Neurofeedback for PTSD and trauma
After something frightening or painful, the body can stay on high alert long after the danger is gone. Neurofeedback is a gentle way to help your brain practice feeling calm and safe, with no need to retell your story.
What it can look like
You might notice:
- Feeling on edge, jumpy or easily startled
- Nightmares, light sleep or waking up at 3 a.m.
- Flashbacks or unwanted memories
- Avoiding people, places or reminders
- Feeling numb, far away or shut down
- Sudden anger, tears or panic that seems out of proportion
Not sure it’s you? Many people have a few of these. A free consultation will help sort it out.
How neurofeedback may help
After trauma, the brain's alarm system can get stuck on. Neurofeedback gives your brain a live signal when it moves toward a calmer, steadier pattern, so it can practice settling down. Many people find this a comfortable place to start because sessions are quiet. You can watch a show or listen to music.
You do not have to talk through details of what happened to do the brain training. You set the pace. If you want talk-based support alongside it, we recommend Knot Counseling, and we can work side by side.
Start with sleep
Sleep is often the most under-rated need, and one of the best places to start. When we work on healthy, steady sleep, other symptoms often ease too. For some people, better sleep ends up being the main treatment.
Trauma and sleep are tightly linked. Nightmares, light sleep and night waking keep the body in survival mode all day. Sleep is often the most under-rated need for people healing from trauma, and sometimes it is the main focus. As sleep gets steadier, many people feel less jumpy, less foggy and more able to handle hard days.
How treatment goes, step by step
Every plan is different. Here is what a typical path looks like.
Free consultation
A short, no-pressure talk. You choose how much to share. We ask about sleep and what feels safe, and we tell you what to expect.
Brain map (required to start)
A brain map comes first, and it is required to start a plan. The visit can take around an hour, and the reading is done during that time. We also use intake forms and questionnaires to build a full picture. We review the reading afterward and schedule a follow-up consultation within a couple of weeks of your map.
Start with calm and sleep
Early sessions aim at settling your body and getting more restful nights. We go slowly and check in often.
Training sessions
About 30 minutes, two to three times a week. You can stop or take a break at any time.
Progress check every 10 sessions
We review sleep, startle, mood and energy, and adjust the plan together.
Add other support if you want it
Some people pair neurofeedback with talk-based support from Knot Counseling, or with care from their doctor. We will help you line it up.
Sessions are about 30 minutes, and plans are built around 40 sessions. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. Neurofeedback is not an emergency service.
Questions about PTSD and Trauma
Do I have to talk about what happened?
No. The brain training does not require you to retell your story.
Is this a replacement for other care?
No. It can work alongside other care. Please keep working with your doctor or counselor.
What if I feel worse after a session?
Tell us right away. Some people feel tired or on edge for a short time. We can change how we train.
Pair it with talk-based support
Some people like to work on skills and relationships while they train their brain. We recommend Knot Counseling in Lakewood.
Other treatments
Ready to talk about PTSD and Trauma?
Book a free consultation. We will talk about your goals, answer your questions, and explain the next steps in plain words.
Book a free consultationOr call (720) 634-3004