2）是否有专业职业责任保险(Professional Liability Insurance or Professional Indemnity Insurance)
3）是否有向本地催眠专业团体如AHPM/MSCH注册？据我了解，这两大团体都有一定的职业规范Code of Ethics。同时，他们的合格注册会员可以购买专业职业责任保险。
4）得了解催眠师可以被解读成Hypnotist或者Hypnotherapist，但两者给予的服务可以是截然不同的。Hypnotist或许懂得特定催眠技术，但不一定懂得如何处理临床案例或提供治疗。而后者Hypnotherapist通常则被训练提供治疗服务。然而不是每个催眠教学机构都有教导如何处理临床案例如焦虑(anxiety disorder symptoms)或心理创伤（psychological trauma）。有的Hypnotherapy training course课程主要可以帮助改变坏习惯或者增强自信心等等。虽然催眠师有时都用着相同的名号(Hypnotherapist or Clinical Hypnotherapist or Professional Hypnotherapist)，但专精的领域与训练其实各异，所以消费者可以询问治疗师是否受训帮助某种身心问题，再考虑是否要进行治疗。
Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder in which you fear and often avoid places or situations that might cause you to panic and make you feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed.
With agoraphobia, you fear an actual or anticipated situation, such as using public transportation, being in open or enclosed spaces, standing in line or being in a crowd. The anxiety is caused by fear that there's no easy way to escape or seek help if intense anxiety develops. Most people who have agoraphobia develop it after having one or more panic attacks, causing them to fear another attack and avoid the place where it occurred.
Agoraphobia treatment usually includes both psychotherapy and medication. It may take some time, but treatment can help you get better.
Typical agoraphobia symptoms include:
Fear of being alone in any situation
Fear of being in crowded places
Fear of losing control in a public place
Fear of being in places where it may be hard to leave, such as an elevator or train
Inability to leave your home (housebound) or only able to leave it if someone else goes with you
Sense of helplessness
Overdependence on others
In addition, you may have signs and symptoms of a panic attack, such as:
Rapid heart rate
Excessive sweating
Trouble breathing
Feeling shaky, numb or tingling
Chest pain or pressure
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Sudden flushing or chills
Upset stomach or diarrhea
Feeling a loss of control
Fear of dying
Panic disorder and agoraphobia
Some people have a panic disorder in addition to agoraphobia. Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which you experience sudden attacks of extreme fear that reach a peak within a few minutes and trigger intense physical symptoms (panic attacks). You might think that you're totally losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.
Fear of another panic attack can lead to avoiding similar circumstances or the place where it occurred in an attempt to prevent future panic attacks.
Psychotherapy
Also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders, including agoraphobia.
Generally a short-term treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching you specific skills to gradually return to the activities you've avoided because of anxiety. Through this process, your symptoms improve as you build upon your initial success.
You can learn:
That your fears are unlikely to come true
That your anxiety gradually decreases if you remain in public and you can manage those symptoms until they do
What factors may trigger a panic attack or panic-like symptoms and what makes them worse
How to cope with these symptoms
How to change unwanted or unhealthy behaviors through desensitization, also called exposure therapy, to safely face the places and situations that cause fear and anxiety
If you have trouble leaving your home, you may wonder how you could possibly go to a therapist's office. Therapists who treat agoraphobia will be well aware of this problem. They may offer to see you first in your home, or they may meet you in what you consider a safe place (safe zones). They may also offer some sessions over the phone, through email, or using computer programs or other media.
Look for a therapist who can help you find alternatives to in-office appointments, at least in the early part of your treatment. You may also want to take a trusted relative or friend to your appointment who can offer comfort and help, if needed.
Message from your clinical hypnotherapist (Hiro Koo):
"Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day; teach him how to fish, and he'll eat for a lifetime,"
I will use clinical hypnosis as an adjunct to psychotherapy session (Psychological hypnosis method): Hypnosis method is used to help patients to reduce cognitive and physical symptoms of anxiety (Frankel and Macfie, 2010; Elkins and Perfect, 2008), and provides you with more control in every day situations (Baker and Nash, 2008). I will also teach you self-hypnosis techniques so you can continue your treatment at home. So next time you feel anxious or overwhelmed, you can practice a brief self hypnosis method and trigger a sensation of calm.
You can complete the self rating assessment below to understand your condition better (Welcome to email me your result, it will be kept as P&C): Panic And Agoraphobia Scale
When we experience excessive stress—whether from internal worry or external circumstance—a bodily reaction is triggered, called the "fight or flight" response. Originally discovered by the great Harvard physiologist Walter Cannon, this response is hard-wired into our brains and represents a genetic wisdom designed to protect us from bodily harm. This response actually corresponds to an area of our brain called the hypothalamus, which—when stimulated—initiates a sequence of nerve cell firing and chemical release that prepares our body for running or fighting.
When our fight or flight system is activated, we tend to perceive everything in our environment as a possible threat to our survival. By its very nature, the fight or flight system bypasses our rational mind—where our more well thought out beliefs exist—and moves us into "attack" mode. This state of alert causes us to perceive almost everything in our world as a possible threat to our survival. As such, we tend to see everyone and everything as a possible enemy. Like airport security during a terrorist threat, we are on the look out for every possible danger. We may overreact to the slightest comment. Our fear is exaggerated. Our thinking is distorted. We see everything through the filter of possible danger. We narrow our focus to those things that can harm us. Fear becomes the lens through which we see the world. We can begin to see how it is almost impossible to cultivate positive attitudes and beliefs when we are stuck in survival mode. Our heart is not open. Our rational mind is disengaged. Our consciousness is focused on fear, not love. Making clear choices and recognizing the consequences of those choices is unfeasible. We are focused on short-term survival, not the long-term consequences of our beliefs and choices. When we are overwhelmed with excessive stress, our life becomes a series of short-term emergencies. We lose the ability to relax and enjoy the moment. We live from crisis to crisis, with no relief in sight. Burnout is inevitable. This burnout is what usually provides the motivation to change our lives for the better. We are propelled to step back and look at the big picture of our lives—forcing us to examine our beliefs, our values and our goals. Source: http://www.thebodysoulconnection.com/EducationCenter/fight.html
Tourette syndrome (TS), also known as Tourette’s Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic present for greater than one year. Among the neurodevelopmental disorders in the DSM-5, TS is the most complex of the spectrum of tic disorders, which includes:
Tourette’s disorder
Persistent motor or vocal tic disorder: one or more motor or vocal tics have been present for greater than one year
Provisional tic disorder: motor and/or vocal tics have been present for less than a year.
Psychiatric disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently co-occur in TS. Tic symptoms typically begin in early childhood, peak before puberty, and attenuate later in adolescence.
Symptoms and phenomenology
Tics are rapid, repetitive, non-rhythmic movements or vocalizations. Motor and vocal tics are divided into two classes: simple and complex. Simple motor tics are brief movements involving one muscle group. Simple vocal tics are characterized by simple sounds.
Simple motor tics include eye blinks, facial grimaces, head and neck jerks, and shoulder shrugs. Briefly sustained postures (e.g., blepharospasm, oculogyric movements, and sustained mouth opening) can also be classified as simple motor tics.
Simple vocal tics include coughing, sniffing, throat clearing, grunting, and squeaking.
Complex motor tics are more purposeful or orchestrated patterns of movement; complex vocal tics are longer, more orchestrated patterns of speech.
Examples of complex motor tics are turning while walking, echopraxia (imitating gestures) and copropraxia (obscene gestures).
Complex vocal tics include repeated words or phrases, echolalia (repeating another person's words or phrases) and coprolalia (uttering obscenities). Although coprolalia can cause considerable social distress, it is infrequent, and occurs in only approximately 10% of patients.
A distinguishing characteristic of tics are the sensations that may precede the movement or sound, termed premonitory sensations or "urges." Sometimes patients can localize these feelings to particular parts of the body from which the tic emerged.
Even if not localizable, patients often describe a feeling of inner discomfort, using words such as a “build up of tension," or describe an unexplainable urge or impulse to perform the tic. Most patients experience an intensification of these sensations or urges when they suppress their tics.
Patients also often describe a strong need to repeat the tic until it feels "just right". After performing the tic, a sense of relief is experienced, although sometimes brief.
Descriptions of these sensations may be difficult for younger patients to express, but there is a quantitative, pictorial rating scale of these urges that can be used with children.
Epidemiology
TS is reported worldwide, with prevalence from 0.3% to 0.9%. It affects boys 3 to 4 times more frequently than girls.The vast majority of individuals with TS have behavioral and/or emotional symptoms or disorders; only 12% across all ages are reported to have only tics without other associated conditions.
From a worldwide dataset, ADHD is the most common comorbid psychiatric disorder, and accounts for about 55% of the behavioral findings. Other disorders, such as mood and anxiety disorders and learning disorders, are also frequently present.
Etiology
The cause of TS remains unknown, although evidence from genetic studies suggests that TS is inherited. Genetic factors seem to be the most important etiology, given significant familial aggregation and supporting twin studies.
Monozygotic twin studies show 53% concordance for TS and 77% for persistent (chronic) motor tics, whereas dizygotic twins show 8% and 23% concordance, respectively.
Environmental factors, including perinatal insults, sex-hormone exposure during brain development, and psychosocial stressors, are also thought to contribute, and thus the overall expression of TS is thought to be multifactorial.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by a comprehensive clinical history from reliable sources, most often parents. Currently there is no identifiable biological marker for a TS diagnosis. A thorough, detailed history focusing on onset, time course, phenomenology such as urges or sensations, exacerbating and ameliorating factors, family history, and comorbid symptoms is essential. A general medical and neurological exam is indicated.
When eliciting history from the parent and patient, inquiry regarding onset of tics is important, as they typically begin in early childhood, followed by a waxing and waning course. Often tics worsen in late childhood prior to puberty.
Although tics tend to wax and wane, with one tic replacing another, sometimes tics can present abruptly or in acute bursts. Explosive, acute onset over 24 to 48 hours, particularly of OCD symptoms, may be suggestive of infectious or autoimmune etiology.
Potential day-to-day exacerbating factors, such as medications (stimulants in some patients, including caffeine and over-the-counter decongestants or cold remedies), fatigue, boredom, and stressors should be noted.
Tic symptoms may be difficult to disentangle from other common childhood symptoms of allergies or cough-variant asthma. Inquiry regarding seasonal patterns, and presence of other allergy-associated symptoms such as rhinitis and post-nasal drip, can be helpful in the differential diagnostic process.
Additionally, at times it may be difficult to differentiate complex motor tics from compulsions, as OCD symptoms frequently co-occur in children with TS. Repetitive behaviors preceded by urges or sensations are more likely to be complex tics, whereas repetitive behaviors that are preceded by a cognition, often a worry, are more likely to be compulsions.
At newmindcentre.com, we provide help by using intervention such as:
1) EEG biofeedback training for Tics and Tourette Syndrome
2) Habit Reversal Therapy combined with Clinical Hypnotherapy
We are one of the international contacts of Tourette Association of America. We provide information and support to families in Malaysia.
For information on the latest treatment options, please visit the Tourette Association of America's treatment page or contact us via email: [email protected]
EEG biofeedback/Neurofeedback training (Brain entrainment) is a safe, painless and non-invasive training method to improve your brain function. Brain entrainment falls under the jurisdiction of the Association of Hypnotherapy Practitioners, Malaysia (AHPM) - clause 3(b). EEG biofeedback method is not a medical diagnostic tool but a training device. It is designed to give the client’s subconscious mind a voice, and allow the Clinical Hypnotherapist to reveal the various underlying factors that shape the client’s cognitive abilities, emotional responses, and automatic behavior.
It is based on operant conditioning concept, a reward system for the brain, to change the amplitude of brainwaves within a given frequency. There is no input of energy or drugs in the EEG biofeedback that we provide. What is the purpose of that? It can change the way you function... for example if you are too anxious we reward reduction of high-frequency waves which relate to tension and anxiety. This will train your brain to calm itself, and after repeated training, the calm state becomes more of a trait. EEG biofeedback training can be used to improve concentration, calmness, focus, stability of mood and to address many symptoms. Many patients with ADHD or anxiety or depression find neurofeedback to be a very useful alternative to drug treatments. Many people struggle to cope with cravings due to addictions... EEG biofeedback training can assist with the process of recovering from addictions. We train children, adolescents, and adults. Many people use neurofeedback training to reduce or terminate reliance on medications (with medical doctor supervision). Most people find meaningful changes in the short term in a few sessions and longer term changes in 20-40 sessions.
Disclaimer: Brain Entrainment method (Neurofeedback/EEG biofeedback) is not a diagnosis tool or a cure for any diagnosed conditions. It works by resolving the underlying imbalances and brain dysregulation. It is clearer viewed as personal training rather than a treatment.
EEG biofeedback (Brain entrainment) is a safe, painless and non-invasive training method to improve your brain function. Brainwaves analysis method is a tool that designed to give the client’s subconscious mind a voice and allows the Hypnotherapist to reveal the various underlying factors that shape the client’s cognitive abilities, emotional responses, and automatic behavior.
注意力持久度检测 Brainwaves assessment for focus, concentrate, and pay attention
脑执行功能检测 Brainwaves assessment for executive functioning
脑压力与焦虑指数检测 Brainwaves assessment for stress and anxiety
How should I prepare for the assessment 检测事前准备?
维持干爽的头发Make sure your hair is clean, freshly washed, and free from any styling products.
避开咖啡因You may eat regular meals, but avoid drinks that contain caffeine (coffee, tea or coke) for at least 5 hours before the test.
避免事前小睡Do not nap before the test.
Mind Fitness Training (Non-drug approach) 身心健康训练服务包括 （非药物保健咨询）：
个人化自我催眠教学Tailored self-hypnosis training for various issues
自律神经放松教学 Tailored self-hypnosis training for the autonomic nervous system (the ANS)
生活教练/人生导师 Life coaching
脑波反馈训练/脑电波心身回馈治疗 EEG biofeedback training for better brain function
团体身心健康催眠 Group hypnotherapy for mental health issues
Disclaimer: Brain Entrainment method (EEG biofeedback/Neurofeedback) is not a diagnosis tool or a cure for any diagnosed conditions. It works by resolving the underlying imbalances and brain dysregulation. It is clearer viewed as personal training rather than a treatment.
We work closely with integrated medical doctor, child psychologist, neurotherapist, chinese physician, nutritional therapist, naturopath and physiotherapist to offer non-pharmacological therapies to improve symptoms of common health issues such as:
Anxiety 焦虑
Autonomic dysfunction (dysautonomia) 自律神经失调
Autism / High-Functioning Autism 自闭症
Asperger 亚斯伯格症候群
ADHD 过动症
Anger Management 愤怒管理
Bulimia 暴食
Bipolar Disorder 躁郁症
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 腕道症候群
Chronic Pain Syndrome 疼痛问题
Compliance to Medication 遵守用药
Corporate Training - Relaxation 公司或团体放松催眠服务
Childbirth with Self Hypnosis 自我催眠无痛分娩法
Dyslexia 诵读困难
Depression (Clinical Hypnotherapy or Biofeedback method) 抑郁症
EEG Biofeedback training for academic or peak performance, as well as children with special needs and learning disabilities, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Irlen Syndrome and Dyslexia. We are using theinternational 10/20 system (An internationally recognized method to describe the location of scalp electrodes).
Package for relaxing, wealth, work life balance, motivation, life coaching, wellness and relationship purpose.
Brain scan of a child with Tourette's. Yellow indicates an area with less white matter than in the same brain region in kids who don't have the disorder. The scans also revealed areas in the brains of kids with Tourette's that have more gray matter than in children without the condition. Credit: Washington University School of Medicine
Using MRIs, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified areas in the brains of children with Tourette's syndrome that appear markedly different from the same areas in the brains of children who don't have the neuropsychiatric disorder.
Tourette's syndrome is defined by tics—involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations. Scientists estimate that the condition affects roughly one to 10 kids out of every 1,000 children.
"In this study, we found changes primarily in brain regions connected to sensation and sensory processing,"said co-principal investigator Kevin Black, MD, a professor of psychiatry.
Differences in those brain regions make sense, Black said, because many people with Tourette's explain that their tics occur mainly as a response to unusual sensations. The feeling that a part of the body doesn't seem right, for example, prompts an involuntary sigh, vocalization, cough or twitch.
"Just as you or I might cough or sneeze due to a cold, a person with Tourette's frequently will have a feeling that something is wrong, and the tic makes it feel better," Black said. "A young man who frequently clears his throat may report that doing so is a reaction to a tickle or some other unusual sensation in his throat. Or a young woman will move her shoulder when it feels strange, and the movement, which is a tic, will make the shoulder feel better."
In the largest study of its kind, the researchers conducted MRI scans at four US sites to study the brains of 103 children with Tourette's and compared them with scans of another 103 kids of the same age and sex but without the disorder. The scans of the children with Tourette's revealed significantly more gray matter in the thalamus, the hypothalamus and the midbrain than in those without the disorder.
The gray matter is where the brain processes information. It's made up mainly of cells such as neurons, glial cells and dendrites, as well as axons that extend from neurons to carry signals.
In kids with Tourette's, the researchers also found less white matter around the orbital prefrontal cortex, just above the eyes, and in the medial prefrontal cortex, also near the front, than in kids without the condition.
White matter acts like the brain's wiring. It consists of axons that—unlike the axons in gray matter—are coated with myelin and transmit signals to the gray matter. Less white matter could mean less efficient transmission of sensations, whereas extra gray matter could mean nerve cells are sending extra signals.
Black said it's not possible to know yet whether the extra gray matter is transmitting information that somehow contributes to tics or whether reduced amounts of white matter elsewhere in the brains of kids with Tourette's may somehow influence the movements and vocalizations that characterize the disorder. But he said that discovering these changes in the brain could give scientists new targets to better understand and treat Tourette's.
"This doesn't tell us what happened to make the brain look this way," Black explained. "Are there missing cells in certain places, or are the cells just smaller? And are these regions changing as the brain tries to resist tics? Or are the differences we observed contributing to problems with tics? We simply don't know the answers yet."
Black said the researchers will aim to replicate these findings in additional patients and determine if and how the brain regions they identified may contribute to Tourette's syndrome, with a goal of developing more effective therapies.
Note: Material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.
For patients with chronic back pain, "open" treatment with placebo—informing patients that they are taking an inactive pill, and why it might be helpful—leads to reductions in pain and disability, reports a study in Pain.
Previous studies have suggested that placebos can have "clinically meaningful benefits"—possibly reflecting "non-conscious processes" related to participating in a study and taking pills. "This study is the first to demonstrate potential clinically significant benefits of open placebo treatment in chronic low back pain," according to the new research by Claudia Carvalho of ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, and colleagues. Retrieved from: http://www.neuroscientistnews.com/research-news/placebo-reduces-back-pain-even-when-patients-know-theyre-taking-placebo
A full day workshop with SAP Malaysia during the SAP people weeks 2016.
My topic is about how can sleep deprivation affect your mental energy level and what are the effective ways to manage it.
Yes, the best way to boost up your mental energy level is to learn healthy coping strategies.
Thus, my role of the day is to share some DIY coping techniques for all the staffs here.
We all know that learning to do-it-yourself can save thousands of dollars in nearly any arena of life.
Participants were undergoing the brainwaves assessment during the workshop.
For your information, brainwaves assessment is not a medical diagnosis procedure but a safe, non invasive and painless method designed to give the client’s subconscious mind a voice, and allow the Clinical Hypnotherapist to reveal the various underlying factors that shape the client’s cognitive abilities, emotional responses and automatic behavior.
About SAP:
SAP South-East Asia (SEA) has grown from its humble roots in the late 1980’s to become one of the most successful companies operating in the region today. SAP SEA covers a diverse territory consisting of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and the rest of the Emerging Markets. Headquartered in Singapore, SAP is now serving 1,222 large enterprise customers and 4,585 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the region.
We hope all the staffs found the sessions advantageous in future decision-making on health-related services. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information.
Quitting smoking can be a real challenge. But it's one of the best things you can do for your health. Smoking is a dangerous, even deadly habit. It's a leading cause of cancer. It also increases your risk for heart attacks, strokes, lung disease, and other health problems, including bone fractures and cataracts. We are proud to introduce our research proven treatment for quit smoking
Step 1: Professional consultation includes Case taking, History both medical and family, Nutritional, Diet and Lifestyle Advice and Psychoeducation about macronutrient mood therapy (To deal with craving for smoking, mood stabilization is crucial)
Step 2: Neuro Hypnotherapy includes on the Psychoeducation about mind over body matter Emotional coping technique (To find out what trigger you to smoke and how to deal with it)
During the session a client is often asked to imagine unpleasant outcomes from smoking and self-hypnosis coaching is conducted to equip you with.
Step 3: With the Laser acupoint stimulation or soft laser treatment, you can become a non-smoker. Our innovative method combines the newest laser technology “made in Germany” with a personally developed acupuncture protocol. By stimulating specific acupuncture points related to smoking behaviour, withdrawal symptoms are reduced to a minimum. This way, any smoker with some determination can become a non-smoker and lead a healthier life. Best thing, it is painless procedure!
The Hypno-Band could change your life forever. Imagine having the results usually achieved by having a surgical Gastric Band fitted but not having to go through surgery, and spending thousands of pounds!
Gastric Band surgery is not for everyone. Usually the surgery is only carried out on people classified as "clinically obese" and with a high Body Mass Index (BMI). A surgical Gastric Band works by reducing the size of the stomach and therefore you eat smaller portions and feel full. Through this method it is possible to lose weight easily. The surgical method does have drawbacks however. It is very costly, typically costing £4000 to £6000 and of course you will need to go through a surgical procedure.
What if you could have all the benefits of a surgical Gastric Band, without the surgery and cost?
Well now you can! By using the Hypno-Band hypnotherapy system we create a state of mind where you will believe you actually have a Gastric Band fitted! You will eat smaller portions and feel full. The Hypno-Band system is a long term solution to your weight problems.
The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is important for "cognitive" and "executive" functions such as working memory, intention formation, goal-directed action, abstract reasoning, and attentional control. It is also known that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) plays an important role in top-down regulation of emotional processing as part of the more extensive cognitive network that is also critically involved in emotion regulation, particularly by distraction from the emotional stimulus. This dlPFC is important for the reappraisal/suppression of negative affect and a defect in this regulation of negative affect due to a dysfunction of the dlPFC appears to play a very important role in clinical depression.
Modification of a negative attentional bias by cognitive training alters dlPFC activity in response to emotional stimuli and this is likely the primary result of successful treatment by means of cognitive and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapies. AThe results of a recent study examining the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the left dlPFC on temporary reduction of negative attentional bias during learning in depressed versus non-depressed college students supports the suggestion that tDCS may actually enhance the learning of cognitive-behavioural therapeutic strategies.
While there is some strong evidence suggesting that a reduction in dlPFC activity and/or over-activity of the vmPFC may play a major role in the development of depression brain imaging studies continue to reveal other areas of the brain that are also involved in depressed mood and suggest that depression is largely a result of reduced activation/metabolism in a number of brain areas and reports of increased activation of any particular brain area have not consistently been associated with depression. Anxiety, on the other hand, correlates with increased regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in posterior cingulate and bilateral inferior parietal lobules. Since comorbid depression and anxiety are quite common, it is important to recognize the different areas that are activated or inhibited by both depression and anxiety.
Electroencephalographic (EEG) studies have largely confirmed these findings by demonstrating increased alpha (8-12 Hz) EEG relative power in the left frontal regions of the brains to be associated with dysthymia and major depressive disorder (MDD) as well as the onset of depression in patients with damage to the left frontal lobe. Since alpha is generally viewed as a cortical idling rhythm and is inversely related to neuronal activity, increased left frontal alpha results in deactivation of the left prefrontal cortex and a functional dominance of the right prefrontal cortex. Indeed, a number of brain researchers have suggested a laterality of the brain’s affective system; with negative emotions having a bias in activating the right hemisphere and positive emotions activating the left hemisphere. The left frontal lobes may be considered to include an “approach behavior” circuit whereas the right frontal lobes may include an “avoidance-behavior” circuit. As the left becomes more active, we tend to see things as generally more interesting, more rewarding, more approachable (i.e., the cup as half-full). In contrast, activation of the right circuit causes us to see things as potentially more dangerous and less rewarding (i.e., the cup as half-empty). Brain research suggests that a person's mood may largely depend on which side of the prefrontal cortex is more active.
In this vein, Henriques & Davidson (1990, 1991) examined frontal EEG asymmetry in currently depressed versus never depressed individuals and found elevated left frontal alpha power in the depressed individuals. Other researchers have confirmed these findings as well as observing that individual differences in frontal asymmetry emerge early in life and are associated with individual differences in “approach-withdrawal” behavior and the “introversion-extroversion” personality dimension. Taken together, these findings suggest that EEG asymmetry marked by relative left frontal hypoactivation may be a biological marker of familial and, possibly genetic risk for mood disorders.
EEG biofeedback or Neurofeedback is direct training of brain function, by which the
brain learns to function more efficiently. We observe the brain in
action from moment to moment. We show that information back to the
person. And we reward the brain for changing its own activity to more
appropriate patterns. This is a gradual learning process. It applies to
any aspect of brain function that we can measure. Neurofeedback is also
called EEG Biofeedback, because it is based on electrical brain
activity, the electroencephalogram, or EEG. Neurofeedback is training in
self-regulation. It is simply biofeedback applied to the brain
directly. Self-regulation is a necessary part of good brain function.
Self-regulation training allows the system (the central nervous system)
to function better. Neurofeedback addresses problems of brain disregulation. These
happen to be numerous. They include the anxiety-depression spectrum,
attention deficits, behavior disorders, various sleep disorders,
headaches and migraines, PMS and emotional disturbances. It is also
useful for organic brain conditions such as seizures, the autism
spectrum, and cerebral palsy.
We offer brainwaves assessment service. It is a tool that designed to give the client’s subconscious mind a voice, and allow the Clinical Hypnotherapist to reveal the various underlying factors that shape the client’s cognitive abilities, emotional responses and automatic behavior. Contact us now for more info.
I was sharing about my research related to clinical hypnotherapy and sleep quality in this national counseling conference in Malaysia. This is research for my master's thesis. I am grateful to my advisor and supervisor for their guidance. To the event organizer, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your invite and the excellent organized Conference.
Emotional traumas have been known to affect people in a variety of ways. Stress from being traumatized and the trauma itself can have a number of ill effects on the surviving person. Anxiety, insomnia, irritability, depression and changes in appetite are just a few of the many effects emotional trauma can have. Research has also revealed that emotional traumas that are not dealt with can also cause cancer .
You may be wondering how that is even possible. You see, untreated emotional traumas can lead to your body being in a constant state of stress. A number of studies have found that this heightened, chronic stress can actually reduce immune system function. A recent review of over 100 studies has also revealed that chronic stress can cause the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to actually induce metastasis.
The SNS is the primary system behind our “fight or flight” chemical response. The SNS normally activates in situations where a threat or danger is perceived. After the threat is over, the SNS shuts off its dispersion of hormones and chemicals, and the body returns to its normal, homeostatic state in about an hour. For people who have experienced an emotional trauma and are under chronic duress, however, the SNS does not really ever turn off. When the SNS is constantly “on,” adrenaline and noradrenaline-stimulating mechanisms within it have the potential to disrupt or alter genetic codes.
These alterations can lead to a variety of cancer-causing developments. Inflammatory responses are activated, immune responses are inhibited, angiogenesis is stimulated and much more. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is often turned off, DNA repair is inhibited and cancer stem cells are created. Through any number of these pathways, cancer can inevitably be created.
Emotional traumas are serious, and when left untreated, they can cause even greater harm to the person suffering with them. There are a number of therapies available to help people overcome their trauma. In addition to seeing a therapist, participating in meditation and engaging in meditation or other relaxation techniques can help to relieve some of the stress, soothe the soul, and reduce the risk of cancer.
