Low Energy Neurofeedback (LENS)
Low Energy Neurofeedback (LENS)
LENS is a unique, effective, safe, and research-based form of neurotherapy that facilitates changes in people of all ages with a wide variety of symptoms. It helps the brain function more flexibly and optimally; working like a “reset” switch to help the brain get rid of old stuck patterns and become more adaptable. As a result, it has the capacity to address numerous symptoms and deficits. It is remarkably effective, and over 85% of people who have used LENS have benefitted significantly from it. Results can be seen quickly, often beginning within the first few sessions, and are lasting. Once the symptoms have resolved there is no need for continued sessions because the results endure over time.
At Horizons we use LENS as part of our comprehensive treatment plans for many patients. It may be utilized as the primary treatment approach, or as an adjunct to other therapies. Patients across the lifespan, from young children to older adults, have benefited from LENS.
What diagnoses does LENS address?
LENS addresses symptoms, not specific diagnoses. That being said, people with the following types of diagnoses have benefited from LENS:
- ADD/ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Epilepsy
- Cerebral Palsy
- Concussion / Traumatic Brain Injury
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraines
- Stroke
- Learning Disabilities
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Eating Disorders
- Sensory Processing Disorder
What symptoms can LENS address?
LENS has been effective at resolving the following symptoms, among others:
- Attention and concentration issues
- Impulsivity
- Hyperactivity
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obsessive thoughts and behaviors
- Memory problems
- Seizures
- Pain (including headaches)
- Moodiness and irritability
- Sleep problems
- Restless Leg
- Teeth Grinding
- Stuttering
- Explosive behavior
- “Foggy” thinking
- Addictions
What makes LENS different from other forms of neurofeedback?
Traditional neurofeedback requires conscious attention to stimuli for sessions that are 45-60 minutes long. Results are typically attained over 40 or more sessions. LENS does not require any focused attention, and the person does not need to do anything specific during the session. The sessions themselves last between a few seconds and a few minutes, and results are typically seen in 10-20 sessions. This makes LENS an excellent option for all individuals, including those who are unable to attend for lengthy periods of time and/or who are unable to understand instructions.
Hear what some of our clients have to say about LENS at Horizons:
Functioning Better Than Before the Concussion
My son suffered a concussion due to a sports injury. His symptoms were typical of a concussion, but lasted longer than originally predicted. I began to worry when my teenage son started acting differently than normal. He was frustrated, scared and confused. He felt a drastic improvement after his first LENS treatment. Within a couple weeks, he was back to normal and was able to return to his sport 100%. He said the initial visit with Dr. Beurkens at Horizons gave him confidence that he was healing. She was able to see and explain what had happened to his brain, which calmed his fears. Since then, he has stated he has the ability to focus better and has experienced an overall athletic performance upgrade. Both his teachers and coaches have noticed that he is functioning even better than before he had the concussion.
-Heather LaHuis
Improvements in Anxiety and Autism
LENS treatments have made a wonderful change in my 15-year-old son. He has gained patience, his language has improved, his anxiety level has gone down, he is not nearly as perseverative and “stuck” as he used to be, and in general he is just a more peaceful person. We have tried many different approaches, including medication, to address his anxiety issues and none of them has come close to the results we have gotten with LENS. I highly recommend LENS because I have seen what it can do.
-Darcy Walsh
Benefits for the Whole Family – Seizures, Migraines, and More
LENS = The Best Thing That Could Have Happened For Us!
In December of 2011, our oldest son had a devastating seizure that sent our family into a downward spiral. For the next several months we felt like we were losing our son. None of his medical providers could explain why our son was experiencing sudden seizures. All of the anti-epileptic medications made him angry, sad, and out of control; and his seizures were getting worse while on the medication. It was disheartening and terrifying to watch our child become someone we didn’t know. Dr. Beurkens had just started providing LENS treatment at Horizons, and we thought we would try it as nothing else was working. Since beginning LENS our son is no longer on anti-epileptic medication and he is functioning better today then he has in a long time. His seizures are practically nonexistent and his personality is back to his fun and loving self. My husband and I also started receiving treatments after watching the positive changes in our son, and have found that we are more productive individuals and parents. My husband’s chronic migraine headaches have decreased dramatically and he no longer needs to use medication to manage his symptoms. Our family is heading in a positive direction and we owe it all to LENS at Horizons. We couldn’t be more grateful for this amazing treatment option!
-Courtney Kowalczyk
Mother and Son Both Doing Better
LENS treatments have had an enormously positive impact on my life as well as my 13 year-old son. I have spent many years struggling with terrible mental darkness, lack of motivation, debilitating anxiety, and almost daily migraines. All of these conditions remained despite seeing numerous specialists and receiving all available standard medical treatments. Since beginning LENS treatments I now feel much more alert, active, happy, and healthy. My son has challenges associated with ADHD and anxiety. Dr. Beurkens recently added LENS to his treatment plan, and within just a few treatments I have already noticed that he is much more animated, communicative, outgoing, and attentive. LENS is just awesome!
-Judy Farris
Her Days are Calmer and Happier
I started doing LENS with my 8-year-old daughter Emma due to her impulsivity, edginess and overall challenges with regulating herself. She has never been a child who wants to cuddle or who would fall asleep easily. School was difficult for her, mostly due to the fact that she would get over stimulated in the classroom and be unable to process the information that was coming in. My mom once said that Emma was just very serious about everything in life and that we had to work hard to see her smile or laugh – even as a baby. When Emma would have a temper tantrum in wasn’t just a run to the room and slam the door reaction, it was a 45-minute, upset the entire family, dramatic presentation. Within a few weeks of starting LENS Emma’s edginess lifted, she was smiling more, hugging more, and even initiating to cuddle up next to me on the couch. One day I had three people comment to me about how different Emma was. Her teacher reported that she was focusing better in school and her babysitter couldn’t believe how much easier she was to manage. Emma reported that the whole classroom just slowed down and she could hear her teacher. Emma’s still the same animal loving, caring, hard working girl she’s always been, but now with a smile, a hug, and a brighter outlook on life!
-Michelle VanderHeide
Chronic Anxiousness and Irritability are Gone
My 8-year-old son and I both started LENS on the last day of school. I remember the specific day because our lives began to improve after that day. My son Josh has struggled for as long as I can remember with attention, anxiety, irritability, behavior and learning differences. Our biggest challenges at home were regarding his irritability and anxiety. I always felt as if I were walking on egg shells, not sure what would set him off or if a change in plans would mean a complete melt-down. We limited trips and activities because just leaving the house seemed to be so stressful for him. He had been diagnosed with ADHD and we had tried several medications, but he continued to struggle with these issues. Then, he started LENS.
Contact our office to schedule a free 15-minute initial consultation to find out if LENS is an appropriate treatment option for you and/or your child!