ion. On another - a reasonable definition of good mental health.
If you desire to help individuals with many of life’s challenges, including workplace stressors, family life, career decisions, relationship issues, and especially personal growth concerns, consider a career as transpersonal psychologist.
Transpersonal psychologists must have a PhD in most states to practice, and certain licensing requirements might also apply. Contact schools ror more information on psychology degrees and entering the field of Transpersonal Psychology.
BRAIN WAVES - Changing Your Brain
Brain function controls our lives. It affects attitude, mood, motivation, and our ability to connect with different levels of consciousness. Interestingly, we can learn to control our brain functions and even to control our state of mind.
At any given moment, the brain is generating several kinds of waves - which it must do in order to address situations where multiple activities require attention. The dominant “brain wave” reading sets the tone, but the balance can change quickly.
It's possible to alter the levels of various brain waves in order to improve mental and physical health, and avoid getting “stuck” in one mind-set. Biofeedback, brain wave entrainment technology, and many of the therapeutic techniques used in psychotherapy are effective in helping one achieve greater facility in changing the frequency of one's brain. Changing brain waves takes practice and, although this therapy is expensive and not well known, it can be effective.
What is a brain wave?
The brain is a vast complex of a 100 billion neurons or brain cells that transfer information via tiny electrochemical impulses. These impulses generate energy that is displayed on an electroencephalogram as a brain wave that measures frequency – the number of cycles per second (cps or hertz) - and the amplitude - or strength - of these waves. These measurements correlate to the five different brain states. From the slowest or least active to the highest and most active they are: delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma.
1. Delta - Delta is the lowest of the frequencies, ranging from .5 to 4.0 cps (or Hz) and is normally associated with deep sleep. This frequency appears to be generated throughout the brain. Although it is the slowest of the brain waves, it is the level through which we access our unconscious mind.
The unconscious mind is not under our control. It's the marvelous mechanism that runs our autonomic nervous system. It makes sure all those aspects of our body that are important – like our muscles contracting and our heart beating – actually happen. It's also is a powerful data processor - constantly alert, observing, collecting, and processing data below the surface of our consciousness. As a result, psychologists often help patients enter the delta level in order to access the information in the unconscious mind.
2. Theta - With a frequency of 3.5 to 7.5 cps (Hz), theta is also a slow brain wave, but the dominance of theta waves in the brain opens a powerful portal to creativity. Predominantly a right brain experience, theta is the source of inspiration – the expansive, intuitive levels that ignite artists, writers, composers, and physicists with profound ideas and experiences. Also present in the dreaming sleep state, theta is visionary, providing spiritual experiences and deep meditation.
3. Alpha - The frequency of Alpha is between 8 and 12 cps (Hz), and is the “laid-back,” stress-free brain wave level. It's associated with clear, creative thinking, problem-solving, and the “flow” state where we feel balanced. Alpha is a brain frequency that stimulates serotonin, a neurotransmitter that stimulates a positive mood. It's also a bridge frequency between beta – the waking, active level - and the levels of theta and delta where other parts of the consciousness structure are accessed. The unconscious levels are normally not available to the beta state.
4. Beta - Beta is the fastest of the brain wave categories at 13 to 30 cps (Hz.). It is considered the normal, waking, active state. The prese