EMDR + NO
Uses evidence-based EMDR therapy with non-invasive NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback training
Is offered as an enhancement to a client's existing individual therapy services
Can improve or resolve problems or concerns and regulate brain functioning in as few as 4 sessions
EMDR + Neuroptimal® Neurofeedback (EMDR + NO) is a unique approach that can help resolve problems and improve brain functioning following difficult or traumatic experiences.
If you have been through a difficult or traumatic experience that still has control of you, EMDR+NO may help. This unique approach was developed by Dr. Briana Goff through the integration of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback training. When used together, these tools can activate and enhance the natural processes that occur in the brain to help it regulate itself and reach optimal functioning more efficiently. In short, EMDR+NO:
EMDR + Neuroptimal® Neurofeedback
What is "EMDR" therapy?
The mind can often heal itself naturally, in the same way the body does. Much of this natural coping mechanism occurs during sleep, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Dr. Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 1987, utilizing this natural process in order to successfully treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Since then, EMDR has been used to effectively treat a wide range of problems.
EMDR utilizes the natural healing ability of your body through eye movements, similar to those during REM sleep, by using a bar of moving lights or hand-held tappers, to activate both sides of the brain. With repeated sets of eye movements, the memory may change in such a way that it loses its painful intensity and simply becomes a neutral memory of an event in the past. Other associated memories may also heal at the same time. This linking of related memories can lead to a dramatic and rapid improvement in many aspects of your life.
During EMDR, you will remain in control, fully alert and awake. EMDR is not a form of hypnosis and you can stop the process at any time. Throughout the session, the therapist will support and facilitate your own self-healing and intervene as little as possible. Reprocessing is usually experienced as something that happens spontaneously, and new connections and insights may arise quite naturally from within. As a result, most people experience EMDR as a natural and very empowering therapy.
(Sources: Adapted from information at www.getselfhelp.co.uk, www.thetraumacentre.com and www.emdria.org)
What is Neurofeedback training?
Using a specialized and advanced form of feedback, NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback provides information about the activity in the brain as it is occurring. The electrical activity generated by processes in the central nervous system can be detected by sensors placed on the scalp and the output can be graphically displayed on a monitor. This is called the electroencephalograph or EEG. Neurofeedback has been referred to as “EEG biofeedback,” as it is a form of biofeedback that is specific to the brain.
The NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback system responds to what is happening in your brain in real-time. The technology provides feedback to your nervous system by simply offering the brain information about what it just did, giving it the message that it is operating inefficiently. NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback training allows your nervous system to make corrections as it notices differences in brain activity. This training helps the brain notice what it is doing in the present moment, and this information allows the brain to reorganize itself, activating its own healing wisdom.
(Source: Adapted from information at www.neuroptimal.com)
what is "emdr+No"?
Both EMDR and NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback are empirically supported approaches that are beneficial in addressing many problems and concerns. Previous experiences, especially particularly difficult or traumatic events, can affect our brains. The problems you may be experiencing aren’t imagined, and you can’t just “stop” thinking about trauma or difficult experiences you’ve been through. Sometimes, it may seem like you’ve been derailed or are off-track. Your brain changed and you may need some help getting it back “on track.”
Because our brain is such a significant part of how we respond to life events, including difficult or traumatic experiences, we have to do more to directly improve our brain functioning after those experiences — even months or years later. Based on over 30 years of conducting research and extensive experience treating trauma, Dr. Briana Goff began combining two methods for dealing with difficult experiences: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback. By integrating both tools together, Dr. Goff developed a unique approach called EMDR+NO. When used together, this approach activates and enhances the natural processes that occur in the brain to help it reach optimal functioning more efficiently — often in fewer than 4 sessions.
Combining EMDR + NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback (EMDR+NO) is a novel approach. This combination seems to provide the change or reorganizing the brain needs (via the EMDR reprocessing), with the NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback providing the boost to enhance processing in the brain. Because both tools target the natural processes that occur in our brain, by activating and enhancing that natural process, EMDR+NO can provide a boost or enhancement to significantly reduce the problems you are experiencing and help your brain return to or gain optimal functioning more efficiently.
Who is EMDR+NO right for?
EMDR and NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback have been used separately for decades to help thousands of people with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, grief, PTSD, addictions, feeling overwhelmed, anger, depression, sleep problems, low self-esteem and similar issues. If you feel like you’ve tried everything and just can’t seem to get over a difficult or traumatic experience from your past, or if you are feeling stuck, EMDR+NO may be the next step in your healing journey.
What are the results of EMDR+No?
EMDR+NO is a natural, safe, and effective approach with little or no side effects. Clients often see change by their 3rd EMDR+NO session, with completion in fewer than 4 sessions. Clients report that the issues that brought them into therapy are significantly reduced and often completely resolved. Clients state that they feel like they have their life back, have better clarity in their thoughts and decisions, and are more relaxed in their daily lives.
What is an EMDR+NO session like?
Both EMDR and NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback are 100% non-invasive, 100% natural—nothing is put into your brain and nothing comes out of your brain. Both EMDR and NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback provide information to your brain about what it is doing, which allows your brain to self-correct or adjust on its own.
After a brief assessment which will include identifying a particular disturbing memory or experience that will be the “target,” the EMDR and NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback systems will be set-up. The EMDR system consists of hand-held tappers and a light bar, with dots of light moving backwards and forwards across your visual field. You may choose to follow the lights or close your eyes and just allow the tappers to provide the stimulus for your brain. The eye movements or taps last for a short while and then stop. You will then be asked to report back on the experiences you have had during each of these sets of eye movements/taps. Experiences during a session may include changes in thoughts, feelings, and mental images. Because EMDR therapy can help to process stuck memories, you may temporarily feel overwhelmed or emotional. However, the therapist will be there to provide support. There is no right or wrong in reprocessing, we just allow the brain to do the work it needs to. You may stop at any time if necessary.
The NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback system will also be attached with two small sensors on your head and ear clips on your ears that read the electrical activity of your brain. You will be provided with headphones (or you may bring your own personal wired earbuds) and you will listen to prerecorded music. The music will play for 33 minutes and during this time, the NeurOptimal® system will detect any possible dysfunctions in brain electrical activity. By delivering tiny interruptions or pauses in the music, NeurOptimal® communicates with your brain, offering the brain the information it needs to reorganize itself to gain optimal functioning. These interruptions give the opportunity for the brain to adopt a more natural, relaxed and effective pattern.
The session will end with completing the eye movements/tappers and removing the sensors, followed by debriefing and planning for the follow-up session. You will be encouraged to observe and note any changes you notice in the following 24-48 hours. After the session, some people may feel more tired, experience a very heavy sleep, or more active REM sleep (i.e., lots of dreams). This is all normal and should just be noticed and reported back at the following session. Although uncommon, you should report any increase in distress following a session immediately with your EMDR+NO therapist.
Because the NeurOptimal® neurofeedback system requires direct connection of the system sensors and the client, only in-person sessions are available at this time.
structure and fees for EMDR+NO sessions
It is recommended that clients are currently engaged with a primary therapist. If you do not have a current therapist you are working with, we can discuss referral options with you. A signed release of information between your EMDR+Neurofeedback therapist and primary therapist will be required for continuity of care and communication while the EMDR+NO sessions are being conducted.
Each session is 50-55 minutes.*
*Extended sessions are available by request and approval of your EMDR+NO therapist. Please note that any additional time beyond the standard session time is currently not covered by insurance and will be the client’s responsibility to pay the additional session rate.
In consultation with your EMDR+NO therapist, you will determine whether continued sessions are necessary after you have completed the preliminary sessions.
NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback is not a medical treatment and is not typically covered by insurance.
EMDR Standard rate
$170 per session
Neuroptimal® neurofeedback rate
$110 per session
EMDR+NO TESTIMONIALS
“I never truly comprehended the impact that my trauma had on my life, even years later. After completing EMDR+NO, I found a place of inner peace in my life that I never knew existed, something that I didn’t recognize I was missing. I became free of negative emotions and thoughts; self-doubt and the constant urge to seek approval from others, at the expense of my own well-being. Since completing EMDR+NO, I have started to live my life for me, doing things that bring me joy rather than constantly striving to appease those around me.”
“I have gone through my life thinking that my trauma was just something I would need to carry forever. My relief in removing the weight of my repeated traumas both stuns and amazes me. Dr. Goff’s kind, compassionate, and caring approach makes the sessions comfortable and productive. That the EMDR+NO took just a few sessions, especially having used talk therapy for decades, just boggles my mind. I still shake my head at just how much it changed how I now experience my past traumatic experiences in such a very brief time. I continue to hold questions about how the EMDR+NO works, but as a human with a traumatic background, recalling those events without the familiar emotional pain brought literal tears of joy. Do yourself a life changing kindness and make an appointment for EMDR+NO today. It will change your life!”
Getting started with EMDR+NO
If you feel like you have tried everything and are still feeling stuck, we want you to know there is hope. Both EMDR and NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback are empirically supported approaches that are beneficial in improving a variety of issues. If you have been through a difficult experience or past situation that still has control of you, then EMDR+NO may be a good fit.
Currently, Andrews and Associates is the only therapy practice that provides this service in the Flint Hills Region. EMDR+NO is provided as a supplement to your current therapy services. We have two therapists who provide EMDR+NO at the Manhattan location (Keturah Adams and Kamryn Dillon). Dr. Briana Goff provides EMDR+NO primarily at the Wamego location.
Contact us for more information about EMDR+NO today. You are welcome to talk to your therapist or call us at 785-539-5455 to schedule your first session.
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Whether you are ready to schedule an appointment or are simply gathering information, we are here to help. At Andrews & Associates Counseling, we strive to set clients up to achieve meaningful improvements by answering questions and providing resources to guide you throughout your journey. Contact us now to learn more about EMDR+NO and request an appointment.
Appointment scheduling is subject to availability. We respond to all inquiries as soon as possible to discuss available options or offer a waitlist.
“Healing is possible.
There is always hope.”
