Bay Area Neurofeedback - Albany, California

Bill Kristy

Neurofeedback by Dr. Shames is not only the most powerful and effective treatment for my severe insomnia and anxiety, it's also amazingly the easiest and most pleasant possible treatment!

I've been to Dr. Shames for a series of treatments a few times over the last decade. When I go it's because my level of stress and tension has for some reason risen above a threshold that makes it not only impossible for me to sleep, but causes me so much anxiety that I feel like I can't breathe or sit still let alone lie down let alone rest. This feels unbearable. Each time after a series of treatments I'm back to normal, sleeping through the night and feeling free of my anxiety disorder. Having a happy life restored is priceless.

One sits down in a comfy chair and watches a video of your choice (I watch nature videos) while a couple sensors are taped to your head and a computer apparently senses one's brainwaves. Then the video dims or flickers some amount, apparently when the computer senses that one's brain activity isn't in healthy balance. At first I guessed that my brain didn't like the flickering, but apparently the brain understands that the flickering is information on how it can adjust to a healthy balance.

I've tried many other things including acupuncture and massage, but none are anywhere near as relaxing or effective.

Even if you're not in crisis, I suspect everyone could benefit from a Neurofeedback tune-up!

I also appreciate Dr. Shames' calm and true compassion.

Deb H

I live too far from Dr. Shames for a regular series of treatments but managed to work in 5 visits with him on a recent stay in Berkeley. I've done other forms of neurofeedback before with mild to moderate results, but wow, this really works!

I have suffered from insomnia --waking many times a night for around seven years. I sometimes have trouble falling asleep, even with melatonin. I awaken every 2 hours or so and rarely feel deeply rested. After only four sessions of Carl's ILF neurofeedback, I began sleeping 6.5 to 7 hours each night! I also felt less irritable and more relaxed during the day. For me, the effects are similar to what I experienced after mindfulness meditation retreats: a feeling of peace, of being awake and aware, but not hyper-vigilant. I am more reflective and less reactive, with the freedom to choose my responses to life's challenges. Dr. Shames told me that it would likely take more than five visits for my brain to hold the new patterns so I am prepared for that and will update when I return to the East Bay and can do more sessions with him.

Charlie Bathgate

My experience undergoing neurofeedback with Dr. Shames was extremely positive! My work with him resulted in significant impacts on my sleep and mood, two areas in which I had struggled to find results after years of talk therapy. I highly recommend considering working with Dr. Shames.

Lady Frankee S. Carlin

Not only is this person very kind and understanding, the treatments work wonders! Plus, they are reasonably priced so I can make regular appointments. My brain has totally changed channels since starting! Highly, highly recommend this service and this particular provider!!

Alisa Vincent

Carl is really good at neurofeedback. In just a couple sessions, he helped calm my anxiety around my licensing exam, and was able to relieve a chronic pain issue I had as the result of a car accident. I often tell people I refer to him that I might not be a therapist without having received his help because my anxiety was preventing me from studying for my exam, and using neuro for my back has meant that I almost never have to take any sort of pain reliever. The results were so amazing that I went out and trained in neurofeedback myself, and I still refer my challenging cases to him.