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Understanding Neurofeedback for Addiction Recovery

Understanding Neurofeedback for Addiction Recovery

Neurofeedback for addiction recovery is a non-invasive, science-based therapy that teaches the brain how to regulate itself. During a session, sensors are placed on the scalp to measure brainwave activity. Individuals receive real-time feedback through visual or auditory cues, allowing them to recognize when their brain is functioning in a healthy, balanced way. Over time, this process helps the brain learn to maintain those healthier patterns on its own.

Addiction disrupts the natural reward system by overstimulating dopamine pathways. Neurofeedback helps calm these overactive areas while strengthening regions linked to decision-making and emotional control. This makes it a valuable complement to traditional treatments such as therapy, medication, or group support programs.

The Benefits of Neurofeedback in Addiction Recovery

  1. Reducing Cravings and Impulses: Neurofeedback training helps normalize activity in reward-related regions of the brain, reducing the intensity of cravings and minimizing the risk of relapse.
  2. Improving Emotional Stability: Many people in recovery experience mood swings or anxiety. Neurofeedback helps regulate the emotional centers of the brain, creating a calmer, more balanced state.
  3. Enhancing Focus and Sleep: Sleep problems and difficulty concentrating are common during withdrawal and early recovery. Neurofeedback promotes better sleep patterns and cognitive clarity.
  4. Supporting Long-Term Recovery: Because neurofeedback targets the root of dysregulation in the brain, it can lead to lasting changes that support continued sobriety and emotional well-being.

Integrating Neurofeedback into a Comprehensive Treatment Plan

Neurofeedback for addiction recovery works best when combined with other therapeutic approaches. Many clients at Connected Brain Counseling use it alongside counseling, mindfulness, and medical treatment. This integrated approach helps individuals not only reduce addictive behaviors but also address the underlying stress and trauma that often contribute to substance use.

Each neurofeedback plan is customized based on individual brain activity and recovery goals. By identifying specific patterns linked to stress, cravings, or emotional dysregulation, therapists can design a targeted training program that promotes long-term brain health.

Neurofeedback for ADHDReclaim Control and Heal from Within

Addiction recovery is not just about avoiding substances—it’s about restoring balance to the brain and rebuilding a sense of control. Neurofeedback offers a path to achieve that transformation from the inside out.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, Connected Brain Counseling offers personalized neurofeedback therapy in Denver designed to support recovery and emotional healing.

Schedule your free consultation today and discover how neurofeedback can help you achieve lasting balance and peace.

  1. Psychology Today – Explains how brain training methods like neurofeedback can assist in addiction recovery by rebalancing neural pathways.
  2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – Provides research evidence on neurofeedback’s effectiveness for treating addiction-related brain dysregulation.
  3. Harvard Health Publishing – Offers an overview of how neurofeedback therapy influences brain activity and supports emotional regulation.
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Pauly Munn, MA, LPC

Individual & Couples Counselor; Neurofeedback Clinician; EMDR-Trained (PhD Candidate)

Pauly is a Colorado native who received his MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regis University, and is a current doctoral candidate for a PhD in Clinical Psychology program at Fielding Graduate University. Pauly is an empathetic counselor who believes in a compassionate, yet direct approach to therapy. Pauly believes his clients are the experts of their experience. Through a collaborative lens, clients who work with Pauly are able to gain meaningful insight into their experience which in-turn provides the essential resources for navigating change and/or healing emotional wounds. Pauly utilizes an integrated trauma-informed lens blended with evidence-based modalities including ACT, CBT, EFT, and more. Pauly specializes in working with adult individuals and couples, with several years of experience working directly with a broad range of presenting challenges including relationship challenges, PTSD & complex trauma, substance use disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and more. More importantly, Pauly believes in building a safe space in which each and every one of his clients feels seen & heard. Pauly identifies as a Latino-American, and is passionate about conducting therapy utilizing a social justice & diversity-informed lens. Pauly has a strong background working with multicultural identities, and believes in the importance of recognizing our unique differences. Pauly loves staying active through basketball, tennis, volleyball, hiking, dancing, strength training, and more. Additionally, Pauly spends time actively engaging in ongoing research projects in trauma, social justice, and neuropsychology.

Pauly's Specialties

  • Depression
  • Complex Trauma
  • Couples Counseling
  • EMDR Trained
Work With Pauly

Brianna Herrera, MA, LPCC

Individual & Couples Counselor; Neurofeedback Clinician

Brianna believes in a holistic approach to counseling, integrating mind, body, and spirit in her work with clients. She strives to help clients weave the various aspects of their lives together through a collaborative approach, meeting her clients where they’re at and partnering with them to create lasting change and a greater sense of wholeness in their lives. Brianna seeks to create a grounding and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with freedom and authenticity. She embraces a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities to best meet her clients’ specific needs and goals, such as trauma-informed CBT, DBT, mindfulness-based techniques, solution-focused therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and humanistic approaches. In her work with couples, Brianna focuses on helping partners improve communication, strengthen their emotional connection, and navigate challenges such as conflict resolution, intimacy issues, and life transitions. She believes that life-giving, functioning relationships are foundational to a person’s sense of well-being. Brianna is certified in facilitating both SYMBIS and Prepare-Enrich couples counseling sessions. In her free time, she can often be found adventuring outside with her husband and pup, hosting a game night, or enjoying time with community.

Brianna's Specialties

  • Couples + Dating Therapy
  • Pre/Postpartum
  • Anxiety
  • Women's Issues
Work With Brianna

Sydney Focht, MA, LPC

Clinical Director & Counselor

I specialize in working with women in their 20s to 50s who struggle with self-worth, self-esteem, and the guilt that often comes with prioritizing themselves. Finding self-trust and the ability to feel worthy of happiness are common topics in my work. My clients tend to put off therapy because they downplay their struggles, describing their pain as ‘not that big of a deal.’ Many of them grew up in households where expressing emotions wasn’t encouraged and they are still looking for security now. My goal is to create a space where you feel completely free to be yourself—no pressure, no expectations. Therapy with me isn’t about either of us being ‘perfect’—it’s more about you feeling safe, seen, and supported as you figure things out in a way that works for you. I prioritize meaningful conversations that get to the heart of the issue, getting to the root and out of surface level conversation quickly. Going through my own therapy has given me a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be in the client’s seat, and it’s made me even more passionate about helping others find the support that truly works for them. My clients describe me as focused, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and down-to-earth. I truly love what I do and that comes through in my work! I’m a person-centered therapist, but I often integrate elements of Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and IFS.

Sydney's Specialties

  • Perfectionism
  • Eating Disorders
  • Grief/Loss
  • Women's Issues
Work With Sydney

Cassandra Keller, MA, LPCC

Neurofeedback Clinician & Counselor (EMDR-Trained)

I support adults and teens (15+) who are ready to find relief from trauma, anxiety, depression, or feeling stuck in life, career, or identity transitions. Using a compassionate, trauma-informed, and integrative approach, I help clients reconnect with themselves and move toward balance and resilience. I’m EMDR-trained and draw from person-centered, gestalt, DBT, and somatic practices. Whether we’re working with the nervous system, processing painful memories, or exploring patterns with curiosity, my goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where you feel supported, present, and empowered to grow. I especially enjoy working with athletes, creative people, students, and outdoor adventurers who value resilience, beauty, and balance. Alongside therapy and grounding practices, I also offer neurofeedback as another powerful pathway for nervous system regulation and healing. Outside the office, you’ll often find me climbing, fly fishing, running trails, foraging, or relaxing in the grass under the aspens. My love for movement, play, and nature continually inspires how I show up with clients.

Cassandra's Specialties

  • Trauma and Developmental Trauma
  • Nervous System Regulation
  • Anxiety
  • Mind-Body Connection
Work With Cassandra