Biofeedback & Neurofeedback in York

Glyn Blackett □ York Mind-Body Health □ 01904 435267
contact | about | site map | text size: up down

Biofeedback & Neurofeedback for Anxiety

Anxiety affects us both mentally and physically. A holistic approach needs to address both the underlying physiological basis, and the thinking (cognitive) and behavioural patterns that maintain anxiety.

How Biofeedback Can Help Anxiety

Biofeedback measures bodily responses associated with anxiety, and by feeding back the information via computer, helps you

  • become aware of how you are responding to stress
  • learn to create the physiological conditions that support more positive mental states - for example optimal breathing and Heart Rate Coherence.

Because biofeedback is based on learning skills, it is safe and benefits are lasting.

Neurofeedback is biofeedback that works directly with brain states, and is effectve for persistent and deep-rooted anxiety.

what's the evidence?

The Science of the Heart

This ebook, published by the Hearthmath Institute (a not-for-profit organisation promoting Heart Rate Coherence biofeedback) documents research demonstrating the benefit of HRC training for anxiety and panic.

Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Anxiety Page

AAPB rates the research evidence supporting biofeedback for anxiety at level 4 out of 5 - efficacious.

Breathing Physiology and Anxiety

This paper explores the relationship between problem breathing patterns, most notably over-breathing or hyperventilation, and anxiety.

More Anxiety Solutions

A comprehensive solution to anxiety addresses causal factors at all levels of mind and body.

Nutritional Therapy for Anxiety

Several underlying physiological patterns can create vulnerability to anxiety. Probably the most common is dysglycaemia, or poorly regulated blood sugar levels. Dietary advice and use of supplements can help correct such imbalances.

Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy aims to identify patterns in how you think, feel and act that create vulnerability to anxiety, and then create healthier patterns. Awareness is key. Mindfulness is a meditative method of developing awareness that combines beautifully with biofeedback.

About Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural human emotion that affects how we feel, think and act. Symptoms of anxiety can be:

  • Physical : pounding heart, tight chest, breathlessness or rapid breathing, muscle tension or shaking, nausea, dizziness, blushing, tight throat, cracked voice, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, aches and pains
  • Mental : poor focus, racing thoughts, repetitive thoughts, seeing threats everywhere, imagining the worst happening.

Types of Anxiety

All the following can be helped by biofeedback and neurofeedback:

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder - persistent anxiety and worry.
  • Phobia - intense anxiety associated with a specific object or situation, such as fear of flying.
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - anxiety associated with certain painful or traumatic events in the past, which continue to have effects in the present.
  • Panic Attacks

Anxiety is very commonly experienced with other disorders, notably depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The Biocentre, York Science Park

York Mind-Body Health is based at York Science Park. With free parking it is readily accessible to residents of York, Leeds and the Yorkshire area.

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

An opportunity to meet the therapist - up to 30 mins

Tel: 01904 435 267

Click here for directions
Anxiety Assessment
brain scan

York Mind-Body Health employs powerful and innovative technology to assess stress levels and brain function - read more.