Counselor brings brain optimization to Naperville

• Reprints

Updated: July 19, 2011 4:21PM

I have always believed that in some instances, poor health may be the result of a disconnect between the mind and body. This past week, I learned that my thoughts weren’t that far off.

According to Jeff Lucas, licensed clinical professional counselor at Isenberg and Associates in downtown Naperville, “When the brain is out of balance, it can throw the body out of balance, and manifest certain physical and mental/emotional symptoms. When the brain is put back into balance, then those symptoms can become greatly reduced or simply disappear as the body is also put back into balance, and is replaced by well-being.”

Thanks to brainwave optimization,Lucas is doing some pretty impressive work to help others create a healthy brain and ultimately life.

Brainwave optimization (an advanced form of neurofeedback, i.e., computer-assisted technology for the brain) is provided in conjunction with counseling and psychotherapy. This technology literally helps people put their brains into a more balanced state, and keep it there.

“I have also experienced some very good benefits (greater focus and balance) for myself after undergoing brainwave optimization,” Lucas says.

Wanting to know more, I asked how it all works.

“It is an individually tailored process of balancing and harmonizing brainwave activity. We analyze brain patterns collected from the client via sensors on the scalp (also known as electroencephalogram — EEG) to see where the imbalances exist. When we find the imbalances in certain specific areas of the brain, we then resonate patterns through sound back to those areas to help the client’s brain regain its balance,” Lucas said.

Sound like science fiction?

Actually, neurofeedback has been around since the 1970s, and like everything else, it has evolved. This recent advance in the technology (brainwave optimization) has been in existence for about 10 years. The results Lucas’ clients have garnered from using this technology are impressive.

For example, a client with a 40-year history of alcoholism found that after 14 sessions of brain training over two weeks, cravings/obsessions for alcohol disappeared. A female client with chronic, unabated, physically debilitating hunger pangs, who could not get any significant relief from her symptoms after 11 years of treatments, was thrilled when she finally experienced significant relief of her symptoms after undergoing brain training. A young adult male client with out-of-control drug use as a result of chronic, ongoing extreme anxiety was able to significantly reduce his anxiety level and discontinue his drug use. Additionally, several clients with chronic sleep problems are sleeping well, several months after brain training.

“As a mental health and addictions counselor over the last 25 years, I have a passion to help people with brain imbalances regain their balance,” Lucas said. This technology literally helps people put their brains into a more balanced state, and keep it there. My goal for my clients is to achieve whatever goals they set for themselves with the training and thereby leading happier, fulfilled lives as they realize their true potential.”

To learn more about this fascinating technology, visit www.brainstatetech.com. Or, you can check out the book written by the originator of this procedure, Lee Gerdes, “Limitless You.” You can contact Jeff at 630-664-7251 (Center for Brain Training); or at Isenberg and Associates at 630-355-8410.