Combining Psychotherapy / Counseling and Neurofeedback / NeurOptimal

– Options give us the opportunity to learn more about our inborn self-healing and self-regulating abilities and to experience hope

As a licensed mental health therapist (Mark Liu, M.A., LMFT), I work with clients for different issues that range in severity. One thing that greatly frustrates me is that medication is often their only option for quicker symptom relief. There are problems associated with this option:

1. Medication itself is not a cure; the symptoms will most likely return when the medication is stopped. The resulting concern is long-term cost and dependency.
2. There are short-term side effects (weight increase, dull feeling and decreasing sex desire, etc.) as well as other troubling unknown long-term side effects (e.g. ADD drug Cylert was believed to cause liver damage and other problems).
3. It may be a dead end for clients who do not want to take medications for their unique reasons.

On one hand, I understand that medications may provide—relatively speaking—quicker relief if it works (sometimes it does not work at all). On the other hand, it can lead to the problems listed above. Counseling is essential for a profound in-depth recovery, but it does take time. Therefore, I have searched for other good alternatives to medications. I believe that having options (with long-lasting outcomes) provide us with a sense of hope and to learn more about our larger self (including fascinating in-born self-healing/self-regulating abilities in body and mind domains). The benefits of having more options recommended for clients can be illustrated in incorporating acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy:

• Couples counseling can be complicated by the fact that if one of the spouses has ADHD, which is often undiagnosed until they begin to see me. They come to me for the marital discord on the surface, not knowing that ADHD has played a big part in their relationship difficulties. While their relationship is in crisis, I have found that from time to time acupuncture is a safe and effective option. It can be used to reduce that spouse’s irritability, poor focus, impulsivity and sleep issues in a relatively quick manner, which contributes directly to the effectiveness of couple counseling.

• In my individual counseling practice, based on the understanding that body and mind connects, I have been using acupuncture as adjunctive therapy to treat client’s body-related issues and have seen good results that benefit the mind-dominated counseling intervention.

Incorporating NeurOptimal-Neurofeedback as another Adjunctive Modality in Our Team-Based and Outcome-Based Counseling Practice

Neurofeedback-NeurOptimal (NF-NO) is an alternative I discovered about 3+ years ago when I met with an experienced and well-established local psychologist who has been practicing Neurofeedback for more than 20 years.  In the beginning, I asked the same question as I did about acupuncture, “If it is this good, why don’t people know about it?”  I found that both acupuncture and neurofeedback have something in common—they both facilitate “self-healing”:utilizing an individual’s own inborn ability.

I developed more and more interest as I studied further including reading a book, “A Symphony in the Brain” by Jim Robbins. I became convinced and even started to refer my clients to this Psychologist for Neurofeedback trainings and saw good outcome. Starting recently, I decided to include Neurofeedback as another adjunctive modality into my counseling practice.

Why did I choose NF-NO among all the other neurofeedback devices on the market?

After an extensive feasibility study, I chose Zengar Institute’s NeurOptimal Trainer among all available neurofeedback approaches based on following reasons:

1. It self-corrects (self-optimizes) and is safe and effective:

NF-NO is completely non-invasive and is designed to work with the brain as a non-linear dynamical system. It does not “push” (forcefully tell) the brain to do any kind of protocol for intervention. Without a protocol, there is no side effect.  NF-NO “simply” provides the brain information, like a mirror, about how inefficient and inappropriate it is in real time.  The brain then uses this information to organize or to self-correct utilizing its own ability.   In brief, the NeurOptimal training allows the brain to adapt naturally (brain is considered as a non-linear system) without being manipulated as compared with other traditional Neurofeedback modalities (brain is considered as a linear system). As a result, the brain functions more efficiently.

As a non-linear neurofeedback model, NF-NO training does not diagnose or treat(a linear medical model-based term) any specific disorder; it works by training (a non-linear system term) the brain as a whole, through brain “mirroring”, instead of treating a “disorder” in the brain. A certain “disorder” is not the target.  Instead, the target is optimal condition of the brain (flexibility and resilience). It allows the brain to determine—by itself—what needs to be adjusted (including issues and intensity, frequency and duration of the issues).

Based on many clinical observations, often sleep improvement is the first change that surfaces. Other improvements that follow include:

• An easier time focusing
• Dealing with problems in a calmer manner
• Better management of difficult issues arising from ADHD, PTSD, Autism
• Feeling happier
• Feeling less irritable

Even though NF-NO “does not treat disorders, many issues are managed and improved as a result of the brain system becoming more plastic and resilient by interacting with a non-linear based NeurOptimal.” When a more optimal brain is reached (meaning the brain functions more efficiently), many symptoms within a “disorder” (a construct of symptoms) are improved.

From my research and personal experience, NF-NO is the only one, among all the Neurofeedback models, that does this.

2. NF-NO is cost effective:

• NF-NO does not require a diagnosis like other neurofeedback systems; the cost for the Brain Map (such as QEEG) is not present.
• Because there is no risk of side effects (as compared to other neurofeedback approaches), the chance that clients will want to stop the process due to discomfort is much lower.
• It is likely less expensive than medication(s) in long term for mental health issues.

The wisdom behind the larger-self:

The discovery of NF-NO and acupuncture provides another tool to bridge the body and mind (brain) which ultimately increases counseling effectiveness. I am excited to witness this fascinating inborn self-healing /self-regulating abilities that exists in our body and brain and, particularly, to witness God’s wisdom behind those abilities.

More Resources

• Combining Counseling / Psychotherapy and Neurofeedback – NeurOptimal
• NeurOptimal / Neurofeedback Blog
• NeurOptimal / Neurofeedback Videos
• NeurOptimal / Neurofeedback Research
• Neurofeedback / NeurOptimal Explore
• NeurOptimal® Survey
• NeurOptimal and Neurofeedback Resources

Tender Rock Counseling / Acupuncture / Neurofeedback
– Non Profit Organization | Counselors with Christian Faith,
Bellevue / Redmond / Eastside, Washington

God-Validation in Counseling

Validation brings closeness and intimacy in our relationship with other people and within us.  Lacking it inevitably causes disconnection and loneliness.

As counselors, we assist clients by providing two kinds of validations (validation of others and self-validation) through empathy, reminders, facilitating awareness, teaching, coaching, etc.

Other-validation:

Seeking validation from others is something that we have been familiar with throughout our life.  It is a crucial need to be witnessed and acknowledged by the people around us.  A child wearing a superman costume shouting, “Mommy, look at me.  I am a superman!” while jumping from one chair to another is one form of reflecting our need of other-validation.  It is the same need in a conflict with our spouse that drives us to try so hard for our spouse to understand our inner world so that we feel understood. As a result, when validation is received from other people, we feel hopeful and sense loved.

Self-validation:

While other-validation is deeply connected with our need to be heard, known, and felt deeply, what would happen when we live our life depending heavily on other-validation? What about when other-validation is lacking in our lives?  When this occurs, we often notice that people become detached, resentful, and perhaps, unknowingly invite abuse into their lives. As a result, people become sick and are likely to self-medicate with addictive behaviors and other harmful automatic thoughts.

Consequently, knowingly or unknowingly, most of us (adults and children) develop another kind of validation—self-validation—when other-validation is lacking.  We tell ourselves, “You can do it” when we are scared and “I am lovable” when we feel unworthy. Self-validation can work well as a second-line of defense when other-validation is absent. However, there are also drawbacks such as excessive practicing (going above the threshold) self-validation may lead to narcissism, isolation, and destructive behaviors including addictions.

God-validation in counseling:

Validation is about our identity and the existence of self.  Both self-validation and other-validation are useful (if not done excessively) but may not go very far or last in the long-term because the provision is often not sufficient, not consistent and often conditional. The biggest drawback is that both of the validations mostly connect with the “learned identities” (in terms of worldly images, values, beliefs, etc. that are associated with different roles) instead of the “original identity” (images that were created in God’s image).  In my opinion, the long-lasting and true healing is only achieved by God-validation, which brings reconciliation and intimacy with God (John 4:13-14).

Author :  Mark Liu  M.A., LMFT

Mental Health Counseling Services in Bellevue WA

 

 

Tender Rock Counseling Center providers different types of Mental Health Counseling services and Acupuncture Treatment : 

Practice Areas

• Anxiety and depression counseling service
• Adolescent behavioral issues counseling
• Couples/ Marriage relationship counseling service
• Trauma (sexual, physical and emotional) counseling service
• Personality Issues counseling
• Communication and relational issues counseling
• Family counseling service (including blended family)
• Parenting coaching/ counseling service
• Child and adolescent counseling services
• Grief and life transition counseling service
• PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) counseling service
• Children Autism, Asperger & ADHD counseling service
• Eating disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, and disordered eating) counseling service
• Sexual abuse counseling
• Acupuncture & Pain Management (Naprapathy & Massage Therapy)

Specialties

• Mindfulness-based anxiety management
• Adult women sexually abused in childhood
• Child, adolescent and adult trauma
• Child, adolescent attachment-related issues
• Post adoption child & family therapy
• Animal assisted play therapy
• Expressive therapy
• Foster care transition child & family therapy
• Couple/ Marriage relationship counseling service
• Interracial marriage/couple counseling service
• Hypnotherapy (Hypnosis) counseling service
• Children adoption-related issues
• Acupuncture & Pain Management (Naprapathy & Massage Therapy)

Original website:http://www.tenderrockcounseling.org/bellevue/counseling-services-bellevue-washington/

• To get more resources, visit and Like us on Tender Rock Counseling Facebook Page

Tender Rock Counseling Center & Acupuncture Clinic
- Non Profit Organization | Counselors with Christian Faith
Bellevue / Factoria / Eastside, Washington

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Mental Health Counseling Services – Have Mental Health Counseling Services needs? Tender Rock Counseling Center providers different types of Mental Health Counseling services in Bellevue, WA.

Tender Rock Counseling Center & Acupuncture Clinic( Non-Profit Organization | Counselors with Christian Faith ) in Bellevue / Factoria / Eastside / Seattle WA 98006, providers different types of Mental Health Counseling Services and Acupuncture Treatment by Christian Therapists and Christian Counselors. Our Counseling and Acupuncture therapy services include Marriage Counseling, Family Counseling, Interracial Marriage Counseling, Couples Counseling , Individual Counseling, Grief & Life Transition Counseling, Parenting Counseling, Relationship Counseling, Depression Treatment and Counseling, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counseling, Abuse Counseling, Anxiety Counseling, Child Therapist (Children Counseling), Teens/ Adolescents, Adults, Elders Counseling, Trauma Counseling, Childhood Trauma Counseling, Adoption Counseling, Attachment Counseling, Autism Counseling, Stress Management Counseling, Acupuncture, Divorce Counseling, Sexual Abuse Counseling, Grief & Loss Counseling, Anxiety and Depression Counseling, Chinese American Counseling, Eating Disorder Treatment / Eating Disorders Counseling, Disordered Eating Counseling, Bulimia Counseling/ Anorexia Counseling, Self-Harming Counseling, ADHD Counseling, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Counseling, Suicide Counseling, Acupuncture Treatment (Pain Management, Naprapathy, Chinese Massage (Tui Na Massage), Herbal consultation) and Mental Health Counseling in Bellevue / Factoria / Eastside / Seattle WA 98006.( Tender Rock Counseling Center & Acupuncture Bellevue Clinic, Non-Profit Organization | Counselors with Christian Faith.)

Tender Rock Counseling Center & Acupuncture Bellevue Clinic ( Non-Profit Organization | Counselors with Christian Faith ) in Bellevue / Factoria / Eastside / Seattle, WA 98006 is Christ-centered counseling center, although all the therapists associated with Tender Rock Counseling Center & Acupuncture Bellevue Clinic share similar Christian values, they will provide services to people of all religions, ethnicities, genders, ages, and cultural backgrounds.
To schedule an appointment with Christian Therapists for Mental Health Counseling services and Acupuncture Treatment, or to obtain additional information about Mental Health Counseling services and Acupuncture, please contact Tender Rock Counseling Center & Acupuncture Bellevue Clinic, in Bellevue / Factoria / Eastside / Seattle WA 98006. ( Non-Profit Organization | Counselors with Christian Faith)

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Mental Health Counseling Jobs in Bellevue / Factoria / Eastside Washington – Counselor Jobs, Employment in Washington | Tender Rock Counseling Center & Acupuncture Bellevue Clinic (Non-Profit Organization | Counselors with Christian Faith) job opening for Counselors / Therapists? Are you a professional Christian Counselor / Therapist? Welcome to join us – Tender Rock Counseling Jobs (Non-Profit Organization | Christian Counselors)

To schedule an appointment for Mental Health Counseling Services, or to obtain additional information about Mental Health Counseling services, please contact Tender Rock Counseling Center & Acupuncture Bellevue Clinic, in Bellevue / Factoria / Eastside / Seattle WA 98006. ( Non-Profit Organization | Counselors with Christian Faith)