What can biofeedback help with?

Biofeedback may be used to treat a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, insomnia, stress, acute or chronic pain, ADHD, and symptoms related to trauma. It may also be recommended for some physical disorders such as headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and high blood pressure.

Who is qualified to practice biofeedback?

No specific degrees or certifications are required to practice biofeedback, though many practitioners are therapists, nurses, or other licensed healthcare workers. Many biofeedback therapists, though not all, have pursued special training and certification in biofeedback. Because of this variability, it’s important for prospective clients to inquire as to a clinician’s credentials, biofeedback training, and experience in treating a client’s particular concerns before initiating treatment.

How effective is biofeedback?

Research has shown that biofeedback can be helpful for certain physical conditions, such as urinary incontinence or tension headaches. Its efficacy for psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or ADHD is less clear; while some studies have shown positive effects, researchers have cautioned that the research is heterogenous and some studies are poorly designed, making generalizing based on their results difficult. Others have cautioned that the positive effects of biofeedback may be due in part to the placebo effect.

How can I recognize a good biofeedback practitioner?

Clients interested in biofeedback treatment should ask about a therapist’s education and credentials and determine whether they have sought additional training or certification in biofeedback. Beyond that, it can help to ask them about their experience dealing with a particular psychological condition or physical health concern, as well as how long they expect treatment to take before the client sees results.