Help for Emotional Dysregulation in Kids | Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

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267: Who Should Use Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a powerful way to improve emotional regulation and help kids calm their brains, yet few parents know who uses neurofeedback or how it works. In this episode, Dr. Roseann Capanna Hodge shares how Regulation First Parenting™ supports real, lasting change.

When your child melts down, reacts instantly, or seems stuck in worry or intrusive thoughts, it is easy to wonder if anything will ever help. These struggles feel heavy, but they are signs of a dysregulated brain, not bad parenting. That is why understanding neurofeedback matters.

In this episode, Dr. Roseann breaks down who uses neurofeedback, how it works, and why it is one of the most effective tools for calming the brain and improving emotional and behavioral regulation. Parents will walk away with clarity, hope, and actionable next steps.

Why do so many kids struggle if neurofeedback works so well?

Many parents have never heard of neurofeedback because there is a major awareness gap. Even though there are more than 3,000 studies supporting its benefits, pediatricians rarely talk about it. That means families stay stuck in cycles of stress, anxiety, impulsivity, or emotional overwhelm without knowing a proven option exists.

Key takeaways:

  • Neurofeedback is research backed, especially for ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and stress.
  • Brain-based problems need brain-based solutions.
  • The right provider matters, because incorrect protocols can slow or block progress.

Real-life example: A child misdiagnosed with ADD and learning disabilities was actually dealing with dysregulation from birth trauma. The right brain map changed everything.

How does neurofeedback help my child calm down and regulate?

Neurofeedback uses real-time feedback to teach the brain how to create healthier patterns. Kids watch a movie or listen to audio while the system adjusts based on their brain waves.

Why it works:

  • The brain responds in seconds.
  • Improvements come from repetition and reinforcement.
  • Most kids need 20 to 40 sessions for lasting change.

Is neurofeedback safe for children with ADHD, anxiety, OCD, or trauma?

Yes. EEG neurofeedback has strong evidence for safety and efficacy. It helps calm overactive brain regions, reduce intrusive thoughts, and strengthen attention and executive functioning.

Benefits include:

  • Improved emotional regulation
  • Less reactivity and fewer meltdowns
  • Better focus and impulse control
  • Reduced looping or obsessive thoughts

Parent scenario: A child with OCD felt “stuck” in thought loops until neurofeedback helped the brain slow down and create space between thought and action.

Does my child need a brain map before starting neurofeedback?

For most kids, yes. Dr. Roseann uses brain maps in 95 percent of cases to avoid guesswork. A map shows exactly where dysregulation is coming from, whether it is attention, anxiety, learning, or birth trauma related.

Why brain maps matter:

  • They pinpoint root causes.
  • They prevent ineffective treatment.
  • They speed up results.

When your child is dysregulated, it is easy to feel helpless.
The Regulation Rescue Kit gives you the scripts and strategies you need to stay grounded and in control.
Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP at www.drroseann.com/newsletter and get your free kit today.

What Dr. Roseann Says

🗣️ “Neurofeedback is powerful, but it works best when paired with the right expertise and a holistic plan that calms the nervous system first.”
— Dr. Roseann

Neurofeedback gives kids the calm, clarity, and confidence they deserve by helping the brain function the way it was meant to. Whether your child has ADHD, anxiety, OCD, trauma, or big emotions, there is hope. It is gonna be OK, and there are real tools that work.

Explore more resources or download a free Neurofeedback guide to support your child’s regulation journey.

FAQ

What age can a child start neurofeedback?

Kids as young as three can benefit when working with a qualified clinician.

How long do neurofeedback results last?

Most families see long term changes because the brain learns a new pattern rather than masking symptoms.

Can neurofeedback replace medication?

For some kids, yes. For others, it reduces the need for or enhances the effectiveness of medication.

Does neurofeedback help learning disabilities?

Yes. It supports processing speed, working memory, and executive functioning, making interventions more effective.

Next Step: Every child’s journey is different. That’s why cookie cutter solutions don’t work.
Take the free Solution Matcher Quiz and get a customized path to support your child’s emotional and behavioral needs.
Start today at www.drroseann.com/help

 

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Your feedback helps more overwhelmed parents find calm, clarity, and the proven tools that make everyday life easier.

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge: Helping Families of Dysregulated Kids Thrive Through Regulation First Parenting™

 
Dr. Roseann believes every family deserves to move from chaos to connection—and that transformation begins with addressing emotional dysregulation in children at its true source: the nervous system.

As the creator of Regulation First Parenting™, she’s helping families of dysregulated kids discover a compassionate, brain-based path forward. Through The Dysregulated Kids™ Podcast (top 2% globally), she offers practical strategies that help parents understand their child’s brain and support lasting change.

Through The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health and Dr. Roseann, LLC, she’s created resources like the BrainBehaviorReset® program, Neurotastic™ Brain Formulas, and the Regulation First Parenting™ framework—meeting families where they are and supporting them through challenges like ADHD, anxiety, OCD, PANS/PANDAS, and behavioral struggles.

Recognized by Forbes as “a thought leader in children’s mental health,” Dr. Roseann is changing how we understand emotional dysregulation in children—one family at a time.

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