Effects of biofeedback on distress in a university counseling center: Preliminary results

Abstract

Biofeedback (BF) and its mechanisms of change were examined alongside self-regulation and mind-body approaches in the context of counseling centers. The advance in psychopathology within this context and its intersections with neurophysiological, psychological, and social variables were highlighted. Although BF is commonly provided to students, its effect on self-regulation and mind-body connection remains unclear. There is limited data on the efficacy of treatment modalities in counseling centers, yet with ever-increasing demand for services, it necessitates further study and evaluation for effective planning and resource allocation. Preliminary data from a current study offer important thoughts in this discussion, suggesting that students who receive either individual therapy (treatment as usual) or biofeedback alone tend to report more significant symptom reduction than the combination of these treatments.

Keywords::

• college mental health
• counseling centers
• mind-body approaches
• heart rate variability biofeedback
• common factors
• clinical research

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge research managers Jamie Sorenson, Rebecca Cox, and Brian Fuller for their conscientious work and dedication to the BITS; PCC Associate Director David Sacks, for his assistance with the data analysis; and the PCC management and staff for their support to this study.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Adriana Kipper-Smith

Adriana Kipper-Smith, PhD, received her doctorate in clinical psychology in 2011 from Fielding Graduate University and currently works as a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Vanderbilt University. Her research has focused on the investigation of therapists' development and mind-body interventions, and she has a strong interest in working with diversity issues and international students.

Jay H. Tift

Jay H. Tift is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice in Brentwood, Tennessee. He received his Master's of Education in clinical mental health counseling from Vanderbilt University and completed his post graduate training at the Vanderbilt University Psychological and Counseling Center where he was on the biofeedback team.

Joan F. Frye

Joan F. Frye is a licensed clinical psychologist currently in private practice in Nashville, Tennessee. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology at Fielding Graduate University. Dr. Frye initially received training in biofeedback at the Alvin C. York campus of the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (VA) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She also participated in biofeedback research and provided biofeedback training to students at Vanderbilt University Psychological and Counseling Center.