Tired of feeling stuck?

Struggling with anxiety, depression, or the lingering effects of trauma?

Krystle Smith of Forward Counseling isn't just a LENS Neurofeedback technician; she's a compassionate advocate for brain health and can help you reclaim your mental well-being.

She is a dedicated and friendly professional who specializes in the treatment of trauma and PTSD. She was certified in LENS Neurofeedback at Ochs Labs and began her journey at Forward Counseling after witnessing its effectiveness on her own brain health.

Krystle, a former Chief Financial Officer of a women's shelter for domestic violence victims, recognized the need for innovative resources to treat debilitating symptoms of trauma and PTSD. She works with clients of all backgrounds and mental health diagnoses, and is passionate about spreading awareness and accessibility of these invaluable brain health services. She is dedicated to helping clients like herself feel heard and understood in their struggles.

Having personally experienced the transformative power of LENS, she's dedicated to helping others unlock their full potential. As a former CFO of a women's shelter, Krystle understands the unique challenges faced by trauma survivors and is committed to making LENS accessible to those who need it most.

1. What sparked your interest in brain health and led you to LENS Neurofeedback?

I became aware of LENS Neurofeedback while I was a patient at Forward Counseling. I had been seeing a talk therapist at Forward Counseling that was wonderful, and I received an email from Forward Counseling telling us that they now offered LENS Neurofeedback. I was intrigued because the email said that LENS Neurofeedback could help your brain break free from feeling "stuck". I was suffering from PTSD and was still having panic attacks every time I heard the doorbell ring at my house. The initial incident that caused the PTSD had happened 5 years prior, and I was still suffering. I attended talk therapy, did EMDR, started taking SSRIs, etc. Emotionally and situationally, I had processed the event, but my brain would still freak out when I heard the doorbell ring. Because of this, I decided to give it a try. After 3 sessions, I felt a HUGE difference! After 3 sessions, my brain didn’t freak out when I heard the doorbell ring. I could speak when I was upset. My anxiety was subsiding. It made such a huge difference in my life that I decided to make an entire career change.

I wanted EVERYONE to know about and experience LENS Neurofeedback, and I wanted to be a part of it! :)

Learn more about Neurofeedback

2.Have you witnessed any inspiring client success stories that showcase the power of LENS?

The power of LENS on the brain is amazing.

Anxiety and Depression - One of my client's came in experiencing extreme anxiety and depression. She was struggling so bad that she couldn't focus at work, she didn't want to get out of bed, she had stopped doing crafts (which she loved), and she just felt stuck in a constant cycle. After 3 sessions, she said that she woke up and felt back to normal for the first time in years! She started enjoying her job again and just felt time a new person.

Stroke - My first stroke client began LENS after having a major stroke on his left side 10 years prior. He had a lot of trouble finding words and his right side was extremely weak. He couldn't feel his right foot and had a lot of trouble using his right hand/arm. After doing head LENS and body LENS for 3 weeks, his speech started improving. He was able to find words faster, and he even started going to family functions. After 6 weeks, he started being able to feel his right foot and his right arm/hand again. He hadn't been able to feel them in 10 years!

3.Given your background as a CFO of a women's shelter, how do you see LENS benefiting those struggling with trauma and PTSD?

Given my experience as a CFO at a women’s shelter, I see LENS Neurofeedback as a valuable tool for trauma recovery, especially for those with PTSD. Many trauma survivors have deeply ingrained responses like hypervigilance or anxiety that traditional talk therapy alone may not fully address. LENS works differently by helping to "reset" brainwave patterns, often reducing the intensity of these automatic stress responses, allowing individuals to feel calmer and more present without revisiting traumatic memories. This gentle, non-invasive approach can be particularly effective for trauma survivors who might otherwise avoid therapy.

4.What sets your approach to LENS apart?

When it comes to LENS, I like to help in any way possible, which includes the use of body LENS. I mainly use head LENS when it comes to brain health, anxiety, depression, brain fog, etc. But when I have a client who has suffered from a stroke, fibromyalgia, or has pain in a certain part of their body, I like to incorporate body LENS to the injured area. The body LENS can reduce pain in the body and promote healing.

On top of body LENS, I also talk to my clients about LENS. We look at the brain map each session, we discuss what's bothering them, and we also discuss what has improved.

5.How do you create a safe and supportive environment for clients, especially those feeling vulnerable?

Creating a safe and supportive environment is very important. I do this by scheduling my clients at intervals so that they each have my undivided attention. We have a noise-canceling machine in the office, which creates a very relaxing atmosphere. My clients can talk as much or as little as they'd like. Everyone is different in that area.

6.Can you explain the LENS process in a way that's easy to understand?

The LENS Neurofeedback process is straightforward and relaxing. In each session, all the client has to do is come in, sit down, close their eyes, and relax. Sensors are gently placed on their scalp to measure brain activity, while brief, gentle pulses of energy stimulate specific brain areas. This tiny stimulation nudges the brain to “reset” stuck patterns that can cause issues like anxiety, trouble focusing, or even mood swings. Over time, this helps the brain find a healthier, more balanced rhythm, which can lead to improved focus, emotional balance, and clearer thinking. Sessions are short, and many people notice a positive shift after a few visits, making it an easy addition to other therapies or lifestyle changes.

7.What are some common misconceptions about LENS, and how do you address them?

Some common misconceptions about LENS are that it's painful, invasive, only needed for severe mental illness, or should be used INSTEAD of talk therapy. None of these are true at all. LENS is very relaxing and painless. It's not invasive and only takes a few minutes. While LENS is highly effective for issues like anxiety, PTSD, and TBI, it can also support brain optimization for individuals without significant mental health issues. Many people use LENS to enhance cognitive performance, reduce stress, or improve emotional resilience. In regards to LENS being used INSTEAD of talk therapy, LENS is actually often most effective when combined with other therapeutic approaches like talk therapy, EMDR, or traditional medical treatment. It complements other therapy by optimizing brain function, which can, in turn, enhance other treatments’ effectiveness.

8.Beyond the intended goals, what unexpected benefits have clients reported?

Many clients report feeling more in focus right after LENS. The colors around them feel brighter and more clear/crisp. One of my clients was a baseball player struggling with Sports Anxiety. He came in just wanting relief from the anxiety. He did receive complete relief from the Sports Anxiety within 3 sessions, but he kept coming weekly because he said that he could see the lines of the ball clearer during the games and practice when he was receiving LENS.

9.How can someone determine if LENS is right for them?

LENS is often a good choice for anyone who feels like their brain needs improvement. Many times, we can't pinpoint what's wrong, but we know that something is not right. If a person is feeling that way, LENS is definitely something they should consider trying. LENS is often a good choice for people who may not want talk therapy but still want to address mental health or brain optimization concerns. It's known to help with various challenges, including anxiety, PTSD, focus, ADHD, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and even general stress.

10.What is your vision for the future of brain health, and how does LENS play a role?

My vision for the future of brain health is one where mental wellness and brain optimization are accessible, personalized, and preventive. As our understanding of the brain advances, therapies like LENS Neurofeedback have the potential to empower individuals to actively shape their mental health by encouraging brain resilience and adaptability. LENS can play a significant role in this future by providing an individualized method to address a range of conditions—from stress and trauma to cognitive enhancement—without relying solely on medication. Through regular use, LENS could support people in achieving better mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall cognitive health, laying the foundation for a new era in proactive brain wellness.

Harness the Power of Your Brain with LENS Neurofeedback

Ready to optimize your brain function and improve your quality of life? Krystle Smith, a certified LENS Neurofeedback technician, offers a science-backed approach to addressing a wide range of mental health challenges. By gently stimulating your brainwaves, LENS can help you reduce stress, enhance focus, and overcome the debilitating effects of trauma.