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Why Neurofeedback should be first choice for treatment with ADHD

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If you’re a parent of a child with ADHD—or you’ve struggled with ADHD yourself—you’re probably all too familiar with the typical path: a diagnosis, a prescription for stimulant medication, maybe a referral to behavioral therapy, and a sincere hope that something will finally click. Neurofeedback, a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses real-time monitoring of brainwave activity to teach self-regulation, is a promising alternative to these traditional approaches. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2460266/episodes/17906694 For many families, this hopeful journey often turns into a frustrating one. Medications work—until they don’t. Therapy helps, but it doesn’t last. And the challenges at school, at home, and in relationships continue, leaving you feeling like you're back at square one. So the question becomes: What actually works—long-term? Let’s talk about that. And let’s talk about Neurofeedback. The Problem with First-Line Treatments (Yes, Even the “Gold Standard” Ones) The most e...

When Screens Hijack Teens' Emotional Balance: Part 1

  When Screens Hijack Teens' Emotional Balance: Part 1 The Unexpected Cost of a “Normal Life” Every parent sees it: the phone in hand, the late-night scroll, the twitch of anxiety after hours online. We think, “everyone’s doing it,” and we let it slide. After all, screens are everywhere now. They’re in classrooms, restaurants, cars, bedrooms, even bathrooms.  How could it be that dangerous if it’s so common? Yet the research is telling us something very different. Studies now show that four or more hours of daily screen time is linked to dramatic increases in anxiety and depression among kids and teens. One large national study reported that those logging more than four hours were about 65 percent more likely to show depressive symptoms and nearly 45 percent more likely to report symptoms of anxiety. That’s not a small difference — that’s a life-changing one. Add to this the sleep problem. Nearly 70 percent of high schoolers report getting less than the recommended eight hours...

The Data Is Conclusive: It’s Time to Step Up

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  The Data Is Conclusive: It’s Time to Step Up  Over the years, I (along with many other concerned professionals) have sounded the alarm about kids growing up with smartphones glued to their hands. But today, the jury is no longer out. The research is piling up, and it’s painting a grim picture. We are raising the most anxious, unfocused, fearful, insecure, and depressed generation on record. Ironically, these same kids are surrounded by more entertainment, knowledge, and instant gratification than any generation before them. So, what gives? One Clear Culprit: Smartphones and Unrestricted Access to the Good, Bad & Ugly Let’s call it what it is: the ever-present smartphone has stormed into our homes, and most of us were utterly unprepared. Parents struggle to keep up with the constant demands of managing devices, monitoring content, and understanding just how far and fast things can spiral. Sure, some parents scan texts or review browser histories, but let’s be honest—many ...

The Underaroused Brain: Why Dopamine Matters — and What You Can Do About It

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  In today’s article, we’re diving into a crucial—but often overlooked—brain state that I see frequently in my neurofeedback practice. Thank you for joining us.  Listen To " The Underaroused Brain: Why Dopamine Matters — and What You Can Do About It" here The brain state I am referring to is called underarousal—and it may be one of the most critical brain patterns to understand if you or your child struggles with attention, motivation, ADHD , panic or anxiety attacks, OCD, as well as emotional ups and downs, or even anxiety. Now, this isn’t just a label I toss around casually. Underarousal is a documented neurological condition, repeatedly confirmed by brain imaging—like fMRI, QEEG, and SPECT scans. It shows up most often in the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for executive functions like focus, planning, emotional control, and impulse regulation. When the brain is underaroused, these functions go offline. And here’s the key: at the core of this underarous...

Emptiness of Attention Seeking

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  A mom in my office said it perfectly last week: "He wants attention every second. If I look away for one minute, he's whining or yelling or doing something dramatic to get me back. It’s like he can’t just be okay  for a moment, without demanding me or my attention." And she’s not alone.  Across the board—from toddlers to teens—we’re seeing kids trapped in an endless loop of seeking attention. And not just any attention. It has to be now. Instant. Intense. And it better come with a side of praise or excitement.  Oh yes, I forgot.  And, “Give me attention now, and also give me what I want when I demand it.” We live in a culture where the mind is constantly seeking. And yet, despite all the comforts, the gadgets, the opportunities—we’re more miserable than ever. Rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation are exploding in children, teens, and adults alike.  Why?  One answer might be:   Our minds?  Too full.   Our hearts...