Date of Graduation

5-2015

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education (PhD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders

Advisor/Mentor

Higgins, Kristin K.

Committee Member

Loos, Michael

Second Committee Member

Farley, Roy C.

Third Committee Member

Miller, Michael T.

Keywords

Psychology; Counselor training; Neurofeedback

Abstract

This study examines neuro-counseling in the mental health field and the concept of neurofeedback training (NFB) as an intervention in the counseling profession. Numbers of studies have indicated that NFB may be effective in the field of counseling. The purpose of this survey study is to explore the use of neurofeedback in the field of counseling.

Additionally, the study used a quantitative descriptive survey research method and descriptive statistics. The survey was sent to members of the American Counseling Association (ACA), and 93 professionals participated. The majority of the sample was licensed professional counselors, professionals with a degree in counseling, and graduates of clinical mental health programs. Overall, the sample had a variety of respondents, some with experience in NFB and some not. For counselors interested in this topic, this study provides a rich literature review and a unique compilation of opinions of professionals providing NFB with counseling.

Findings indicate that including NFB in education counseling courses was highly recommended by many participants. Additionally, recommendations include suggestions for future research. Specific advice is that counselors should learn and be aware of the code of ethics when using NFB. Overall, this study finds that according to those respondents who practice NFB, when used with counseling, they believe that it is an effective treatment to lower symptoms and reduce medication dependence for several diagnoses, especially ADHD, depression, and anxiety.

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