Innovation
Every tool that a therapist has to offer started as an idea and a hope. At MECC, our clinicians rely on the pioneers in the field of mental and behavioral health whose research laid the groundwork for us to serve our clients by providing deeply researched and evidence-based forms of treatment.
We also value innovation and hope to contribute in some small way to the advancement of mental health treatment to provide the best possible outcomes for every client we serve. We have two exciting areas of focus that we are able to offer to individuals who would like to be a part of the research process as a participant in neuro-modulation, or in contributing to the existing body of evidence through the use of neuro-feedback.
Neuromodulation
In 2022 owner Jody Angel-Trejo made an unexpected connection with Delton Hyatt, founder of Kuranda Wavelengths, who shared with her how he learned of the prospects of Vibro-acoustic Therapy (VAT). Coincidentally, Angel-Trejo had been reading into the benefits demonstrated by Cognito Therapeutics in their research on the management of Alzheimer’s Disease through the application of a 40 Hertz (Hz) lightwave frequency.
The pair put their heads together to develop a working hypothesis that, through the combination of Hyatt’s years of medical research & development experience and Trejo’s expertise in pediatric trauma, 40Hz VAT could become a new tool in the treatment of developmental and early childhood trauma.
The MECC VAT Room (pictured) came into existence and with it came the process of writing grant funding proposals, Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications, and the development of new partnerships within the Kearney community, surrounding areas, and across the US.
So, what is neuro-modulation and VAT, you’re likely asking. To put it simply: VAT is a proposed method to provide neurological and physiological regulation to the central nervous system through a non-invasive, experiential method. The human brain operates with a wide variety of brain waves and each wave has a frequency range. The research being conducted at MECC, in partnership with Kuranda Wavelengths and UNMC, seeks to demonstrate that a 40Hz frequency delivered via vibrational input (the chairs and floor pictured above) and via an auditory overlay (via subwoofer) can support internal regulation through a process called “entrainment.” This means to re-train the brain’s gamma wave oscillations to more typical functioning.
MECC’s research is not being conducted in relation to symptom management for Autism Spectrum Disorder at this time, however several previous studies have found that the 40Hz vibro-acoustic input has supported adolescents on the Autism Spectrum in reducing self-injurious behaviors. As part of our mission statement to reduce human suffering whenever possible, we would offer our VAT Room to individuals on the Spectrum if so desired.
The VAT Room research remains in its infancy as we operate a pilot study and we are hopeful for positive results given the positive feedback we have received from current and past participants. For more information on the VAT Room and Vibro-acoustic Therapy, please e-mail Jody Angel-Trejo.
Disclaimer: 40Hz frequency and VAT Room are not FDA approved. VAT Room may not be appropriate for all individuals and the risks and benefits will be discussed prior to use of the room. VAT and VAT Room patents pending.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a form of treatment that is non-invasive and strives to support a person’s neurological functioning by using a variety of methods to monitor brain activity, provide immediate feedback, and then monitor the person’s responses to the feedback which leads to the desired clinical outcomes. At MECC we have elected to step into the use of a particular form of neurofeedback called Passive Infrared Hemoencephelography, or pIR-HEG for short. This tool was developed in 1998 by Dr. Jeffrey Carmen who has used it to help people with ADHD develop executive functioning skills, the alleviate anxiety and depression, and Dr. Carmen currently uses it to exclusively treat migraine disorders.
A group of MECC clinicians have been trained in the use of pIR-HEG to support individuals for whom it is appropriate and desired. As with any form of treatment for mental health disorders, neurofeedback is not appropriate for everyone, but in the cases where it is appropriate, people experience a reduction of symptoms, increased quality of sleep, and other beneficial outcomes. We have a staff member dedicated to the use of pIR-HEG with people of all ages. If you would like more information on this, please contact Jody Angel-Trejo.