Empowering Children and Teens to Build Resilience and Embrace Life
Specializing in Biobehavioral Services, particularly Biofeedback-Based Treatments, for Functional Abdominal Pain, a Disorder of Gut-Brain Interaction
Is your child or teen struggling with functional abdominal pain, a Disorder of Gut-Brain Interaction?
Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction occur in over 40% of adults and children.
Functional abdominal pain is not just a medical or psychological issue—it’s a psychophysiological condition that requires a comprehensive approach. By teaching your child skills like stress regulation and mind-body awareness, we can reduce their pain, improve daily functioning, and help them build resilience for the future.
Biofeedback is an innovative biobehavioral approach to managing chronic pain by utilizing the mind-body connection.
What are Biobehavioral Services?
Biobehavioral services help people understand how their body and mind work together. These services use simple, therapeutic tools to teach ways to manage emotions, symptoms, and behaviors. By learning how to calm their body and mind, children and teens can feel better and handle challenges more effectively.
What is Biofeedback?
“Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately "feed back" information to the user. The presentation of this information — often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior — supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an instrument." - Approved May 18, 2008, by: Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB),Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA)International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) Source: https://www.aapb.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3287
Biofeedback video games, like controlling a race car with your heart rate and breathing, make therapy fun and engaging for kids.
In simple terms, biofeedback is a safe, non-invasive therapy that helps children and teens learn to control body processes that usually happen automatically. Using sensors and computer technology, biofeedback tracks things like heart rate variability, muscle tension, and skin temperature. With real-time feedback through visuals or sounds, kids can understand and adjust these functions, helping to reduce the effects of stress on their digestive health.
Benefits of Biofeedback
Drug-Free Relief
Suitable for children who may be sensitive to medications or prefer non-pharmacological treatments.
Personalized Approach
Tailored sessions adapt to your child’s unique physiological responses, ensuring effective treatment.
Empowerment
Equips children with lifelong
skills to manage symptoms independently, promoting confidence and self-control.
Proven Results
Backed by research showing significant reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life for children with gut-brain disorders.
Dr. Erik Sowder
I’m Dr. Erik Sowder, a licensed clinical health psychologist and board certified biofeedback practitioner specializing in the treatment of functional abdominal pain and other stress-related conditions in children and teens. My approach combines evidence-based techniques, including biofeedback and other biobehavioral therapies, to address the root causes of chronic pain by targeting the connection between the brain and gut.
See what others are saying…
“I’m fortunate to have worked with Dr. Sowder. I recommend him with my whole grateful heart.”
-Barbie I.
Why choose me?
I specialize in pediatric gastrointestinal health and provide state-of-the-art biofeedback-based treatments.
I am dedicated to offering compassionate care and empowering your child to live a healthier, happier life.
Start with a free consultation…
How many sessions are typically required?
Typically 5-7 sessions depending on the individual, their symptoms, and their needs.
What is the cost per session?
$175 per 45 minute session.
Are there virtual sessions available online?
There are limited options for Zoom sessions. Contact me to request.
What types of issues can benefit from biobehavioral therapies including biofeedback?
Biobehavioral therapies including biofeedback have been shown to effectively address a variety of issues, including:
Gastrointestinal problems
Hypertension
Phobias
Stress-related disorders
Anxiety
Chronic pain
Depression
Headaches
Get Started With Biofeedback
Reach out and schedule a free phone consult.
Get back to daily life…
Investing in biofeedback-based treatments for your child is an investment in their long-term health and well-being. These scientifically proven interventions can reduce the need for costly medical visits and minimize missed school days, sports practices, and other important activities that shape their growth and happiness. Without treatment, children may continue to struggle with chronic pain, anxiety, or stress-related disorders, which can impact their academic performance, friendships, and participation in activities they love.
The risk of not seeking treatment means your child could miss out on valuable experiences and fall behind in school or sports, while their symptoms may worsen over time. Chronic issues left untreated can take a significant emotional toll, diminishing their confidence and overall quality of life. The tools your child learns through biofeedback-based treatments will not only help them feel better now but will also provide lifelong strategies for managing stress and maintaining better health. By addressing these concerns early, you are helping create a brighter, more confident future for your child, ensuring they can fully engage in life’s opportunities.