CSUSB Hosts Open House Showcasing Neurofeedback Treatment

SAN BERNARDINO>> Neurofeedback, a non-invasive technique that can reduce or eliminate symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and other conditions including pain management, will be the focus of an open house at California State University, San Bernardino on Sept. 28. The Institute for Research, Assessment and Professional Development in the university’s College of Education building will open its doors from 4-7 p.m. to the public on the use of neurofeedback, also known as cognitive rehabilitation, a powerful brain-based technique that has been successfully helping clients around the world for more than 30 years. Refreshments and complimentary parking will be provided during the open house. Guests will be able to receive a parking pass at any one of the 13 parking dispensers on campus by entering the parking coupon code 5475453 and be able to park in any general space, including at new parking lot "N" located next to the College of Education building. Connie McReynolds, a licensed psychologist and the director of the institute, said participants will have the opportunity to try out neurofeedback. McReynolds, who is a professor of rehabilitation counseling, established the neurofeedback service in 2011. “Neurofeedback works by training the brain to function at its maximum potential, which is similar to the way the body is exercised, toned and maintained,” McReynolds said. “The technology is safe and effective for children and adults. Users will be able to train their attention, decrease anxiety or depression, alleviate chronic pain and lessen behaviors that interfere with living your best life.” Since opening, the institute has worked with more than 500 people from ages 5 to 83. Their clients include: children, who have ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, learning disorders, behavioral disorders; military veterans, who have served in war zones from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, who have PTSD, anxiety, anger, depression and sleep disorders; and individuals who have pain management challenges such as fibromyalgia. Overall, the people who completed the neurofeedback program reported improvements. For children at home and at school there are reports of improvements in attention, memory, focus and behavioral interventions. Veterans reported improved relaxation, decreased anger responses, improved sleep and improved attention and focus, and individuals with pain management challenges reported significant reduction in the need for pain medication. "Neurofeedback has also been helpful in assessing auditory and visual processing disorders that are often missed with the diagnosis of ADHD and that do not typically respond to medication interventions," McReynolds said.