As a researcher with a keen interest in emerging, cutting-edge mental health therapies, Dr. Shafran became intrigued by Neurofeedback, which now constitutes the major focus of his practice at Spectrum. In Neurofeedback, brain wave activity, obtained by sensors placed on the scalp, is fed into a computer, while the individual watches a video display and listens to music. Brain wave patterns that enhance the individual's well-being are "rewarded" - that is, the video display advances and the music plays on. Brain wave patterns that do not optimize the person's well-being result in a slowing or cessation of the video and music. Using this "feedback," the central nervous system learns to operate more efficiently over time, the learning taking place on a sub-conscious level. And, unlike medications, which only work as long as they are in the person's system, the changes produced by Neurofeedback training endure over time, commonly for months and years beyond the cessation of training, and very often are permanent. Neurofeedback has been used clinically for about 30 years, but is just now starting to be recognized as a powerful tool in the treatment of a wide variety of clinical conditions, including ADD, depression and anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, migraine, and drug abuse.

"As a researcher, I was impressed with the great success of Neurofeedback in addressing a broad spectrum of clinical conditions. Experiencing it for myself, I was astounded at the level of physical relaxation and mental and emotional resilience and centering that could be obtained with so little conscious effort. And now, in my practice, I see everyday how it transforms people's lives. It is extremely gratifying to see, for example, anxiety and depression melt away in someone who has been struggling with them all his or her life! It is also gratifying to be able to offer an alternative to medication for those individuals who either do not wish to be medicated or who cannot be medicated successfully."

In addition to its clinical uses, Neurofeedback is frequently used by professional athletes, musicians, dancers, and other performing artists, as an aid in achieving peak levels of performance.

"There is nothing better that I know of for addressing issues of performance anxiety in musicians and other performing artists, or in helping them reconnect with their vital creative center. As for athletes: well, the current World Cup championship team quietly trained with it all season! It is ideally suited to training the athlete to remain calm and focused under pressure. I believe it won't be long before every top-level professional sports franchise routinely engages in some form of Neurofeedback training."

Dr. Shafran specializes in providing Neurofeedback training to people of all ages, whether their need be to address a clinical condition, achieve peak performance goals, or simply enhance their general well-being.