Biofeedback for the Brain - Paperback

  • Biofeedback for the Brain - Paperback
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Neurofeedback is a cutting-edge, drug free therapeutic technique, now used by thousands of licensed therapists in North America, to treat a wide range of conditions including attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, epilepsy, stroke, anxiety, migraine, and depression. In "Biofeedback for the Brain," Dr. Paul G. Swingle describes in clear and coherent language how these procedures work. With numerous actual case examples, readers follow the progress of clients from the initial "brain map" that shows the location and severity of the neurological abnormalities to the various stages of treatment. Conditions often considered untreatable by conventional health practitioners respond positively to neurotherapeutic techniques, and Dr. Swingle describes many of these remarkable recoveries. This book provides a thorough, definitive, and highly readable presentation of this remarkable health care alternative that offers millions of individuals a chance for healing.

The book includes:

Chapter 1 – The Basics of Biofeedback

Chapter 2 – How Do Brainwaves Work?

Chapter 3 – Interpreting the Signals of the Brain

Chapter 4 – Neurotherapy and Its Partners in Treatment (adjunctive therapies?)

Chapter 5 – Diagnostic Chaos: The Case of ADHD

Chapter 6 – The Broad reach of Neurotherapy

Chapter 7 – The Promise of Neurotherapy in the Future

Appendix – Picking a Neurotherapist

Sample from the book

“So let’s see how neurotherapy would proceed with several very different clients; Jason, a bright and energetic but dishearted child with ADHD; Jane, chronically worn-out woman hooked on prescription medications that no longer help with her fibromyalgia; and Vincent, the hot-headed, impulsive, and angry victim of traumatic brain injury. After some discussion of the history of brainwave research and clinical applications, I review the reasons neurotherapy works to increase brain plasticity.

A Child with ADHD

The case of Jason, a child with ADHD, is presented in great detail not only to provide an understanding of the process of brainwave biofeedback but also to explain the initial experience with neurotherapy. I begin by describing the first session with Jason, whose father was present because Jason was only twelve years old. I the cover the measurement details, the establishment of clients expectations (both child and parent), the development of rapport, the various levels of clinical assessment that the neurotherapist might engage in during the first encounter, and the treatment.

Most children are frightened when they walk into a doctor’s office. The sullen, swaggering, rude twelve-year-old boy with the crotch of his jeans down to his knees was no exception. Jason grumpily entered my office, and, despite his heroic efforts to conceal his unease, his eyes widened as he saw the electrodes and other electrical gadgetry in my office. The first thing I told him was “Nothing I do hurts.” Kids are not the only ones who become concerned when they see the electrodes that will be attached to their heads. Adults also approach the treatment equipment with a sense of uncertainty. The initial thought is usually “He is going to give me electroshock therapy.” Neurotherapy, though, has nothing to do with giving electric shocks to the brain. The electrodes are for the purpose of measurement only, and I start every new consultation by assuring the client of that.”


Some of the frequently asked questions answered in the book:

  • My eight-year-old’s teacher said she needs Ritalin. I don’t agree. What should I do?
  • My brother is a drug addict and tells me that his addiction was caused by his ADHD. Is this true?
  • My wife says that her doctor told her that fibromyalgia is caused by stress and that there is no cure. This seems contradictory to me. Can fibromyalgia be treated?
  • I am epileptic, and my doctor says I have to take medication for the rest of my life. She says there is no evidence that neurotherapy helps. Does neurotherapy reduce seizures?
  • I am feeling depressed, and my doctor suggested a trial of mild antidepressant. Should I try it before considering neurotherapy?
  • I have severe headaches. Can neurotherapy help?

Book reviews

“I was very impressed by the way the author explained how he treats his clients problems. He doesn't use 50 dollar words to try and impress his readers. I have read many books about biofeedback [that I have bought from Amazon] and this is the first book that I would recommend to other readers. If you want an excellent book about Neurofeedback then this is the book to buy. Bravo!! Paul Swingle” By Stephen Peterson


“Author Paul Swingle is one of the pioneers in the field of Brain biofeedback and the related neurotherapies. Let me be clear that he has not just been IN the field since its early days. He has played an active, creative, dynamic role in pioneering important approaches and techniques. This book has been long awaited as a practical exploration and discussion of the wide ranging approaches and models he's helped to establish.

This book is for both laymen and professional biofeedback practitioners. If you are a layman, considering neurofeedback, this book will give you a good idea of both the breadth of the applications and the wide range of related approaches that work well with it. If you are a practitioner of neurofeedback, not trained by Dr. Swingle, then this book will probably open up whole new worlds of technologies and approaches you never considered as viable, valuable parts of your practice.” By Robert Kall

“In a field in which the best of us have to continually struggle to keep up with the fast pace new information, this book is an excellent resource for anyone beginning to explore the exciting "new" modality of neurotherapy. As a clinician, I highly recommend this book as both an introduction to brainwave therapy as well practical guide on how to begin to think about working with various brain dysfunctions. The author covers many of the most important areas of treatment and offers many interesting and detailed accounts of his experience in treating them. Although I've had this book since it was published three years ago, I find myself frequently referring back to it. It will become a staple of any neurotherapist's library. His excellent bibliography also provides many valuable resources for those who want to pursue further study.” By Dr. Loren E. Pedersen

“Biofeedback for the Brain is a fabulous book because it really explains what neurofeedback is as well as what the practitioner does to help a client. I like the description of the detailed assessments of the different parts of the brain. I especially like Dr. Swingle's philosophy of working with clients. He sounds like a very caring person, who respects each of his clients. I really appreciate how he looks for the positive in each person's brain patterns and speaks to the person about this. The medical model of focusing on what is wrong is often too prevalent in this field, and his approach is quite refreshing. I am working on my neurofeedback certification, and this has been one of the most helpful books that I have read thus far. He writes with intelligence, a sense of humor, and he often gives examples to help illustrate what he is explaining.” By Meredith Caplan

“An easy read for practitioners and potential clients alike. Swingle invites the reader into his practice by providing in-depth information about the process and reasoning behind neurotherapy. I found it very useful!” By Dr. Ingrid Artus

“Written to help readers decide whether neurotherapy might be of benefit to you or someone close to you, Biofeedback for the Brain achieves that objective with clear examples and sidebars that highlight questions readers may have. Swingle’s book provides guidance for those seeking a neurotherapy practitioner. Recommended.” By Choice

“The growing demand for information on neurotherapy is met by Paul Swingle, whose book deserves to be widely read.” By Linda Thompson

About the Author

Paul G. Swingle, Ph.D. was Professor of Psychology at the University of Ottawa prior to moving to Vancouver. A Fellow of the Canadian psychological Association, Dr. Swingle was Lecturer in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and during the same time period was Associate Attending Psychologist at Mclean Hospital (Boston) where he also was Coordinator of the Clinical Psychophysiology Service. Dr. Swingle was Chairman of the Faculty of Child psychology at the University of Ottawa and Clinical Supervisor. He is Registered Psychologist in British Columbia, certified in Boiofeedback and Neurotherapy. He is in private practice in Vancouver, BC.



Testimonials

  • Mary Jo Sabo, Ph.D., BCI

    We have been using your Attention CD in the Yonkers School District since Feb, of 1998. We have had outstanding results using the tape and have noticed a significant reduction in aberrant behavior in the children using the CD. In each of the 3 sch...
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  • GK, Vancouver

    In experimenting with Dr. Swingle's Attention CD, I discovered that the sound produced a calming effect for me. I was particularly pleased with the impact it had for reading as it definitely increased my concentration and ultimately my comprehension.
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  • PZ, Ottawa

    ...In all probability you have forgotten my visits with you approximately ten years ago when I was referred to you by A.K. However, the reason I am writing you is to see if it would be possible to obtain a copy of the relaxation CD you gave me whe...
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  • CC, Ottawa

    I just want to let you know that I am fine. I have had very few headaches. I am using my relaxation CD and the exercises you gave me. I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for me. It is a miracle to be headache and fiourinal free! Since...
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  • NC, Elementary School Teacher, Peace River, Alberta

    Our problem was that we originally only ordered two Attention CDs. The two teachers who had the most immediate and dramatic results with their students would not loan their CDs for the rest of the staff. When I listen to the CD, it appears to have...
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  • Dr. Claire Hawes

    My client made more progress after one use of (Sweep™) than in weeks (of regular EMDR therapy).
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  • Dr. Lee Pulos

    My patients prefer Sweep 3 to 1 over the EMDR stimulator.
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  • William Hay, MD FRCPC ADM CCSAM MROCC

    I'm fairly jaded by 'gimmicks' and not easily impressed. Spectra however is really special and very impressive. Loved the instant meditative mental state that was stimulated. ...just the thing [that] alcohol treatment centres need. Unless there's ...
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