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MARK WALLER
Ph.D. LMFT
 

T

his page is reserved for those questions that come up in my seminars and workshops. It also addresses questions I get about witness thought therapy©, and neurofeedback. If you have a question that is not listed here, please contact me and I will be glad to answer you as soon as I can.

Lion/Unicorn

Q: Can I be both a Lion and a Unicorn?

A:  Yes. Since we are all animals we must be ready with prey as well as predator strategies at any given time. It just so happens that we have a biological preference for one or the other. This is the basis for the Lion/Unicorn Theory.

Q: I am sure I have been a Lion in one relationship and a Unicorn in another. Is that possible? And what happens when two of the same type get married?

A. It is possible to swap styles from one relationship to another. What happens when two of the same type get married is that the one that is more extreme will try to force the other into the opposite role.

Q: So does that mean we should marry someone of the same type? Or should I try to be more the other type to balance things out?

A: The Lion/Unicorn template is a template that explains unconsciousness. So the idea is to wake up not be better at being unconscious. It is a lot like a caterpillar who comes to therapy to be a better caterpillar. No! the idea is transformation into a butterfly. Awareness is the transformation. Lion/Unicorn is a roadmap to discover unconsciousness through awareness.

 

Neurofeedback

Q: What is the difference between HEG and EEG Neurofeedback?

A: Both are forms of biofeedback for the brain. EEG NF uses the electrical activity of the brain or brain waves as the feedback source. This form of feedback shapes the electrical activity and enhances those brain waves that eliminates certain symptoms. HEG NF exercises the prefrontal lobes (forehead) of the brain. The exercise forces more blood into that part of the brain.

Q: Why have you switched from EEG NF to HEG NF for most symptoms?

A: The most common symptoms people have deal with attention, focus, concentration, impulse control, anger management - all of these are either centered in or controlled by the prefrontal lobes. EEG NF is not efficient in this area because of eye blink artifacts. HEG is proving to be two to three times more effective for issues involving the prefrontal lobes.

Q: Why doesn't my insurance cover NF?

A: Insurance companies think that NF is "experimental." Plus they are drug friendly. They like to see people medicated, usually within 24 hours of seeing a therapist.

Q: My doctor says there are no studies that prove NF works.

A: There is an enormous amount of research that has been done about NF. Follow this link to read up on it. http://www.eeginfo.com/research/ Since most doctors are not familiar with NF, it is easier to put it down than to take the time to find out the appropriate patient referral information.

Q: My son's psychiatrist diagnosed my son with bipolar disorder. What should I do?

A; Many mental health professionals are concerned with the increasing diagnosis of bipolar disorder not just in children, but adults as well. This often leads to the prescription of powerful antipsychotic medications which have never been tested on children. Usually an ADHA child that starts to have oppositional behaviors is a candidate for this diagnosis. HEG NF has shown to be effective in these cases without the use of drugs. The over prescription of drugs of various kinds for ADD, ADHD, and so called childhood bipolar disorder is a grave concern of therapists and parents as well. NF is a viable alternative in even severe cases.

Q: Is it true that stimulant medications for ADHD are dangerous?

A: As with any medication caution should be used. There is a wealth of information available on the web about the potential risks. Much of the information is recent. Do a search and become informed.

 

Witness Thought therapy©

Q: What do you mean when you say "watch" your thoughts?

A: Become "aware" is what is essential. Whether you represent that with the word awareness, listening, or watching is irrelevant. Paying attention is another way to say it.

Q: Is the idea to have better thoughts?

A: No, the idea is to watch the thoughts. When you do, the thoughts disappear leaving you in silent awareness. So the idea is to dis-identify with thought.

Q: Should I try to suppress thought or have no thoughts?

A: Thoughts happen. There is nothing you can do to stop them. Taking no corrective action other than pure awareness is best.