submitted by Maria Di Donato DEd, BCN, PA Licensed Psychologist, PA/NJ Certified School Psychologist
Joan, not her real name, an adult woman from Bensalem, was depressed from losing her job of 20 years where she worked as an administrator for a testing company. Because she was not prepared for the loss, she struggled with the aftermath and began to experience depression. Although she engaged another counselor briefly without feeling a benefit, she struggled emotionally for two years before coming for treatment.
Joan was a shy type of person and as time went on, she found herself having less energy, less motivation and more anxiety. She was referred to our office by a friend.
On intake, it was evident that she looked sad and seemed to not be enjoying her life. She was working as a volunteer in a healthcare facility with little or no satisfaction or enjoyment. She reported feeling depressed, having problems falling asleep and staying asleep, having hurt feelings, being confused, and lacking motivation.
Besides looking sad, she remarked about her lack of motivation for social activities as well. Treatment with neurofeedback and counseling focused initially on her depression and sleep issues.
By the end of the second session, she began to smile in session. She reported sleeping better, having more energy, feeling calmer. more relaxed, and happier.
As time went on, she was reporting longer periods of feeling happier. Autogenic training, heart rate variability, was also added to her treatment to help her maintain stability for stressors and stress response.
With this tool she was able to manage her stressors at home. Joan continues to make progress and manage her lifestyle with better and more stable moods.
Her husband reports she is calmer. Because of the improvements she is experiencing which indicate her brain is holding the training, sessions are less frequent.
As treatment effect lasts longer, sessions can be spaced farther apart which indicates that the positive waves are more permanently maintained by the brain. As time goes on, Joan will be able to maintain longer periods of more positive moods and motivation without medication and maintain a happier lifestyle.