Welcome to a new year.

January 15, 2015 in Food for Thought

We have a new website, a new look and new services, including support groups for LGBTQ teens and adults & parents who have special needs children.  Our commitment to utilizing the most current research to inform our treatment planning remains the same.  The past year has seen some amazing leaps in our understanding of how our brain functions and why it fails to function, as well as some very promising data on new treatment options.

It is becoming clear that the use of brain imaging techniques should become a given for people that experiencing brain based complaints which include many people that seek counseling services.  There are multiple types of imaging, not all of which require a doctor's order to complete.  Most people have heard of fMRIs and CT scans, in addition, there are PET scans, SPECT scans, QEEGs, MEG , NIRS (or DOI). We work with a neuropsychiatrist in order to get this imaging done when the circumstances indicate a need for more information.  It would be routine if not for the cost and the fact that insurance so frequently refuses to cover it.

It is also becoming clear that an over reliance on drugs is leaving many people feeling no relief, coping with problematic side effects and feeling like it is somehow their fault that the medication doesn't work. For many, changes in diet, activity level and regular social contact would work better.  These things, as well as others, produce measurable change in brain function.

Brain change is what it is all about.  Every thought, action, and experience produces changes in the brain.  Most of the time we pay little attention to this and the process of change is undirected and chaotic.  We develop bad habits, of which we may not be aware until they create serious problems in our lives.  Using new science and old wisdom, we can take charge of the process of brain change to improve how we feel and how we function. Let us help you with this today.