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FAQ

If you are considering entering therapy for the first time, it is completely normal to have some fears about starting the process.  It takes a lot of courage and bravery to enter therapy.  We believe the healing journey begins when the first email is sent to start treatment.  It is the crucial step in moving from contemplation to taking action.  Below are some frequently asked questions.

What is the process of setting up the first appointment like?

What can I expect when I show up for my first appointment?

To schedule an appointment with one of our practitioners please email info@ischcounseling.com. In your email, please indicate what type of counseling you are looking for (individual or couples), a brief statement of why you are seeking counseling (so we can be sure that our practitioners will be a good fit with their training and background), and your insurance information (please attach a copy of the front and back of your insurance card) or if you are self-pay.  Please call your insurance company to verify your mental health coverage prior to your first appointment to see if you have a co-pay or if your payment will go towards your deductible.  We are in-network with the following companies:

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  • 3 Rivers Preferred

  • All Savers

  • Anthem/BlueCross BlueShield

  • Lutheran Preferred

  • Golden Rule

  • Student Resources

  • Optum

  • Parkview Signature Care

  • PHP

  • UMR

  • UnitedHealthcare

 

If you have an insurance company we are not in-network with, payment will be required at the time of service, and we can provide you with a superbill for you to file with your insurance company.

We can then get you scheduled through Simple Practice.  Please note that sometimes schedules are full so it may take a few weeks or more to get the initial appointment, but we will always try to help you as soon as possible.  If we are full, we do offer waiting lists if you are interested.

We utilize a program called SimplePractice to handle all of your paperwork digitally.  Prior to your first appointment, we will send an email to you through SimplePractice with a simple and quick way to fill out your intake documents. You will need to bring your insurance card, identification, and method of payment to your appointment.  Your first appointment will be 60 minutes.  For individuals, this appointment is very different than subsequent appointments in that this appointment is primarily you telling your story, providing a history and background information, (for couples, see Greg's Couples page to read his approach with couples).  Our Practitioners want to know what brings you in to therapy, what you expect in this process, and what you hope to get out of therapy.  They will ask questions about your family situation growing up, medication use, current symptoms and symptom history, past relationship history, and trauma history.  Feel free to compile some of this information and bring it to the first session if you would like.  They will take notes during this session.  Sometimes, they don't have enough time to cover all of this in one session, so they may continue this process into the second session.

What is your policy on insurance billing and making payments?

Our policy is for you to pay for services at the time of your appointment.  So, we will collect a co-pay or whatever amount your insurance company informs us we should collect.  We accept cash, check, debit card, credit card, or HSA card. 

LENS and HeartMath Resources

LENS References 2018

Brink, M. (2012). The Migraine Revolution. Robina, QLD, Australia: Body Mind & Brain.

Cripe, C. (2007). Effective use of LENS unit as an adjunct to cognitive neuro-developmental training. Journal of Neurotherapy 10(2-3), 79-87. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J184v10n02_07#.U_VMm0gkPyc

Donaldson, C.C.S., Nelson, D.V., et al. (1998). Disinhibition in the gamma motorneuron circuitry: a neglected mechanism for understanding myofascial pain syndromes. Applied Physiology & Biofeedback, 23, 43-58.

Donaldson, C.C.S., Sella, G.E., et al. (1998). Fibromyalgia: a retrospective study of 252 consecutive referrals. Canadian journal of Clinical Medicine, 5(6), 116-127.

Donaldson, C.C.S., Sella, G.E. & Mueller, H.H. (1998). Fibromyalgia: a retrospective study of 252 consecutive referrals. Canadian Journal of Clinical Medicine, 5(6), 116-127.

Donaldson, C.C.S., Sella, G.E., & Mueller, H. (2001). The neural plasticity model of fibromyalgia: theory, assessment, & treatment. Practical Pain Management , Part One, May/June.

Esty, M.L. (2007). Reflections on FMS treatment, research, and neurotherapy: cautionary tales. Journal of Neurotherapy, 10(2-3), 63-68. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1300/J184v10n02_05#.U_VK-0gkPyc

Evans, J. (Ed.). (2007). Handbook of Neurofeedback: Dynamics and Clinical Applications. Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Medical Press.

Gillham, S., Wold, H., Bayer, Z., et al. (2012). Low energy neurofeedback system (LENS) for stress, anxiety, and cognitive function: an exploratory study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12:1, 145. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3373531/

Hallowell, E.M., & Jensen, P.S. (2010).  Superparenting for ADD. New York, NY: Ballentine Books. 162-164.

Hammond, D.C. (2005). Neurofeedback to improve physical balance, incontinence, and swallowing. Journal of Neurotherapy, 9:1, 27-36. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J184v09n01_03#.U_VNE0gkPyc

Hammond, D.C., Editor (2007). LENS: the Low Energy Neurofeedback System. Binghamton, NY: The Hawthorne Medical Press.

Hammond, D.C. (2007). Can LENS neurofeedback treat anosmia resulting from a head injury?  Journal of Neurotherapy, 11(1), 57-62. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J184v11n01_06#.U_eWtkvnClI

Hammond, D.C. (2008).  Investigations in neuromodulation, neurofeedback and applied neuroscience.  Clinical Corner.  Journal of Neurotherapy. 11:3. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10874200802126266#.U_eSzEvnClI

Hammond, D.C. (2010).  LENS neurofeedback treatment of anger: preliminary reports. Journal of Neurotherapy, 14:2, 162-169. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10874201003767213#.U_eSjkvnClI

Hammond. D.C. (2010). QEEG evaluation of the LENS treatment of TBI. Journal of Neurotherapy, 14:2, 170-177. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10874201003767163#.U_VRBkgkPyc

Hammond, D.C. (2011). What is neurofeedback: an update. Journal of Neurotherapy, 15:4, 305-336. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10874208.2011.623090#.U_VEMEgkPyd

Hammond, D.C. (2011). LENS neurofeedback  treatment with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and neglect. Journal of Neurotherapy, 16:1, 47-52. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10874208.2012.650110#.Uw-Jdyh23ZQ

Hammond, D.C. (2012). Neurofeedback treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic leg movements in sleep. Journal of Neurotherapy, 16:2, 155-163. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10874208.2012.677650#.Uw-Jjih23ZQ

Hammond, D.C. & Baehr, E. (2009). Neurofeedback for the treatment of depression: current status of theoretical issues and clinical research. In Budzynski, T.H., Budzynski, H.K., Evans, J.R., and Abaranel, A. (Eds.) Introduction to Quantitative EEG and Neurofeedback: Advanced Theory and Applications. (295-308). Burlington, MA: Elsevier Academic Press. http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=PigKJuOSvbMC&oi=fnd&pg=PA295&dq=related:HxqGYp3MBmQJ:scholar.google.com/&ots=Ah4hOwTEyh&sig=LkzGuEM75pd7MSuOa58ozfA1S1s#v=onepage&q&f=false

Hammond, D.C., Harper, S.H., O’Brien, J., & Dogris, N. (2010).  Advancements in the LENS treatment protocols. Neuroconnections, 20-23.

Hammond, D.C., S. Stockdale, et al. (2001). Adverse reactions and potential iatrogenic effects in neurofeedback training. Journal of Neurotherapy ,4(4), 57-69. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J184v04n04_09#preview

Horowitz, S. (2006). Biofeedback applications: a survey of clinical research. Alternative and Complementary Therapies,12:6, 275-281. doi:10.1089/act.2006.12.275

Horowitz, S. (2012). Neurofeedback therapy in clinical applications and for cognitive enhancement. Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 18(5), 242-247. http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/act.2012.18503?journalCode=act

Hunt Harper, S. (2009). Low energy neurofeedback system treatment of an acquired brain injury due to sudden cardiac arrest. Biofeedback, 37:3, 100-103. http://dx.doi.org/10.5298/1081-5937-37.3.100

Hutchison, M. (1994). Mega brain power: transform your life with mind machines and brain nutrients. Hyperion.

Journal of Neurotherapy (2006). Two volume journal set devoted to the topic of the LENS. 10:2-3, 1-104. http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wneu20/10/2-3#.U_Z6XkvnClI

Kravitz, H.M., Esty, M.L., Katz, R.S., & Fawcett, J. (2006). Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome using low-intensity neurofeedback with the flexyx neurotherapy system: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of Neurotherapy, 10(2-3), 41-58. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1300/J184v10n02_03#.U_VLQEgkPyc

Larsen, S. (2001). The use of flexyx treatment modality with patients with multiple brain and spinal cord injuries. Future Health Winter Brain Conference. Miami, FL.

Larsen, S. (2006). The healing power of neurofeedback: The revolutionary LENS technique for restoring optimal brain function. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.

Larsen, S. (2009).  The special applicability of the low energy neurofeedback system form of neurofeedback to traumatic brain injury: The Theory, Biofeedback, 37(3), 104-107. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5298/1081-5937-37.3.104

Larsen, S. (2012). The neurofeedback solution: How to treat autism, ADHD, anxiety, brain injury, stroke, PTSD and more. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.

Larsen, S., Harrington, K., & Hicks, S. (2006). The LENS (low energy neurofeedback system): A clinical outcomes study of one hundred patients at Stone Mountain Center, New York.  Journal of Neurotherapy, 10(2-3), 69-78. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J184v10n02_06#.U_VLjUgkPyc

Larsen, S., Larsen, R., Hammond, D.C., Sheppard, S., Ochs, L., Johnson, S., Adinaro, C., & Chapman, C. (2006).  The LENS neurofeedback with animals.  Journal of Neurotherapy, 10(2-3), 89-104.. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J184v10n02_08#.U_VLykgkPyc

Larsen, S., Larsen, R., et al. (2004). The LENS with animals: preliminary observations. International Society for Neuronal Regulation, National Conference. Ft. Lauderdale.

Larsen, S., & Sherlin, L. (2013). Neurofeedback: an emerging technology for treating central nervous system dysregulation. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 36:1, 1-200. Complementary and Integrative Therapies for Psychiatric Disorders. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0193953X/36/1

Marcus, L. (2001). EEG Amplitude and Variability Changes Following Low-Intensity Neurofeedback-Based Stimulation for Fibromyalgia. Palo Alto, CA, Western Graduate School of Psychology (Doctoral dissertation, Ph. D).        

Miller, J.A. (2013). Breaking the bars: Sustainable recovery vs. incarceration (unpublished paper).

Miller, J.A.(2013). Neurotherapy as an adjunct therapy for addiction solutions: Neurological recovery model (unpublished paper).

Miller, J.A. (2013). Neurotherapy for sustainable addiction recovery: An integrated model. Paper presented at the annual International Society of Neurofeedback and Research Conference, Dallas, TX.

Miller, J.A. (2014). Low energy neurofeedback: A primary key to prescription medication dependence recovery (unpublished paper).

Miller, J.A. (2014). Neurotherapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder Children (unpublished paper).

Miller, J.A. (2014). LENS training for children with neurological dysfunction (unpublished paper).

Miller, J.A. (2014). Nine functions of the prefrontal cortex: LENS training – dysfunctional to functional (unpublished paper).

Mueller, H.H., Donaldson, C.C.S., et al. (2001). Treatment of fibromyalgia incorporating EEG-driven stimulation: A clinical out-comes study. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 57(7): 933-952. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jclp.1060/abstract

Nelson, D.V., Bennett, R. M., Barkhuizen, A., Sexton, G.J., Jones, K.D., Esty, M.L., Ochs, L. and Donaldson, C.C.S. (2010), Neurotherapy of Fibromyalgia? Pain Medicine, 11: 912–919. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00862.x

Nelson, D.V., Esty, M.L. (2009). Neurotherapy for pain in veterans with trauma spectrum disorders. Journal of Pain, 10:4, Supplement, S18. http://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5900%2809%2900090-X/abstract

Nelson, D.V., Esty, M.L. (2012). Neurotherapy of traumatic brain injury/posttraumatic stress symptoms in OEF/OIF veterans. Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 24:2, 237-240. http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleid=1213985

Ochs, L. (1993a).  New light on lights, sound, and the brain.  Megabrain Reports: Journal of Clinical Psychology. 57(7), 933-952.

Ochs, L. (1993b). New light on lights, sound, and the brain. Megabrain Reports: Journal of Mind Technology 2: 48-52.

Ochs, L. (1996). Thoughts about EEG-Driven stimulation after three years of its uses: Ramifications for concepts of pathology, recovery, and brain function. Unpublished manuscript.

Ochs, L. (2007a). Comment on the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome using low-intensity neurofeedback with the flexyx neurotherapy system: A randomized controlled clinical trial, or how to go crazy over nearly nothing. Journal of Neurotherapy, 10(2-3): 59-61. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J184v10n02_04#.U_VLYkgkPyc

Ochs, L. (2007b). The low energy neurofeedback system (LENS): theory, background and introduction. Journal of Neurotherapy, 10(2-3): 5-37. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J184v10n02_02#.U_VL8kgkPyc

Ochs, L. (2007c). Comment on neurofeedback overtraining and the vulnerable patient.  Journal of Neurotherapy, 11(3), 67-71. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10874200802126357#.U_VPf0gkPyc

Ochs, L. (2010a). Underlying treatment Issues in neurofeedback as exemplified by treatment of seizure disorders. Journal of Neurotherapy, Spring, 29-33.

Ochs, L. (2010b). Working with latent and actual seizures. Journal of Neurotherapy, Summer. 30-32.

Ochs, L. (2014). A look at today’s LENS. NeuroConnections, Fall. (pending).

Ochs, L. & Berman, M. (1997). EDS: Background and operation. EEG-driven pico-photic stimulation. Walnut Creek, CA: Flexyx, LLC.

Robbins, J. (2008). Biology, Psychology, the Brain, and Quantum Physics: Neuroscience, Epigenetics, Energy Psychology, Quantum Physics, Eudaimonics, Buddhism, and the Brain. Measuring the immeasurable: The scientific case for spirituality (pp. 243-254). Boulder, CO: Sounds True.

Robbins, J. (updated 2013).  A symphony in the brain: The evolution of the new brain wave biofeedback. New York, NY: Grove Press.

Schoenberger, N.E., Shiflett, S.C., Esty, M.L., Ochs, L., &  Matheis, R.J. (2001).  Flexyx neurotherapy system in the treatment of traumatic brain injury: An initial evaluation. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 16(3), 260-274. http://journals.lww.com/headtraumarehab/Abstract/2001/06000/Flexyx_Neurotherapy_System_in_the_Treatment_of.5.aspx

Stoler, D.R. & Hill, B.A. (2013). Coping with Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. New York, NY: Penguin Random House.

White, Christine (2008). Restoring optimal brain function helps many health problems: ADD, autism, depression, fibromyalgia, anxiety, PTSD, learning disorders, strokes, Parkinson’s disease, multiple schlerosis. Townsend Letter, The Examiner of Alternative Medicine, April 2008. http://www.townsendletter.com/April2008/ltr_white0408.htm

St. Clair, M., (2008).  LENS Case Study: Traumatic Brain Injury From AVM (Arterial Venous Malformation). Neuroconnections, 7(29-30).

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