LENS Neurofeedback Therapy
About LENS
LENS Neurofeedback, or Low Energy Neurofeedback System, is a form of neurofeedback therapy that aims to help individuals regulate their brain function and improve symptoms related to various conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD. Some potential benefits of LENS Neurofeedback include improved focus and attention, reduced stress and anxiety, better sleep quality, enhanced mood regulation, and overall cognitive enhancement.
Many individuals experience challenges in their daily lives that originate in the brain through various means. Prolonged periods of high stress can disrupt sleep patterns, energy levels, and mood. Mild traumatic brain injuries resulting from incidents like car accidents or sports injuries may lead to difficulties with memory, attention span, and potentially induce depression. Exposure to chemicals, such as those used in chemotherapy, can impact mental clarity, resulting in a phenomenon known as "chemo brain." Issues with focus, concentration, and attention may be associated with psychiatric conditions or sleep deprivation.
While medication is often considered a solution, it may not always be the most suitable option. The Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) was developed in the early 1990s by Len Ochs, PhD, a psychologist based in northern California. LENS serves as an alternative to medication for addressing brain-related challenges and is frequently used in conjunction with psychotherapy. This computer-based software program is linked to an EEG box, which measures brainwaves. LENS directly stimulates biochemical changes believed to assist the brain in self-regulation.
The brain functions as both a biochemical and bioelectrical system. While medication targets the chemical system, LENS focuses on the electrical system. Conceptually, LENS aids the brain in rebooting, much like optimizing a malfunctioning computer. LENS is comparably safe and effective as traditional neurofeedback but operates more swiftly, ultimately saving time and resources.
Who can benefit?
We all know individuals who are rigid and inflexible. Maybe we would even say that people have said that about us. We get stuck in patterns of thinking and feeling that make us down-right miserable, and yet change seems impossible. We can feel like we are stuck in overdrive - never being able to wind down. Others may feel the opposite - perpetually shut down emotionally and physically, with a sad, downcast appearance, low energy, and minimal interaction with others.
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These patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving are both psychological and physiological. Releasing suppression and reducing excess activity in the brain allows the person to begin to feel that change is possible, so they can begin to make new choices and form new habits. Psychotherapy combined with LENS neurofeedback treatment is optimal in these cases. LENS helps make the brain more flexible and therapy provides the support and coaching for how to make changes and develop new patterns in how we deal with our thoughts and emotions.
What does the LENS machine do?
LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback) machines read electrical signals from the body and reflect the same signal back to disrupt just the current process in your central nervous system. The analogy used by Ochs Labs (the creator of the LENS machine) is that LENS essentially holds a mirror up to your central nervous system, this disrupts the automatic reaction your central nervous system is having and starts the process of reorganization.
How long is a typical LENS neurofeedback session?
LENS begins with an initial evaluation that takes 50 minutes. After that, a typical lens session is only 15 to 25 minutes.
How many sessions of LENS neurofeedback will I need?
Every person is different. Many clients begin seeing improvements in the days after their first session, and they typically reach their goals in anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions.
What types of challenges has LENS been found to potentially help with?
LENS primarily targets disorders in the central nervous system. These could include symptoms of: anxiety and depression, OCD, traumatic brain injury, damage from concussions, PTSD, headaches and migraines, PMS, tinnitus and more.
What types of challenges has LENS been found to potentially help with?
LENS primarily targets disorders in the central nervous system. These could include symptoms of: anxiety and depression, OCD, traumatic brain injury, damage from concussions, PTSD, headaches and migraines, PMS, tinnitus and more.
Is LENS a replacement for professional psychotherapy?
No. When you are receiving your LENS application there will be no similarities to psychotherapy. The technician will ask general questions about your weekly results and adjust the machine accordingly. We like to think of each person’s healing as a layered system. We have found that LENS pairs well with other modalities such as: psychotherapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), chiropractic work, physical therapy, acupuncture, etc.
Is everyone a good fit for LENS neurofeedback?
No. While most people should see positive results from LENS, there are certain exceptions. Our professional counselor who conducts our initial phone calls and intake sessions will be able to determine if LENS is a good fit for you at this time.ent Desensitization and Reprocessing), chiropractic work, physical therapy, acupuncture, etc.
How long until I will notice changes in my central nervous system?
Our clients have reported positive changes as early as after the first session. We usually see changes by the 4th session. Everyone is different and depending on the person’s situation changes might occur later.
What is the difference between traditional and LENS neurofeedback?
Traditional neurofeedback is a learning model. The idea is to retrain or re-teach your brain how to function more efficiently. Typically, you are sitting in front of a computer for 45 minutes to an hour while the screen darkens or brightens depending on your brain’s functioning. This needs to happen between 3 and 4 times a week over the course of a few months.
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LENS neurofeedback is an interruptive model. The idea is to interrupt your central nervous system so that it can self-correct. As stated previously, this is typically a once or sometimes twice a week session lasting between 15 and 25 minutes
What does LENS neurofeedback feel like?
LENS applications are very gentle. Clients report an increased feeling of calm, lowered anxiety, and tingling. Also, clients often feel that there is some nebulous change that that cannot reliably describe.
Is the procedure covered by insurance?
It is not. We are not paneled with any insurance companies and insurance does not cover neurofeedback typically.