A Personal Story of How LENS Neurofeedback Can Help with Chronic Anxiety
Introduction
Last year, I met Sarah, a young professional in her late twenties who had been grappling with overwhelming anxiety for years. Despite her impressive achievements and supportive network, Sarah’s life was a constant battle against the invisible weight of anxiety. Her days were filled with an unrelenting sense of dread, her nights plagued by insomnia. She often woke up feeling more exhausted than when she went to bed.
Sarah’s anxiety permeated every aspect of her life. At work, she struggled to focus and meet deadlines, despite her capabilities and dedication. Meetings became a source of immense stress, causing her to avoid speaking up or sharing her ideas. Her performance reviews reflected her anxiety, noting her potential yet highlighting her inconsistency and frequent sick days due to anxiety-induced ailments.
Her personal life was equally affected. Sarah's relationships with family and friends suffered as she often canceled plans last minute, overwhelmed by the thought of social interactions. Her family worried about her well-being, noticing the drastic change in her once vibrant and outgoing personality. Sarah’s friends started to drift away, not understanding her struggles and feeling hurt by her perceived disinterest.
Traditional therapy and medication offered some relief, but the side effects were taxing and the results inconsistent. Sarah felt stuck in a cycle of temporary fixes without any lasting solution. Desperate for a change, she began searching for alternative treatments. This search led her to discover LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System), a decision that would profoundly impact her journey with anxiety.
The Turning Point
Sarah's experience is not uncommon. Many people face similar challenges, feeling trapped by anxiety that seems to have no clear solution. To be honest, most of my clients I treat have anxiety as a major component to their scope of issues. LENS neurofeedback offers a promising alternative, to the standard medical approach which use drugs to help the symptoms. Although, LENS has been around for over 30 years, yet it remains relatively unknown. LENS utilizes gentle, low-energy signals to stimulate and regulate brain activity. Unlike traditional neurofeedback, which relies on conscious effort and feedback, LENS works passively, making it easier, faster and more comfortable for my clients.
Understanding LENS Neurofeedback
LENS neurofeedback is based on the principle that the brain, like any other organ, can heal and optimize itself when given the right conditions. This unique software driven technology, delivers very subtle electromagnetic pulses along with a subset of a person’s own brainwaves. This action influences the nervous system to make changes in real time. LENS helps the brain to 'reset' and break out of maladaptive patterns. This process works quickly to enhance brain function, improve self-regulation, and reduce symptoms of anxiety.
When Sarah first started LENS neurofeedback, she was skeptical but hopeful. Her sessions involved sitting comfortably while small electrodes were placed on her scalp. These electrodes measured her brainwaves and for only a couple of seconds, delivered precise low-energy feedback tailored to her unique brain activity. Her treatments were relaxing and fast, often taking only a few minutes. The treatments really seemed to quiet her mind and still her thoughts.
But it was once we started working on Sarah’s body with LENS, that she began to notice even a deeper sense of physical relaxation and calm. Sarah even stated, “That after all the years of trying every kind of therapy out there for my anxiety. This is the most effective and comprehensive.”
The Journey to Relief
After just a few sessions, Sarah began to notice subtle changes. Her sleep improved, and she felt less reactive to stress. Over time, the overwhelming sense of dread diminished, and she found herself more capable of handling daily challenges. The beauty of LENS neurofeedback is that it doesn't require conscious effort during sessions; the brain does the work naturally, promoting long-lasting changes.
Sarah's experience is supported by a growing body of research indicating the effectiveness of LENS neurofeedback for anxiety. Studies have shown significant reductions in anxiety symptoms, improved emotional regulation, and enhanced overall well-being. This non-invasive, drug-free approach offers a safe alternative for those seeking to manage their anxiety without the side effects associated with medication.
Conclusion
Sarah's journey with LENS neurofeedback highlights the potential for this innovative therapy to bring relief to those struggling with anxiety. By gently guiding the brain towards optimal functioning, LENS neurofeedback can help individuals regain control, improve their quality of life, and find peace in their everyday lives. I just wish more people knew about it.
-A Balanced Brain is a Better Brain for a Happier Life-