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George was referred by his primary care physician to the Peak Performance Institute for treatment for Intermittent Explosive Disorder. George was in his mid-fifties, in his third marriage and reported that he came from an extremely dysfunctional family. He cited a long history of previous therapy, including both inpatient and outpatient individual and group psychotherapy, special workshops and seminars, as well as extensive pharmacotherapeutic intervention.
When I first met George for his initial consultation he told me he was eager to begin Neurotherapy, since he had read about the dramatic results that it offers. He also admitted to feelings of apprehension, even fear, that it might not work for him. He had a sense of desperation about him, and told me that after so many years of therapy, this was his last resort.
The symptoms for which George sought relief included fatigue, worry, feelings of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. He also experienced disrupted interpersonal relationships brought about by his volatile temper and the attacks of rage that seemed to be out of his control. A religious and conscientious individual, George was always embarrassed and remorseful when he lost control of his temper with his wife or with a client. But, despite his best efforts, he had very little control when he felt himself slipping into what he called "a rage attack."
His family history was positive for alcoholism and both of George's parents were verbally and physically abusive. As the eldest of several siblings, George assumed great responsibility at an early age and learned to "stuff" his own feelings while witnessing the violent ragging of his father and grandfather. Despite his sincere efforts over years of psychotherapy with skilled mental health professionals, George complained about not having access to memories of critical periods in his childhood. While he seemed to perseverate on a small number of resentments, and regrets he could not remember other key events and occasions. By his own admission, George sounded like a broken record, playing over and over again the same childhood issues and drawing the same conclusions: that he was a victim and that he would never feel worthy of love. The result was frustration, anger, bitterness and depression with occasional violent outbursts of rage.
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After the diagnostic process was completed, George began an intervention of 30 sessions of Neurotherapy. The initial protocol chosen for George was that of inhibiting lower frequency (Theta) brainwaves while enhancing higher frequency (Alpha and Beta) brainwaves. We also monitored George's distal temperature and electrodermal response (EDR). After 15 sessions, we began single Hz band training to reward a single Hz band in the Alpha range. Concurrently, George participated in weekly sessions of individual psychotherapy and weekly sessions of group psychotherapy with a therapist trained in working with persons from dysfunctional backgrounds.
After five sessions George reported feeling calmer, more centered and relaxed. During he next few weeks he noticed that he could retrieve memories from childhood that had before been out of reach. There were sessions during which he cried like a small child, grieving lost moments and feeling the emotions he had "stuffed" as a young boy. This application of EEG Neurotherapy as a tool to facilitate other traditional therapies had been highly effective.
By the end of Neurotherapy treatment, George was clearly more in charge of his emotions. He seemed much less tense and was more pleasant to be around. He reported a clarity and self-awareness which helped him detach from the impulse to rage. His wife and family reported that they had seen a dramatic change. Neurotherapy had served the purpose of helping George alter his brainwaves so that he could focus, face the truth, regain lost memories and deal with the actual issues which had laid buried within him for many years. There was still much healing to be done and George continued with both group and individual therapy for several months. For him, Neurotherapy served the purpose of helping him gain mental focus and improve his sense of well-being while working through emotional issues that were very painful. |
