Neurofeedback and Biofeedback

What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback uses sensitive electronic instrumentation to monitor your body’s vital signs so that you can see them and learn to control them. This is useful because we all experience stress and anxiety in our daily lives. How our body copes or responds to stress and anxiety can determine our state of wellness or illness (see below: Conditions Which Can Be Positively Impacted). Our body’s response to stress (or relaxation) can be measured with various types of biofeedback: muscle tension (EMG), skin temperature (PST), galvanic skin response (GSR), heart rate and heart rate variability (HR and HRV) and brainwave (EEG, electroencephalogram or neurofeedback). It is important to note that the biofeedback equipment is only recording the body’s own signals and is not using any electrical stimulus that could cause pain. As one learns to regulate one’s body and mind, symptoms lessen, conditions improve and the need for medications may be reduced or eliminated. For more information on biofeedback, go to:

  • Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback - AAPB (www.aapb.org)
  • Mayoclinic.com (www.mayoclinic.com) Enter biofeedback in the search box.

Neurofeedback -- An Advanced Therapy

Neurofeedback uses state of the art computer-assisted technology to monitor brainwaves. Brainwaves are displayed in the form of a game on a computer screen. Individuals learn to produce the optimum brainwave frequency pattern which results in physical or psychological symptom reduction. Some individuals pursue neurofeedback to achieve a higher level of performance in various departments of life (sports, performing arts, academic, career) For more information on neurofeedback, go to:

Can a successful outcome be predicted?

It is not possible to predict with certainty that training will be successful for a particular condition. The effectiveness of the training can usually be assessed early in the course of treatment. For most conditions, there are no known adverse side effects of the training provided the training is conducted by a professional.

Conditions Which Biofeedback/Neurofeedback Can Positively Impact

This drug-free and non-invasive approach has been found to improve the following conditions:

  • Addictions
  • Agoraphobia
  • Anxiety
  • Asperger’s Syndrome
  • Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
  • Autism
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Bruxism
  • Chronic Pain
  • Depression
  • Dyslexia
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Insomnia
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Jaw Clenching
  • Learning Disorders
  • Migraine Headaches
  • Minor Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Panic Attacks
  • Peak Achievement
  • Phobias
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Raynaud’s Syndrome
  • Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
  • Sleep Onset and Maintenance
  • Stroke
  • Tension headaches
  • Tics
  • Tourettes’s
  • Unrefreshed Sleep

Who are the therapists?

Andrea Sime, LCSW, LMHP, BCD, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been in practice for the last 30 years. Andrea is a Senior Fellow of the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America. Andrea also provides neurofeedback training.

Judy Gonnerman, LPN, LMHP, CPC, provides neurofeedback, biofeedback and traditional psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults. Judy specializes in learning difficulties and associated disorders. She is also a Certified Irlen Screener.

Seth Brown, LMHP, is a licensed mental health therapist providing traditional psychotherapy and family therapy as well as neurofeedback. Seth works with children, adolescents and adults and has extensive experience in crisis management.

Wes Sime, Ph.D., MPH, Ph.D, is a licensed psychologist who specializes in health psychology and sport psychology for optimal performance. Wes offers biofeedback, neurofeedback, psychotherapy, stress management and peak achievement training and crisis intervention in family counseling and chemical dependency.