Student Counseling Service Biofeedback Program

Calm the body
Calm the mind

WHAT IS BIOFEEDBACK?

Biofeedback is a learning tool in which people observe their body’s physical responses and then use that information to control or alter their conditioned reactions, often resulting in greater relaxation, focus, and healthier coping responses.

Although unaware, most people have likely used biofeedback on many occasions.  For example,
if you have ever used a thermometer and discovered you have a fever, you likely used this “feedback” to inform your actions, perhaps seeking out a doctor or going back to bed.

Though using different tools, the SCS Biofeedback Program operates in very much the same way.  Biofeedback involves measuring often unconscious physiological activities of your body such as heart rate and skin conductance to “see” and “hear” your body’s responses.  Once aware of what your body is doing, you can learn to change those patterns to:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Quiet the mind
• Decrease self-consciousness
• Develop better coping responses
• Increase emotional control
• Improve general well-being

Journey to the Wild Divine with Deepak Chopra Pt. 1

Journey to the Wild Divine with Deepak Chopra Pt. 2

Journey to the Wild Divine with Deepak Chopra Pt. 3

Journey to the Wild Divine with Deepak Chopra Pt. 4

Journey to the Wild Divine with Deepak Chopra Pt. 5

WHAT TO EXPECT

In a biofeedback session you will relax in a comfortable chair in front of a wall-mounted computer monitor. Three sensors are placed on your finger tips which measure skin conductance and heart rate.  You will wear headphones to listen to session instructions or recordings from the audio library. These audio instructions will teach you how to breathe deeply, focus on visualizations, relax, and clear your mind of worries and distractions. Like having a personal coach as you practice these skills, the computer will provide you with “feedback” about how successfully you are calming your mind and body. Through practice you will learn to consciously reset your body’s conditioned responses.



PROGRAMS



HEALING RHYTHYMS
15-Step guided computer program that focuses on practical meditation techniques, breathing exercises, and guided relaxation recitations.
See Video

THE PASSAGE
Teaches mindfulness, meditation, and emotional regulation techniques in a fantasy-based computer game environment.
See Video

WISDOM QUEST
A continuation of The Passage that teaches additional meditation and emotional control techniques in either a fantasy-based computer game environment or specific guided activities.

AUDIO LIBRARY
A collection of self-help audio books, guided meditations, guided visualizations, and stress reduction techniques.

GETTING STARTED

The SCS Biofeedback program is open to all students free of charge. To get started, you simply need to attend an initial orientation which will introduce you to the various tools and programs that are available.  After that, no appointment is necessary; simply come and go as needed during SCS office hours.  To set up an orientation appointment, call 294-5056 or stop by the Student Counseling Service reception desk on the 3rd floor of the Student Services Building.

Directions to the Student Counseling Services in the Student Services Building

NEWS:

Biofeedback Center Newest Stress-Buster for Iowa State University Students