Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Developmental Trauma: Calming the Fear-Driven Brain (10th Anniversary Edition)

state. He could then solve the problem that had perplexed his fully awake mind. Theta is the state induced by most hypnosis, and it also relates to some of the deepest states of meditation.

Through training the brain to seek its own stability, we can ease these terrible sequelae to early childhood neglect and abuse, regardless of the diagnosis given.

The well-regulated brain gives rise to a self unafraid to love. In this way, neurofeedback is a relational technology and intervention.

Alpha–theta training is done in a reclining position with eyes closed. Body position affects brain wave production.

reconfigure electrical communication patterns in the brain in order to help people feel more fully alive in the present.

(Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which a behavior is strengthened—meaning, it will occur more frequently—when it is followed by reinforcement/reward, and the behavior is weakened—it will happen less frequently—when followed by punishment.)

These patients are so chronically hyperaroused or shut down, and unable to filter out irrelevant information, that they have trouble engaging in whatever they are doing in a focused manner (except when they are involved in re-enacting their traumas).

(You can read more about the fascinating history of neurofeedback in the Jim Robbins [2000] book, A Symphony in the Brain.)

The optimal performance brain is the same brain (physically, not functionally) as the traumatized brain, just regulated.