submitted by Maria Di Donato DEd, BCN, PA Licensed Psychologist, PA/NJ Certified School Psychologist
Charlotte (not her real name), a senior citizen from Buckingham, struggled with the grief at the passing of her spouse of 20 years. As primary caretaker, she did much to comfort him as his health failed over a period of eight years after a stroke.
Despite the hardship of his being an invalid, she described him as her best friend. As she struggled with her loss, she experienced difficulty falling and staying asleep.
She reported feeling very sad, unmotivated and depressed. She also reported anxiety, crying easily, forgetfulness, and lower self-confidence. Sometimes, issues with her adult children were becoming a challenge for her.
Dealing with her loss was a major challenge for her. She reported that other attempts at counseling did not help with coping with her loss. Her treatment plan consisted of neurofeedback, counseling, and autogenic training.
After starting treatment, she reported improvement with having more energy, being able to express herself better. She reported better concentration, feeling calmer and more relaxed, feeling happier, more awake and alert.
Autogenic training, a form of abdominal breathing, helped her to manage stressors, maintain control and self-regulate on a regular basis. Over time as treatment progressed, she began to engage more with her friends, and began traveling.
Her confidence built until she was able to help plan and manage events and activities with her church group. She continually remarks how happy she has become, and how she is enjoying her life happily reengaging with the people around her.
As her self-confidence and successes increased, her sessions were spaced out. Empowerment is clearly evidenced by the pleasant lifestyle she has adopted and is enjoying.
Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that rewards the positive brainwaves that relate to positive emotional, behavioral and cognitive states. These result in a positive and fulfilling lifestyle.