BIOFEEDBACK

Biofeedback helps children, adolescents and adults learn how to voluntarily control their body’s response to stress and pain to improve their health. 

Using breathing exercises, guided imagery and other techniques, your child can regulate their muscle tension, heart rate, skin temperature and other body functions and can see the changes on a screen.   The experience is analogous to “controlling a video game just by breathing.”    Over time, they can use the experience to decrease chronic pain and manage their response to stress. In some cases, your child may notice improvements in other symptoms, like sleeplessness, anxiety or lack of focus.

Biofeedback technology utilizes sensors to monitor breathing, heartrate, temperature, skin response or muscle tension.   I typically use a heartrate sensor, which is placed on a finger.   The sensor connects to a software program that provides visual feedback to the user.    

Biofeedback sessions may be combined with other therapy approaches, including CBT and solution-focused therapy.    In my practice, I work with youth ages 5-18 to improve coping skills for stress and anxiety, for both medical and nonmedical populations.