help you select which device might be beneficial for you, and provide a code to receive 10% off the purchase price. Vielight stands by this product and will refund 70% of the purchase price within a six month trial period. Visit our website at http://norcalbrainbuilders.com/.

Citations:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/06/22/aducanumab-aduhelm-alzheimers-drug-controversy-/
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/fda-documents-show-struggle-over-approval-new-alzheimers-drug-biogen-2021-06-22/

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday released a sweeping series of memos revealing a clear struggle within the agency ahead of its controversial decision to approve Biogen's (BIIB.O) Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm.