EFM Training

Self-Regulation… it’s a thing!

Many mental health symptoms mask an underlying pain.

EFM Training (Executive Functioning and Mindfulness training) is a neurofeedback method that I have developed over many years that is unique in its ability to correct brain patterns associated with self-regulation and improve mindfulness.

Executive Functioning

Executive functioning refers to the brain’s ability to regulate our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. It plays a role in regulating attention, addiction, anxiety, compulsions, depression, obsessions, oppositional defiance, PTSD, and many other neurological issues.

In 2011, while finishing my graduate education, I continued my practice of neurofeedback at a residential treatment center for teens with behavioral problems.

After years of success using neurofeedback to help adults find their authentic selves, I approached my new work with confidence; however, it didn’t take long to discover that the brain patterns of these teens were different from my past clients; and, worse, they didn’t respond to typical neurofeedback treatments.

I observed that these teens, most of whom had major behavioral and emotional regulation problems, had EEG patterns signifying deactivation in their cingulate gyrus and frontal lobes. Together these two brain areas have an important duty known as Executive Functioning.

Since typical neurofeedback was proving ineffective, I began experimenting with various ways of reaching the Executive Functioning System in the brains of these teens.

What I found was that while most adults responded very well to relaxing their anxious brains, these teens (and it turns out many adults, too) needed help activating their Executive Functioning systems.

With this discovery, I quickly began to see positive results. They were as I had grown to expect: the teens self-regulation improved.

I was surprised to repeatedly hear from the teen’s parents and therapists that they were becoming more self-aware and engaged in therapy. Inadvertently, I had discovered a way to strengthen not just their self-regulation, but also their self-awareness, mindfulness!

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are, and what we are feeling.

Mindfulness gives us the ability to not overreact to stressful situations, be less judgmental of ourselves and others, and more perceptive of truth.

Things like prayer, yoga, and meditation are helpful for going into a mindful state. People like Jesus and Ghandi are wonderful examples of people who were excellent at mindfully responding to others rather than overreacting. I would love to see their brain maps!

Let’s discuss how EFM Training could help you.

Most people have questions about neurofeedback. I am happy to take the time to answer yours. Call (801) 901-3303 or email jeff@neurolabutah.com for a time to connect.