Counseling and Psychological Services

Biofeedback

Biofeedback means "feedback from the body." Biofeedback can be particularly useful in increasing our capacity to relax. This type of feedback from our body is usually ignored unless it becomes quite intense like a sick stomach or a painful headache. Biofeedback training allows the student to become aware of the body's signals before they become too intense and to take action to relieve the stress before it becomes debilitating.

During each session at the biofeedback lab, the student's stress response will be monitored using a biofeedback instrument (e.g. Emwave). The Emwave program is used to measure heart rate variability. During periods of stress or negative emotionality, heart rate generally increases. In contrast, during periods of emotional well-being, heart rate generally decreases to an optimal level.

Being aware of this ongoing information about the body helps you learn how to regulate some of the internal tension you are experiencing. Biofeedback training involves the development of a skill. We suggest you come in for a weekly Biofeedback session and then practice relaxing a few minutes each day.

Relaxation Techniques - Techniques include breathing, meditation, visualization, body scan, performance rehearsal, self-hypnosis, autogenics and progressive muscle relaxation.

To download relaxation recordings go to: http://ccc.byu.edu/cc/relaxation-recordings

To download 25 Ways Biofeedback Training Can Help Students go to: http://suu.edu/ss/caps/pdf/25_Ways_Biofeedback_Training_Can_Help_Students.pdf

Additional relaxation resources can be found at the following websites:

http://www.wellnessproposals.com/stress/stress-management-relaxation-exercises.html
http://www.bfe.org/breathpacer.htm

Relaxation CDs: The following relaxation CDs can be checked out for 3 school days. They can be found at the front desk of Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) which is located in the Sharwan Smith Center, room 168. After 3 school days a HOLD will be placed on the student’s account. Students will then be charged $1.00 per school day until the CD is returned. Maximum fine is $25.00.