(818) 917-4524
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Don Goodman | Ph.D., C.C.Ht., CDMHRS (818) 917-4524
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Biofeedback

Home Biofeedback

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a non-medical process that involves measuring a subject’s specific and quantifiable bodily functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, skin temperature, sweat gland activity, and muscle tension, conveying the information to the patient in real-time. This raises the patient’s awareness and therefore the possibility of conscious control of those functions.

By providing the user access to physiological information about which he or she may be unaware, biofeedback may allow users to gain control of physical processes previously considered an automatic response of the autonomous nervous system. Interest in biofeedback has waxed and waned since its inception in the 1960s; it is, however, undergoing something of a renaissance during the early 21st century, which some experts attribute to the general rise in interest about all alternative medicine modalities. Small biofeedback machines are becoming available for use in the home.

Heart-Rate Variability

Dr.Goodman has come to realize that at the foundation of many of our illnesses is a lack of proper education regarding the art of breathing. Most of us when we became anxious begin a cycle of breath that serves to keep our sympathetic nervous system in a hyper-aroused state.

When taught the proper way to breath, the para-sympathetic takes over and lowers our anxiety and allows our bodies and our minds to heal quicker. Heart-rate variability or HRV is the study of the stress placed on the heart between each beat. By regulating our breath, we can reduce the stress on our heart as well. Dr. Goodman uses computer-aided biofeedback equipment to facilitate this re-learning process.

The Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System

The Human Body is the most amazing machine ever invented. At the speed of light, decisions are made regarding whether to run or whether to fight. Whenthe Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) is engaged, the body hunkers down, goes into stress mode and begins releasing cortisol, adrenaline, epinephrine, and a whole host of other proteins, enzymes and hormones. This raises blood pressure, increases heart rate, raises body temperature and brings blood up to the head and heart to protect these vital organs.

Stress in a Modern World

While cave man probably only raised his SNS when he had to hunt the Saber Tooth Tiger, Today, it seems everything is a Saber Tooth Tiger to us. We are on constant SNS overload feeling as if everything around us could attack us. Terrorism, finances, jobs, family, relationships, illnesses, etc all combine to keep the SNS engaged. Similar to driving a car where the idle is stuck on high which eventually causes the engine and all the parts to burn out. Biofeedback,
Hypnosis, Relaxation, visualization, breathing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy all combine to provide coping skills for us to proactively engage the Para-sympathetic system thus shutting down the SNS and allowing that idle to finally come back down to normal. This is how we can return to a powerful state of health; becoming parasympathetic dominant.

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Google Reviews
Website Customer Reviews
Google Reviews
Website Customer Reviews

When I came to Dr. Goodman, I was extremely anxious, suffered from low self-esteem and often experienced discomfort, or seemingly unresolvable conflict, when communicating with friends and family members. My life has improved tremendously as a direct result of therapy Dr. Goodman. I feel more confident and happy about myself and in my relationships. My communication skills have improved because my anxiety has decreased. I appreciate Dr. Goodman’s genuine concern and thoughtful advice he has provided me during therapy sessions. I consider my therapy with Dr. Goodman to be invaluable and worth every dollar I spent on therapy.

Margy
Agoura Hills, CA

Wonderful fulfilling year of council
Put me back on track with successful results
Thank you Don

tony
La quinta

His depth of knowledge in this area is truly impressive, but I find his expertise and insight into all aspects of psychology, life, culture, the arts, and any number of other topics as equally impressive and beneficial.

Rich
Los Angeles

Dr. Goodman is a great listener, very bright so understands what you’re explaining, compassionate, very patient and gives excellent advice.

Margi
Westlake Village, CA

I went to Dr. Goodman as I had recurring pain that was very difficult to manage. My wisdom grew thanks to the psychological modalities and techniques I learned from him and I was able to manage any pain so it was no longer an issue. The empowerment this gave me changed my life, giving me the freedom to accomplish goals I would not have been able to otherwise. I highly recommend Dr. Goodman, I wish there were more psychologists with his wisdom.

Matt
Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Goodman treated me successfully for chronic health anxiety from Sep 2020 to Jan 2025. We met face-to-face weekly through 2020, then bi-weekly.
I look back with satisfaction and some amusement at the long list of physical symptoms that I urgently handed to Dr. Goodman at one of our first meetings. Today, in hindsight, it seems obvious that most of these were imaginary symptoms or at worst symptoms whose severity I exaggerated in my mind.
How did Dr. Goodman cure me? We talked. He taught me breathing for relaxation early on. We talked more and he found common ground with me on many fundamental problems in life.
My natural inclination towards health anxiety was exacerbated by benzodiazepine prescriptions that various MDs fed me starting 2005, initially from my primary care physician for a not-sleeping-well complaint. However, starting in 2008, a series of MDs specializing in psychiatry kept me in a state of agitated addiction to various benzodiazepines, what they euphemistically called “dependence”. This was done despite well-known, even famous, public info on the harmful effects of benzodiazepine addiction by prescription. Think: the book and movie, “I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can” and the Rolling Stones song, “Mother’s Little Helper”.
My breakthrough came in March 2021 when I decided to quit taking the benzos and quit seeing the latest psychiatrist who was ostensibly trying to taper me off benzos, but in fact was prescribing doses on a roller coaster trajectory in line with my current reported level of heath anxiety.
How did I reach a psychological state where I could objectively assess my prospects without benzos vis-a-vis a continuation of my life ever fearful for my health and addicted/ dependent on benzos? Credit Dr. Goodman.
Subsequent meetings with Dr. Goodman after March 2021 helped me consolidate my newly transformed prior obsessions with physical symptoms. Additionally, our meetings afforded me the opportunity to discuss a variety of life issues with a man of great knowledge, judgment and compassion – Dr. Don Goodman.

Doug
Los Angeles

I’ve seen a few therapists before dr. Goodman, and I’d have to say we truly “click”. He’s tremendously helped me with my anxiety – He not only listens, but provides useful tools and exercises. I’m so grateful for him!

Bo
Venice, CA

The Buddhists say that in a journey of 1000 miles starts with the first step. I am so glad that Dr Goodman was recommended to me. What a breath of fresh air.

Rick
Thousand Oaks, CA

Dr Goodman has given me back my breath! I now have tools to use for every situation. My PTSD Anxiety and depression are nearly all under control thanks to Dr Goodman! My trust in Dr Goodman is profound.My fears were real and debilitating, Dr Goodman retaught me breathing awareness acceptance and mindfulness. I am forever grateful to continue to have him in my team!

Lisa
Malibu, CA
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