Cutting-Edge Neurofeedback Therapy at Brainiac

by Martin Miron

Brainiac Wellness helps people reduce troubling symptoms and navigate problems within relationships using a variety of groundbreaking interventions within mental health treatment, including neurofeedback, eye movement therapy, audio-visual entertainment and traditional individual and family counseling.

Owner Cheryl Desvernine is a licensed professional counselor by the Virginia Board of Health Professionals with more than 30 years of experience counseling patients. She is certified in neurofeedback and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an eye movement technique.

Ken Garland is a therapist and licensed professional counselor with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) certification. His specialty is working with adults that suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and other traumas.

Neurofeedback treatment is a learning intervention for the brain offered to clients age 6 and older. It uses sensors or electrodes placed on the scalp to mimic a doctor’s stethoscope, but instead of hearing a heartbeat, brain wave activity is monitored through a map of the client’s brain. This allows for individualized treatment, because specific needs can be programmed into the digital technology so certain brain wave frequencies are produced. Clients receive feedback in the form of a computer screen growing lighter or darker, thus signaling whether the client is getting closer or further away from their goals.

Brainiac employs three neurofeedback technicians that each require 16 hours of education and six weeks of client contact before performing sessions under the supervision of Desvernine. Garland provides EMDR and counseling services to adults 18 and older. Emiley Stout, 200-YTT, is cross-trained in administrative duties, as well as being a neurofeedback technician. She specializes in social media and marketing activities.

Brainiac is one of the only Biofeedback Certification International Alliance-certified neurofeedback companies in the area. Desvernine  states, “The time-consuming certification process, education requirements and cost of equipment needed for neurofeedback stop many providers from offering the service. Furthermore, neurofeedback offers an alternative to clients who feel like medication management and traditional counseling haven’t been effective. Eye movement therapy works rapidly to provide faster relief to clients who are struggling and suffering.”

A major challenge is providing education about what neurofeedback is, how it works and the research behind it. In the past 10 years, the treatment has built more trust in the field. The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback recently published Evidence-Based Practice in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback, 4th Edition, with 560 pages reviewing research on neurofeedback.

Brainiac features monthly events and specials such as a “Spread the love” campaign in February, where clients could enter for a chance to win a free brain map valued at  $350, and more promotions are planned. One nascent project is showing The Signal in the Noise, a documentary about Jay Gunkelman, a pioneer in the field of electroencephalography (EEG) and neuroscience, in a local cinema for business partners and the public to view, but no date has been set.

Brainiac Wellness is located at 3932 Springfield Rd., in Glen Allen. For appointments and more information, call 804-250-3450 or visit BrainiacWellness.org.