Theories of the Effectiveness of Alpha-Theta Training for Multiple Disorders

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the theories of the effectiveness of alpha-theta training for multiple disorders. Alpha-theta neurotherapy has demonstrated that causing the brain to generate theta activity daily over a period of time seems to have enormous benefits, including boosting the immune system, enhancing creativity, and triggering or facilitating “integrative experiences leading to feelings of psychological well-being.” The protocol seems to transcend the patient's lack of motivation to change, initial incapacity to create internal visual imagery, and disbelief in the effectiveness of the treatment. Frequently, a patient's experience and results far exceed the goals targeted. Alpha-theta EEG state of arousal seems to create a link to a subconscious realm where a wider vision of the self without its ego adaptations is contacted. This link may be associated with concepts of context and state-dependent learning and memory. Besides overcoming the problem presented, the treatment appears to evoke in the patient more general, adaptive shifts in behaviors, attitudes, relationships, health, mental processing, job performance, and creativity. A large number of psychiatric diagnoses appear to respond to this treatment. Furthermore, it is speculated that when the conscious mind enters the EEG range of theta and “surrenders” to what some call the “mind field,” the brain system is enabled to go through a dramatic and profound reordering process. In addition to the theories of the effectiveness of alpha-theta training discussed in this chapter, it is the experience of such a spiritual connection that is a major healing force behind the extraordinary healing so often seen with this training.