Q - My husband was recently hospitalized for a manic episode and then tentaviely diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder with Mania. He is 37 years old. We have always been quite leary of being on any kind of medication and live a healthy lifetstyle so this was really out of the blue. He hates the medication he is on becasue it makes him feel very groggy and out-of-it. Although he is on a very low dose- the doctors have told him he will be taking it forever. Can the treatments you offer be used to eventually get off anti-psychotic medication like Zyprexa?
A - The clients we see who have been diagnosed as "bi-polar" have many different patterns of brain inefficiencies. So, the diagnosis is not helpful in that it does not offer any indications for treatment. Typically, a variety of medications are tried until one is found that offers some relief or the client becomes sedated as seems the case with your husband. This problem is compounded in children where the "bi-polar" diagnosis has become popular. All symptoms are associated with brain inefficiencies. Since the inefficiencies differ in terms of magnitude, location, and number, clients with the same diagnosis often show markedly different symptom patterns. In other words, the diagnosis is irrelevant. The preferred method for treatment is to do a functional brain assessment to determine the exact nature of the pattern of brainwave inefficiencies. Then, treatment proceeds by normalizing brainwave activity thereby reducing and/or eliminating the symptoms associated with those inefficiencies. Coincident with the neurotherapeutic treatment clients are usually engaged in some adjunctive treatment to correct cognitive and behavioral difficulties that the client has acquired as a result the brain inefficiency. If the brain activity associated with the symptom is corrected then the symptom remits and obviously the client need not continue on the dangerous drugs. The idea that clients need to be medicated forever is simply wrong - most can titrate off the medications as their brain functions normalize. |
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Q - My 83 year old mother is suffering from very frightening hallucinations at night time. She lives alone, in Brisbane, Australia, but of course is convinced these hallucinations are "real" and has been calling the police quite frequently. She has been given ECT a number of times over the years to treat her clinical depression and is actually on lithium as well. Although she denies it, we are certain she has bipolar disorder, despite the fact that I have never actually known her to become manic - only deeply depressed. As well, she has also suffered from OCD in conjunction with her depression. Living all these miles away in Vancouver, how can I convince her she needs to seek psychiatric help for these hallucinations when she becomes hostile if anyone even hints that the problem is in her mind? Do you know of any neurotherapy practitioners in Brisbane? Thanks for any help you can offer.
A - It is often very difficult to encourage the elderly to pursue treatment. Psychological treatment for some of these folks carries a stigma, they are unfamiliar with the newer therapeutic technologies, and admitting to needing help may open the frightening possibility that they are "losing it." I usually introduce the treatment in the context of optimal performance/peak functioning training. I tell them that as we get older we experience age-related declines in brain efficiency. Fortunately, we have found methods for delaying these declines by applying the same technology that is used by elite athletes. I tell them that the World Cup Soccer champs, the Italian Team, every member of the team did neurotherapy - it was considered their "secret weapon" as reported in the press. I then tell them that an efficient brain, just like an efficient body, has fewer problems so any difficulties she might be experiencing such as poor sleep, low motivation and low energy correct themselves. The conditions that you describe should be treated by an experienced neurotherapist. Unfortunately, I do not know of any certified practitioners in Brisbane. There is a practitioner of general biofeedback (not EEG) listed in NSW but there may be some practitioners in the process of becoming certified. I would contact BCIA (www.BCIA.ORG) by phone and determine if they can recommend a contact person in the area where your mother resides. |
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Q - Often when I shower I see smoke which take the forms of people. I have been seeing this about 13 years since I was about 9. I have been to various doctors who conducted test for different types of disorders including epilepsy but have been unable to come to any conclusion as to what is the matter. About 6 years ago I had one of these incidents and I passed out. The muscles all over my body became rigid for about 1 hour. Usually during an incident I feel a bit confused afraid, sometimes very reaxed. After sometimes a bit tired. I look forward to any response. Kind regards, (name withheld)
A - There are several possible causes of this condition. A seizure disorder is a possibility as is pseudoseizure disorder which is related to emotional trauma. If you experience these episode in a warm shower, structural hypotension is also a possibility. As a first step, I would suggest a full head quantitative EEG to determine if there are any areas of marked inefficiency. Treatment of this condition is likely to include a protocol that we use for seizure disorder, an assessment of physiological reactivity (including blood pressure), and an assessment of any trauma history. However, a full brainmap will be necessary to determine precisely what treatments seem appropriate. |
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Q - My question is, is it normal to have "roller-coaster" emotions after only 4 sessions?
A - In general clients do not experience emotional roller coaster effects. There are exceptions however. If one has experienced emotional trauma in the past, neurotherapy can "release" the emotional content. Clients usually experience an increase in dream activity at this time and are more mindful of the traumatic experience for a few days. This process is very beneficial therapeutically. The neurotherapy has engaged the most effective "psychotherapy" in that the self-regulatory stress processing systems become operative and the client processes the trauma. Often we offer some psychotherapeutic assistance during this process but often clients make out perfectly well on their own. If you are experiencing major emotional effects associated with the neurotherapy you should notify your neurotherapists for advice on processing the emotional content. Successful processing will have very significant therapeutic benefits. |
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Q - I am currently being treated for traumatic stress and suicidal depression. It has caused me to take a leave of absence from my professional degree program of study and am currently on extended disability. I am under the care of a psychiatrist, psychologist and my pastor. I am taking Prozac (with some effect) and Klonipin (which seems to hold me together). We will be changing the medication soon, as I was unable to decrease my dose of Klonipin and rely only on the Prozac. Many of my current symptoms and stresses seem to stem from one core issue developed in my childhood. I was sexually abused as a child by a trusted and loved relative. Even more hurtful, those who should have protected me did nothing. The trauma was repeated in high school with my classmates. I have just begun EFT with my therapist, though I remain skeptical about it's effectiveness. I have been practicing it several times per day, but the mere thought of these issues continues to bring panic and intense emotion. How does your therapy differ from EFT, and what would you recommend to be the most effective treatment?
A - Although we often use EFT, it is not a central component of neurotherapy. Neurotherapy starts from the premise that there are neurological predispositions to conditions such as depression, poor stress tolerance, and emotional volatility. Experience combines with these predispositions to create conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder, depression, severe anxiety, sleep disturbance, severe emotional swings, and the like. Hence our treatment deals with both major components of these problematic conditions. The first step is determine the neurological conditions underlying the problem. This is accomplished with a brainwave assessment (an EEG)to identify the exact nature and location of the neurological anomalies. Neurotherapy corrects these problems in brain functioning. In addition to the neurotherapy, we focus therapeutic attention on the emotional/cognitive/behavioral aspects of the problem. This may include cognitive behavioral therapies, EMIR, AFT, hypnosis, emotional release techniques, bilateral stimulation, experiential psychotherapies, and the like. Brainwave activity associated with exposure to an emotional trauma is corrected relatively early in neurotherapy with the result that the traumatic content is processed. This may simply involve increased dream activity and being more mindful of the traumatic content for a day or so. In very severe cases some form of therapy is appropriate at this time to facilitate the rapid processing of the emotional content. This therapeutic assistance can be any of the above mentioned varieties depending on the nature of the trauma, brain functioning, nature of the traumatic event, etc. As you will note, we do not rely on a single therapeutic method but use many forms of therapy as adjuncts to the neurotherapy. |
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Q - Dr. Swingle, I'm a 54 year old woman that has had a fear of being in a car accident since I was about 16. Over the past year my fear has reached such a high level( I would say a 9) that I'm making excuses so that I don't have to get into a car. I have been seeing a psychologist since April but my anxiety level seems to have gone out of control. I have also taken antidepressents over the years and did completely stop taking them in January and since that time my anxiety has seemed to increase. I'm wondering what suggestions you may have. Thank you for your time. (name withheld)
A - Phobias of this nature are not uncommon. They are usually associated with some inefficiencies in brain functioning (particularly the areas associated with calming). In addition there are usually other precipitating factors as well that are responsible for how the fear and anxiety manifest in a specific set of behaviors (in your case, fear of riding in automobiles). Medications don't work very well for these conditions other than sedation which has other negative effects on intellectual functioning, mood and the like. The procedure we use is very straight forward. First we correct the brain inefficiencies that predispose towards anxiety, fear, phobia, poor stress tolerance and the like. We then address the specific behavior such as you fear of automobiles and any related fears you may manifest. The success rate for treatment of these conditions with psychoneurophysiology is excellent. First step is to have a brainwave assessment (EEG) to determine the exact nature and location of the brain inefficiencies. We then proceed to correct these brain problems and then desensitize you to the conditions that evoke your phobic/fear reactions. |
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Q - I would like to know what are your rates and what is the waiting period to book an appoitment. Thank you.
A - The cost of the initial basic intake brain assessment is $180 CDN and the subsequent treatments average about $105 each. For a full head brainmap, used for traumatic brain injury, stroke, seizure disorders and the like the cost of the intake assessment varies from $450 to about $650 depending on the level of analyses required. For severe problems such as debilitating post traumatic stress disorder a few sessions at higher levels of service may be required that vary from $120 to $155 per session. All the expenses are covered under extended medical policies up to your cap and what is not covered is a tax deductible medical expense. The waiting time for the basic intake (95% of our clients initiate treatment with the basic intake) is about two months. For brain injury conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and epilepsy the waiting time is usually under three weeks. |
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Q - I am currently doing the Pace program with my son who is 8 years old. They are now reccomending me to change to Samonas. This is all rather costly and I'm losing confidence that we are going in the right direction. Are you familiar with the Pace program or Samonas? Are we wasting our time with either of these programs? Thank You.
A - Both of these programs have merit, but it depends are the reasons you are using them. In general, we find that these programs as well as tutorial programs in general are most useful AFTER the child has had some neurotherapy to correct brain inefficiencies. Tutoring, for example, if markedly more useful when the child is no longer struggling with neurological problems. Often with neurotherapy, these programs are not required at all. The Samonos program is less effective as compared with neurotherapy which is far more efficient. It sounds from your question that the Pace has not been very effective. It may be that your child has some neurological inefficiencies that are not readily corrected by Pace. If that is the case I would also doubt that Samonas would be much better. The most efficient system is to have a brain assessment to determine exactly what inefficiencies are causing the problems and correct those with neurotherapy. Adjunctive supportive treatments often include sound programs and/or tutoring but after the child is able to benefit from these programs because the brain inefficiencies have been corrected. The harmonics we use in my clinic have been designed to influence specific brain activity at specific sites. We prescribe these harmonic after it has been determined with brainwave assessments that the harmonics do, in fact, show brainwave changes. If you just wish to use a harmonic that will help with focus, Omni (available at soundhealthproducts.com , is very helpful. |
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Q - My Son, wife and I are currently coming in for treatment. My son will be starting a trial of the medication Accutane, a powerful vitamin A treatment for acne. Will the use of this medication affect his current treatments at Swingle and Associates? (name witheld)
A - For most conditions, Accutane will not adversly affect neurotherapeutic treatment. There is some evidence of Accutane being associated with mood disorders. You may wish to review the FDA patient information sheet located online at http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infosheets/patient/IsotretinoinPIS.pdf |
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Q - Hello, My son has a problem with learning.He has never been diagnosed with ADD or other disoder. Probably the problem is that our family made two immigrations and our son changed many schools. It was bulling and different stuff and I think he wasn't able to concentrate on his studies.He was worry one.He has excellent marks at the beginning and started to read first from others in the class. Then he had back problem,doctors couldn't diagnose him,they said everything OK.He couldn't walk,stayed at home,didn't go to school,became depressed as he was isolated.Now he is in a better health,going to GYM,but doesn't know what to do,low self-esteem.Can't go back to school,saying that I never liked to study and wasn't good in it,which is not true. His father also was controling and critisizing. I want that our son will find himself and will sturt to study.I've encouraged him to go to psycologist,but he never wanted to go,he wants to do everything by himself and he will be in September 20years old.He did work a few months with his father,but didn't like that job and wants to find something,but I don't know when.It's hard for him to start anything especcially he doesn't have a high school diploma.Parents both have Masters degree. I don't know where and how to find any help.It's happened to him at age 16.I was helping and supporting him always,but he needs to want to do thing by himself,I can only suggest. He wants to do something interesting in life,but can't find.He says,when I'll find something what I like I will go to study.From one side,from other side -I'm not good with studies,I have ADD. So,probably if he says that he needs to be diagnosed,but he doesn't want to go anywhere. Teachers always told me that he is very good with writing,writing poems;speaking,he should go to broadcasting.He did like to write,but now nothing.Only different interests on internet and he really knows a lot in different subjects. Please suggest something if you can. Many regards and thank you in advance, (name withheld)
A - We see many clients with backgrounds similar to that of your son. As you suggest, there appear to be several problems contributing to his difficulty in finding himself. He probably has some learning difficulty, perhaps one of the many forms of ADHD. His moving around during his formative years probably also contributed to feelings of insecurity and perhaps he isolated somewhat from peers thereby reducing social learning that takes place with peer interaction. Bullying is extremely serious and can have major negative effects on a child's development and capacity for learning. Bullying often results in emotional trauma that affects a brainwave associated with ability to retain information. All of this is speculative, of course, and the only way to definitively determine the exact nature of the problem is to do a brain assessment. The assessment will identify the brain areas that are problematic that can then be corrected with neurotherapy. When dealing with young adults with these problems, such as ADHD, we also have problems with self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, depression, and the like resulting from long experience with untreated learning disorders and the legacy of the bullying. Hence, in addition to some neurotherapy to correct the brain inefficiencies some behavioural therapy would be needed to help correct the psychological problems. Some career counselling is usually also recommended to help the young adult find a career path. First step is to make an appointment with a licensed and certified neurotherapists and have a brain assessment to determine the exact nature of the neurological difficulties. |
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Q - I've sent e-mail and asked to sent back to my e-mail address. I've just wanted to know how long approximately it takes to get an answer. Much appreciated. (name withheld)
A - The turn-around time for inquiries depends on the web-traffic and availability of a therapist to respond to the specific inquiry. Response time is usually just a few days. |
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Q - Is your technique effective for compulsive eaters who also suffer from depression and anxiety?
A - Eating disorders are difficult to treat because the behaviour is linked to a life sustaining activity. Other "addictions" like alcohol and gambling can be markedly reduced or totally eliminated but this, of course, is not a option in the treatment of eating. Behavioural therapies are used to develop healthy eating habit patterns but these patterns are also linked to neurological conditions. The conditions associated with the eating disorder are also often related to anxiety and/or depression. So the first treatments are focused on anxiety and depression. There are several neurological conditions that are related to the various forms of anxiety and depression so the first step is to do a brain assessment to determine the exact nature and location of the neurological condition. Eating disorders are also often related to emotional trauma so this too would be addressed in therapy. Neurotherapy is very efficient in the treatment of anxiety and depression and when combined with behavioural therapy and therapy to deal with trauma it is very effective for eating disorders as well. |
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Q - My husband , who had a stroke two years ago, has aphasia as well as seizures. Can you help him with these conditions?
A - There have been significant advances in the neurotherapeutic treatment of these conditions. We have had considerable success in the treatment of seizure disorders. As you may know, the treatment of drug resistant epilepsy was one of the first applications of neurotherapy. Since then, there have been improvements and refinements in our treatment methods and we treat many seizure disorders and other non-voluntary movement disorders. The symptoms of aphasia vary considerable from patient to patient. Some find mild difficulty in finding words, others cannot speak at all, and others may lack the capability to understand other's speech. The treatment of these conditions are guided by data obtained from a full brain quantitative EEG. This assessment procedure allows neurotherapists to see in detail how the brain is malfunctioning. Aphasia usually is associated with problems in brain site to brain site interactions (coherence) that can be corrected or improved with neurotherapy. Thus, the first step is to obtain a full brain assessment to determine the exact nature of the disorder. In general, neurotherapy has been very successful in helping with these conditions. |
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Q - Do you work with or have you ever helped someone with environmental sensitivities? While reactions to something like perfume likely comes to mind, I have a couple of friends who seem to have hyper sensitivities & find themselves reacting to numerous "things in the air", often which take a long time to track down exactly what the source is. One of them was in hospital, was diagnosed with various problems (diabetes, dementia...), but the friend says that no, most if not all of the symptoms have root causes in the same kind of environmental sensitivities that he suffers from, and that the hospital diagnoses are wrong, or at least lacking, because they don't even acknowledge the eco. sensitivities let alone the extent that it can wreak havoc with the body. Taking a step back, these people have found that the regular medical establishment dismisses or ignores what they feel are serious effects from eco-sensitivities. Having suffered from it for years, they are running out of options, trust, patience, etc. What is your opinion of this scenario? If you feel they are off-base, please be forthright. If you feel they are basically correct but you don't handle this, can you recommend someone?
A - We treat many clients with sensitivities. Often these clients have been exposed to toxins that have caused some slowing of frontal lobe brainwave activity. A condition that looks a bit like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. The treatment for sensitivities emerged when clients (and parents of clients) started to report benefits in terms of allergic reactions and sensitivities after certain forms of neurotherapy that were being administered for quite different reasons. There appears to be three major areas of brainwave activity implicated in these hyper reactive clients. These include frontal slowing, a deficiency of brainwave activity associated with calming at the back of the brain and a similar deficiency in an area associated with body quiescence. The slowing of the frontal regions associated with these sensitivities can cause significant cognitive problems (fibromyalgia clients refer to this as "fibrofog") including conditions often diagnosed as dementia. The first step in the treatment of these conditions is to do a brain assessment (QEEG) to determine the exact nature and location of the problem(s). Clients generally report improvement in their condition after a few treatments so they know that they are on the correct treatment path. |
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Q - My question is about downloading your products to either an ipod or mp3 player. I use an apple ipod for all my music with a docking station speaker system. If I download your cd products to my ipod will they still work as well...apple ipods change the music to their type of music files. I also have a regular mp3 player that i could be used instead. Or do I have to play them on my cd player. Other question is..if I can use an mp3 player then if I copy the file several times to listen to it on one playlist will that work ? thanks (name withheld)
A - Our CD's work best over headphones, but also have benefits played quietly over speakers. The speakers in your Ipod docking station may or may not be adequate to play the harmonics, we recommend staying away from the "multimedia" size speaker systems. Downloading to the iPod works fine, but do NOT use the default conversion in Itunes, which is MP3. You will need to go into your iTunes preferences, and under "importing"-"advanced" set it to Aiff or Wav. This is for CD product. Our downloadable product is already in AIFF format, and will not convert to mp3 on import to iTunes. If you have lots of room on your ipod, you can put the full track on it, however we can provide a shortened version of the file on request. The main thing is, not to convert to Mp3, the embedded harmonics will be degraded. An iPod can play mp3, wav, aiff, and aac formats. Putting your chosen files into a playlist should also be fine, on any portable music player, as long as they are not converted to MP3. |
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