Capital District Neurofeedback Therapy

  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...

  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...

  As the fireworks light up the summer sky and families gather in backyards across the country, we are once again reminded of the beauty of freedom. This 4th of July weekend offers a moment — a brief pause — to reflect on what it means to be free. And the ideals that inspired the very freedom we often take for granted. So yes, it’s worth all that beautiful celebration. And this year, I will invite you to also consider not just our collective freedom as a nation, but also the quieter, more personal kind of freedom: the freedom within. But first: Honoring the Freedom We Share Let’s begin by honoring those who came before us. This holiday reminds us of those who risked — and gave — their lives to defend a vision of liberty, equality, and self-determination. Their sacrifices weren’t about creating a perfect nation, but about creating a  free  one — where every human being has a chance to build, to speak, to love, and to grow. There’s something sacred in that. And while our pa...

  Let me pause with you for a moment on this Father's Day. Not just to toss out a quick 'thanks, Dad!' and get back to the cookout. But to truly honor what it means to be a father—to step into a role that, while often thankless in the moment, may be the single most influential position in a child's life. Let's be clear: not every dad starts out strong; not every dad gets it right at the start. But the mark of a good father isn't perfection. It's in the choice to show up, to lead when it's hard, to keep trying to do better, to model steadiness when chaos swirls, and to love, even when it's not being reciprocated. Gratitude for the Quiet Strength of Fathers Many of us had dads who didn't say much. They may not have attended every game or offered emotional pep talks over heartbreak, but they were there . They worked long hours, fixed what was broken, and handled what needed handling. Their love wasn't always spoken, but it was steady. So, for th...

  We’ve all been there. You’re at the checkout line, tired and distracted, and suddenly—it happens. Your child launches into a full-scale emotional protest because you dared say no to a bag of gummies or a toy shaped like a flamingo. For many parents, these public meltdowns bring a special brand of embarrassment and helplessness. It’s not just the screaming—it’s the silent judgment you imagine from every adult within earshot. But here’s the truth: If you’re trying to fix tantrums in aisle seven, you’re already too late. Practice First. Public Later. Dealing with meltdowns in public settings is like trying to win a championship without ever going to practice. If you haven’t established a calm, consistent game plan at home , the odds of success in a busy store, restaurant, or family event are non-existent.   Why? Because emotional regulation isn’t a light switch. It’s a skill. And like all skills—riding a bike, tying shoes, playing piano—it requires repetition, consistenc...