We have found that many first responders enter their respective fields already carrying some unresolved trauma. Additionally, it is not uncommon for first responders to witness frequent and severe trauma as a regular part of careers. The rate at which first responders encounter traumatic experiences has a compounding effect if not properly and effectively addressed.

Studies have proven that experiencing or witnessing trauma, either a single event or chronic exposure, chemically and structurally changes the brain.

Trauma can affect job performance in multiple ways. Hypervigilance is a typical symptom of untreated post traumatic stress. This robs the brain of other natural resources that are vital in keeping the first responder safe while in a dangerous environment. Untreated traumatic stress not only impacts a first responder at work and at home, but also their families and the victims they serve.

Neurofeedback can regulate the brain so the neurological effects of trauma diminish or resolve, something many have described as “getting their lives back”.

For many dealing with the effects of trauma, certain therapeutic interventions, like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) , can be very effective. However, this therapy is highly emotionally taxing and is sometimes too much at first for the system of someone with complex trauma. It has been found that doing neurofeedback training before (or as an adjunct) to EMDR can calm someone's neurological system down enough that they are able to do the more exhaustive work of talk therapy or EMDR if further intervention is needed.

Neurofeedback’s approach facilitates healing without the need to directly discuss traumatic experiences. It focuses on establishing healthier brainwave patterns, which leads to reductions in anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, nightmares, and other symptoms related to trauma.

First responders training with neurofeedback can experience significant benefits of trauma healing while bypassing the emotionally charged, and often dreaded, discussions associated with traditional talk therapy. While vitally important to healthy short and long term wellbeing, working through the effects of trauma is, understandably, often resisted.

Neurofeedback provides a valuable option for those who find it challenging to confront their past experiences verbally. It is also less draining and exhausting, making neurofeedback easier to do after long or stressful work shifts.