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Biofeedback
Therapy
Dr. McCarel,
certified by the Biofeedback Certification
Institute of America, answers Frequently Asked Questions about
Biofeedback:
1)
What is Biofeedback Therapy?
Biofeedback therapy
helps mind and body function optimally by training people to regulate
their physical responses. It is a safe and effective way to manage the
physical and emotional reactions that can affect health problems.
Biofeedback can be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy and
medical treatment.
2)
How does Biofeedback Work?
Biofeedback therapy is
a non-invasive technique that enables a patient to observe and learn to
change physical reactions that he or she might not be aware of. The
biofeedback therapist uses electronic equipment to measure and monitor
physiological processes such as heart rate, breathing patterns, muscle
tension, and skin temperature. (The equipment is similar to an
electrocardiogram in which sensors are placed on the skin to show the
electrical activity of the heart on a computer screen.) Simple auditory
and visual feedback is provided to patients, who are taught to use this
information to improve health, such as to reduce symptoms or to promote
relaxed functioning.
(The woman with Dr. McCarel is not an actual patient.)
3)
What are the Steps involved in Biofeedback Therapy?
Step One: Initial
Evaluation—The patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation in which
physiological reactivity is assessed. Using a combination of patient
interview and biofeedback assessment, a profile of the patient’s unique
situation and difficulties is developed. The results of this evaluation
are utilized to develop a treatment plan.
Step Two: Course of
Treatment—Biofeedback training can usually be accomplished in a
time-limited manner. The therapist acts as a training coach, setting
goals that are objective and measurable. The therapist provides a
combination of biofeedback-assisted training and cognitive behavioral
therapy interventions designed to help the patient achieve treatment
goals.
Step Three:
Generalizing Skills—Patients are assigned home practice and
self-monitoring exercises to ensure that they can learn to apply skills
outside of sessions.
4)
What Disorders and Problems are Treated with Biofeedback?
Some of the most common
problems treated include:
·
Anxiety and Stress
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Tension and Migraine Headaches
·
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Chronic Pain Disorders
·
Fibromyalgia
·
High
Blood Pressure
·
Insomnia
·
Lack
of optimal performance (in test taking, sports, music/performing)
·
Habit
reduction (e.g. smoking, overeating)
5)
To find out more about biofeedback:
·
Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (www.aapb.org)
·
Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (www.bcia.org)
·
Pennsylvania
Society of Behavioral Medicine and Biofeedback (www.pabiofeedback.org)
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