EMDR Therapy is a highly researched therapy that was developed to ‘desensitise’ and ‘reprocess’ traumatic memories. It is used for a wide variety of mental health presentations including stress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, outbursts, chronic pain, phantom limb pain, specific phobias and other conditions that are either caused by, or contributed to stress, such as tics or tinnitus. Read more about EMDR Therapy here

What is Neurofeedback Therapy? Neurofeedback therapy helps self-regulate brain activity by measuring brainwaves and providing real time feedback. It involves the use of specialised equipment to measure brain activity. Using this data, it gives positive audio and visual cues when desired brain activity occurs, and negative cues when undesired brain activity occurs. Over time, the brain gets trained to produce more of the desired activity. What Does It Involve? The initial consultation identifies and assesses the concerns of the client. The baseline brainwave activity is assessed using either a Quantitative EEG (QEEG) or a Mini-Map. A QEEG measures the brain activity in 19 different locations on the scalp whereas a Mini-Map measures the activity in three central locations. The specific brainwaves and the locations on the scalp where training is to occur is based on the initial assessment and the baseline brainwave activity. In a typical neurofeedback therapy session, the client is seated comfortably on a chair with sensors placed on the scalp and earlobes. The client watches media of their choice (this can be a movie, video game, or stationary picture) on a screen. There is no voluntary input required from the client. Specialised equipment is used to measure the brainwaves of the client. Using this information and the type of reward or inhibits set by the therapist, the clarity, colour, and volume of the media is changed (positive and negative feedback). Over time the brain figures out the optimal brain wave pattern to get the best picture quality and trains itself to produce more of it. This process will be combined with other strategies that the client can practice at home. Benefits The potential benefits of neurofeedback therapy include improved cognitive functioning (thinking, learning, reasoning etc), enhanced focus and attention, reduced stress and anxiety, better quality of sleep and overall improved mental well-being. However, like all therapies, it is important to note that individual responses to neurofeedback therapy may vary and specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Limitations and Potential Risks Neurofeedback is generally safe however there are some potential limitations, side effects and risks associated with the procedure. These may include temporary discomfort during electrode placement, fatigue from prolonged sessions, headaches, or dizziness. Some individuals may experience temporary side effects such as mild fatigue, increased anxiety, or mood changes during or after neurofeedback sessions. These are usually temporary and resolve quickly. There may be limitations in the effectiveness of neurofeedback therapy for some clients, and results may vary. There is strong evidence to support the use of neurofeedback therapy for certain conditions such as the symptoms of ADHD. However, for other conditions the evidence is not as strong. Dr Dennisa or Dr Yuvaraj will discuss this with you in detail to find the best option based on your circumstances. Frequency, Duration of Therapy and Costs The frequency and duration of neurofeedback therapy depends on the client’s circumstances. The initial 20 to 30 sessions would occur 2 to 3 times per week. After this, the sessions may be less frequent. The cost of one neurofeedback session is $300.00 incl GST. The cost of the initial assessment, QEEG or Mini-Map assessment and planning is around $750.00 to $1500.00 incl GST. As the outcome of neurofeedback therapy relies on consistency and commitment we require an advanced deposit for 10 sessions. We also offer Afterpay. Disclaimers Neurofeedback therapy is not a substitute for medical treatment, and you should continue to consult your physician regarding your overall healthcare. This therapy should complement and not replace any ongoing medical treatments. About Dr Yuvaraj Davidson and Dr Dennisa Davidson Dr Yuvaraj Davidson (FRANZCUC, BCN) has around 30 years of experience working as a medical doctor in various specialities and with different population groups. He is certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) Phase 1 and is BCIA certified in Neurofeedback Therapy. He also trains teachers who teach children with adverse childhood experiences, helping them understand how children’s brains function, and to design strategies to help them. Dr Dennisa Davidson (FRANZCP) is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and specialises in treating traumatic stress. She is certified in EMDR Therapy, certified in Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) Phase 2 and trained in Neurofeedback Therapy.

Sensory Assessments Some children have difficulties with their senses such as being sensitive to loud noises, touch seeking or avoidance, aversion to foods with certain textures, being clumsy and so on. This may be a sign of difficulties with sensory processing. Such children can benefit from a sensory assessment. Sensory assessments help gain insight into how a person perceives the sensory environment and how this affects a person day to day, both at home and at school. Through such assessments Pela can help gain insight into your child's sensory environment and make recommendations to help support participation in meaningful activities through adaptations to activities or changes to contexts. This assessment takes around 6hrs of total input, and includes assessments at two different locations. Sensory Diet A sensory diet is a tailored programme consisting of sensory activities in an individual’s routine to enable them to regulate and participate more effectively at home, school and in the community Sensory Modulation Sessions Pela provides individual sensory modulation sessions to help those with difficulty with their senses. Sensory modulation is an evidence-based tool. It is the brain's ability to regulate its own activity; managing how much sensory input to tune into at any given time. Sensory tools can be used to help people use their senses to learn self-soothing techniques, and change their emotional and behavioural responses to stressful situations. For example, they can help a person feel calmer when distressed or help activate someone experiencing depression. It is important for an individual to learn about their sensory preferences and how to implement sensory tools in their day to day lives to participate more effectively at home, school and the community.

Our brain develops and adapts to life experiences at each stage of life starting from within the mother's womb. This impacts current function. The NMT Brain Map involves a thorough assessment of experiences through life stages and the current functioning of different areas of the brain by asking questions and making observations. A software then generates a brain map based on this detailed information. The brain map helps guide interventions specific to the individual.

Our approach to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) How is ADHD diagnosed? Conventionally, ADHD is diagnosed based on a cluster of symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – the DSM. What does the diagnosis of ADHD tell us? It tells us that: · such a cluster of symptoms are present · such symptoms have been present for at least 6 months · such symptoms impede the functioning of that individual What does the diagnosis of ADHD not tell us? · it does not tell us any reason or cause for those symptoms What are the consequences of sticking to such diagnostic labels? · not knowing the cause limits our ability to offer long term healing for these patients · as we do not know the cause, by treating the symptoms rather than the cause, ADHD is labelled a lifelong disorder ***THAT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THE CASE ALWAYS *** An explanation for these symptoms This cluster of symptoms can be from different causes. A common cause that has a developmental / neuroscientific explanation for this symptom cluster is dysregulation of the safety-survival system in the brain (Autonomic nervous system and HPA axis) which in turn could be from past life experiences (watch the video on Behaviour and Brain Function here, where Dr D Davidson explains some of these concepts) ‘Regulating’ these systems can lead to long term healing and can help people eventually come off medication and thrive. Our approach to ADHD Our approach is tailored to the individual and may include: · A comprehensive initial mental health assessment to explore the symptoms and life history · A Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) brain map to guide interventions · Formal ADHD assessment at this stage, if needed · Lifestyles strategies · Therapeutic interventions including sensory interventions / motor interventions / EMDR · Medications o Stimulants – Methylphenidate (Ritalin / Rubifen / Concerta) are often used as the first line agents. o Alpha 2 agonists - Clonidine (weekly patch) and Guanfacine (extended release - Intuniv ER). These help manage ADHD symptoms by working on the pre-frontal cortex and also modulating the HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system (part of autonomic nervous system). It helps bring back balanced functioning of brain networks, which in turn helps with long term healing. Contact us to discuss further.

We all feel some anxiety at some time or other. Anxiety may serve as an alerting signal, warning us of external /internal threats and consequently acting as a prompt to take appropriate action. When anxiety is very severe and present even when there is no threat of any kind, then it interferes with our functioning and can become an illness. In this circumstance, anxiety becomes a disorder characterised by an unpleasant emotion with feelings of fear, threat and impending danger and can be associated with numerous bodily symptoms like breathlessness, trembling, tightness in throat, dry mouth, racing heart and nausea/vomiting. There are varieties of anxiety disorders like panic attacks, phobias (unhealthy fear of something), agoraphobia (fear of open spaces), social anxiety, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Anxiety can often be associated with a depressive episode. Anxiety disorders are very common and if unrecognised and untreated, can cause severe disability. This can be addressed through a variety of interventions including EMDR therapy, lifestyle strategies, other therapeutic interventions and medications when needed.