New situations often make people feel anxious or somewhat uncomfortable. A certain amount of anxiety is a useful coping mechanism in stressful situations. Sometimes, however, the anxiety can be so intense that it interferes with a person's ability to function. Job interviews, test taking and even driving to new places can be so anxiety producing that the person avoids those situations altogether. Anxiety also can interfere with sleep. Once normal sleep patterns are disrupted due to excessive anxiety they can be difficult to restore.

    One of the key elements in reducing anxiety is to be able to produce the slow brain waves, such as alpha waves, that are so essential to relaxation.  Government agencies such as NASA, who employ individuals with highly stressful jobs have been using neurofeedback for many years as an effective anxiety reducing treatment. In fact, neurofeedback in FDA approved for the clinical reduction of stress.

    At Boston Neurofeedback Ctr., we have the diagnostic tools to determine the physiological basis for an individual's anxiety. With QEEG brain mapping we can determine what areas of the brain should receive neurofeedback training to minimize the negative effects of anxiety. In addition to brain mapping assessment, we will conduct a thorough intake evaluation with an individual to help identify the type and severity of the anxiety.

     After several sessions of neurofeedback training to reduce anxiety our clients often tell us that they have reduced their medications and are sleeping better. With continued training our clients are able to function well in the same situations that they previously avoided. Neurofeedback training for anxiety does not eliminate all anxiety in every situation but it can help reduce or eliminate irrational anxiety and allow an individual to function with a greater degree of self confidence.