Integration of EEG biofeedback in therapeutic work with torture and trauma survivors
This paper uses a case study of a 14 year old severely traumatised refugee boy to illustrate the successful integration of EEG biofeedback with trauma counselling. This boy‘s clinical presentation was primarily one of affect dysregulation and associated behavioural problems. A combination of EEG biofeedback treatment and psychotherapy was used to address the hyperarousal symptoms, the presenting behavioural difficulties and his inability to regulate affect. EEG Biofeedback is a form of operant conditioning that selectively rewards and inhibits brainwave activity for the purpose of facilitating emotional self-regulation.
EEG Biofeedback was used to increase this client‘s capacity to reduce hyperarousal and inhibit impulsive and reactive behaviour. It is in this context that he became able to focus on processing and finding meaning to the traumatic events he had lived through, integrating them into his life story. The outcome of this integrative approach was the reduction in his aggressive outbursts, a better relationship with his family and a significant improvement in his academic performance.
