A new light-based therapy to support brain health and emotional balance
At Butterfield Counseling & Neurofeedback, we are always looking for innovative, evidence-based ways to support healing from the inside out. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Photobiomodulation (PBM)—a gentle, non-invasive therapy that uses light to promote healthy cellular function and enhance brain performance.
PBM, sometimes called “low-level light therapy,” may sound futuristic, but it’s been backed by decades of clinical research. It uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate your body’s natural energy centers (the mitochondria), helping your cells produce more energy, reduce inflammation, and repair themselves more effectively.
How Photobiomodulation Works
During a PBM session, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) deliver precise wavelengths of light to the scalp. These wavelengths penetrate tissue and activate key biological processes, improving blood flow and cellular metabolism. When applied to the brain, PBM has been shown to:
- Support neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to form and strengthen new connections
- Reduce neuroinflammation, which plays a role in many mental health conditions
- Increase oxygenation and circulation within the brain
- Encourage a calm, alert state by balancing activity in different brain regions In simpler terms: light helps your brain recharge—literally.
The Benefits for Mental Health
PBM has been studied for a range of mental health and cognitive concerns, showing promising results in areas such as:
- Anxiety and depression: by improving regulation in mood-related regions of the brain
- Traumatic brain injury and concussion recovery: through enhanced cellular repair
- Brain fog, fatigue, and sleep challenges: by restoring healthy energy levels in brain cells
- ADHD and focus issues: by supporting optimal brainwave activity and blood flow
Many clients describe feeling clearer, calmer, and more energized after sessions. And because PBM is non-invasive, pain-free, and medication-free, it integrates beautifully with the holistic approach we already use at Butterfield Counseling & Neurofeedback.
Combining PBM with Neurofeedback
One of the most exciting aspects of PBM is how well it pairs with Neurofeedback. While Neurofeedback trains the brain to self-regulate through real-time feedback, PBM optimizes the brain’s underlying energy system—making training sessions more effective and helping results last longer.
Think of PBM as fuel for the brain, and Neurofeedback as the driving lessons that teach it how to use that fuel efficiently. Together, they form a powerful partnership for emotional resilience, cognitive performance, and overall mental wellness.
What to Expect
A PBM session typically lasts around 20 minutes. You’ll sit comfortably while the device delivers gentle, warm light to your scalp—no pain, no downtime, no side effects. Most clients find the sessions relaxing, and many even enjoy pairing them with Neurofeedback training or talk therapy for deeper impact.
Lighting the Way Forward
At Butterfield Counseling & Neurofeedback, our mission has always been to provide cutting-edge tools that honor both science and the human spirit. Photobiomodulation is one more way we help our clients feel balanced, focused, and fully alive.
If you’re curious about how light therapy might support your mental wellness journey, we’d love to share more.