EDITORIAL AMENDMENT: at 4:28, Meghan refer's to Dr. Michelle Presniak as a Brain Expert. While Dr. Presniak has a high degree of experience in this area, regulatory considerations in Ontario prohibit the use of the term expert. We apologize for any confusion this may have created
As many of you know, one of the key things that I focused on in my own clinical practice was the health of entrepreneurs and go-getters. In addressing their health, we first worked on restoring pre-existing issues; next, we focused on health optimization; then, we ultimately focused on optimizing the functionality of one’s brain. And while we had a tremendous assortment of tools at our disposal in order to make that happen, my guest today is discussing one that I had ZERO exposure to in my own practice!
Dr. Michelle Presniak is a Clinical Psychologist. Her particular focus is around the utilization of neurofeedback to help individuals move to their next level with respect to their brain health. She works with individuals who are managing depression and anxiety, as well as those who are looking to optimize their brain health by providing them with the feedback that they need to begin moving the neuroplasticity of their brain to get them to that next level.
Now, if this sounds like something you really have no clue about… then that makes you and me both! This interview answered so many questions for me regarding what neurofeedback is able to provide and how it can help in so many unique scenarios. I learned about how we can move the needle on brain health, anxiety and depression, and more.
Whether you are looking to manage a situation or simply optimize the health of your own brain, I promise you, this conversation is going to be a compelling one for you!
Key Takeaways:
[1:55] About today’s episode with Dr. Michelle Presniak!
[3:55] Welcoming Dr. Presniak to the podcast!
[4:37] Michelle shares about her background as a Clinical Psychologist and why she has focused so heavily on brain health optimization and neurofeedback.
[8:40] What is neurofeedback? How does it work? And what does the process of obtaining neurofeedback from clients look like?
[12:38] When Dr. Presniak is using neurofeedback and working with patients who have experienced trauma, are they trying to build our new neural pathways, or are they trying to disconnect some of the associations they had with their trauma? Or is it something else entirely?
[14:11] How neurofeedback actually works from a physiological and anatomical level to facilitate changes within a patient’s brain.
[16:02] When Dr. Presniak is working with a client and has the opportunity to do neurofeedback, is she looking at a situation where she would be able to accelerate what could happen with talk therapy alone (i.e. they are working in conjunction with each other)? Or, is the neurofeedback used as a completely independent modality?
[18:00] For those with anxiety or depression, what can one expect in terms of a timeline of change? Or, is it a kind of treatment or support that one can expect to be engaged with indefinitely or for a long period of time?
[21:09] If children are given neurofeedback early in life, are they able to adapt much quicker than adults? What does this impact look like? How does it differ from the results they see with adults?
[22:25] Michelle shares her own journey and experience with neurofeedback and how it has helped her.
[24:24] In regard to this notion of increasing performance through neurofeedback, is it a matter of having more awareness and changing your behavior in response to your brain’s overactivity? Or, is it because you’ve increased the capacity of the brain in some way?
[26:21] How neurofeedback gives us more awareness around the subconscious learning our brains do.
[27:40] What happens for those who have a nondescript experience such as brain fog? Is it something people have reported changes on?
[30:07] Michelle explains how everything is connected to the brain and further addresses the causes behind brain fog.
[32:24] Michelle speaks about a common profile she often sees among women: the burnt-out brain profile.
[33:45] Your brain’s influence on sleep.
[35:49] Has Dr. Presniak seen an influence on chronic pain through neurofeedback?
[39:12] Michelle speaks about the initial assessment process when a client begins neurofeedback and the client’s overall experience getting neurofeedback.
[40:44] Discussing the profound impact that neurofeedback has on people.
[43:40] About Fullscript, your solution for connecting with patients and dispensing supplements, all from one platform!
[44:57] Michelle’s key performance indicators!
[47:18] Where to learn more about what Michelle is up to!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Toronto Neurofeedback and Psychotherapy Centre
The Entrepology Collective Facebook Page
More About Michelle Presniak
Dr. Presniak is a Clinical Psychologist, Neurofeedback & Brain Expert, as well as a Child and Adult specialist. She graduated with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2009 and over the course of her career has become an expert in the brain, self-regulation, child development, trauma, business, and entrepreneurship, as well as work health and functioning. In addition to her full-time clinical practice, Dr. Presniak is dedicated to teaching others the secrets to mental health, brain optimization, career success, and life fulfillment. She opens and runs neurofeedback clinics across Ottawa and Toronto.
Dr. Presniak has had the privilege of learning through her own experiences as a mother, wife, psychologist, and business owner, as well as learning through the experiences of those sharing their stories with her. You can find her on Instagram @drpresniak and @toronto_neurofeedback.
Dr. Presniak believes we all can reach our greatest potential, but to do so requires empowering our brain, optimizing our mental health, and knowing where and how to focus and balance our lives.
Connect with my Guest:
Websites: TorontoNeurofeedback.com and DrPresniak.com
Instagram: @DrPresniak and @toronto_neurofeedback
If you enjoyed our conversation and would like to hear more:
Please subscribe to The Entrepology Podcast on Stitcher or iTunes.
We would also appreciate a review!
Come Join Your Tribe on The Entrepology Collective Facebook Page!
They say that you’re the product of the five people with whom you spend the most time. Imagine you could spend time with hundreds of fellow entrepreneurs and go-getters looking to up-level their business, body, and mindset! Come hang out with us on Facebook and let us collectively inspire and support you towards your vision of contribution, your commitment towards better health, and your journey of mindset mastery. We’re in this together! Come join us today!
BADASS FUEL — Fuel for Badass Women
Scientifically Supported Ingredients | Support, Not Replacement | Non-GMO
Two years ago, someone asked me what supplements I take to maintain my health, energy, and edge — and they were surprised that I only took four things consistently. For myself and my patients, there are four basics that support — at a foundational level — nearly every system in our bodies. In my quest for the highest quality ingredients and the easiest system for consistently incorporating supplementation to my routine, I formulated and manufactured my own line of foundational supplements. Trusted for myself and my patients, and under the guidance of your own healthcare provider, I’m excited to invite you to check out our foundational product line: Badass Basics. Learn more or order the products yourself by visiting BadassFuel.com!
CALL TO ACTION
What was your key takeaway from today’s episode? How do you want to optimize your brain health? Follow up with us on The Entrepology Collective — because when you’re accountable, you’re helpable!