Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/458422
i t i s o f t e n o v e r l o o k e d a s a t re a t m e n t to o l i n l i e u o f a medical approach. "But neurofeedback is non- invasive and safe, and has no side effects," says Abara, who conducts cutting-edge research in the field of neuroscience. "It actually allows the brain to train itself, so improve- ment comes from within." Neurofeedback works, but is not a quick cure. It usually takes at least 20 sessions to see results. Some insurance compa- nies pay for treatments, which cost about $150 each. It can be especially helpful for chil- dren, whose brains are still developing, says Abara. Abara received his bachelor's degree in psychology from CSU Northridge, and went on to earn a master's in psychology and a doctorate in behavioral neurosci- ence from the University at Buffalo. He was initially trained in electro- physiology at UCLA, and returned to Northridge in 2006 as a professor, eventually overseeing the neurosci- ence lab on campus. Before he engages a client in neuro- feedback, Abara does an assessment, inquiring about sleep disturbances, lethargy, migraines, impulse control, and emotional and physical trauma experienced in childhood and adult- hood. This information will help him determine the placement of the elec- trodes for brain areas important for training. For example, a placement on one area of the brain is important for stability, while another sharpens the brain's ability to study or control and regulate emotional outbursts. After the area of the brain needing training is identified, he works on the scalp briefly. "It's helpful to exfoliate the area of the skull and remove dead skin cells to make sure there's a good connection of elec- trodes," says Abara. Next he asks the client to clench his or her jaw, to help evaluate connection. "Our job is to identify a good electrode place- ment on the brain and a frequency where the client feels good," says Abara, who does presentations at conferences nationwide. "With neurofeedback, we capture the brain's electrical activity and feed it into an amplifier, and then it goes to a computer program where the electrical activity is displayed. It is a beautiful dance between the brain, the computer and the screen. And it is a noninvasive treatment that offers respect and sensitivity, and treats the whole person." Wired for suCCess Abara has worked with war veterans and the homeless through his work at Los Angeles Family Housing. Most have responded positively to neurofeed- back sessions he provides. He has also successfully treated clients for "It's fascinating, and it works," says research assistant Ryan Wirt. 11 V O L U M E 1 9 I S S U E 6