Biofeedback Therapists: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview People have a hard time handling anxiety, stress, emotional stimuli and physical strains. These can possibly cause disorders like gastrointestinal concerns, epilepsy, migraine and headaches. Studies had been made to help people control their response to stress. Biofeedback training uses special instruments to monitor different psychological conditions which include muscle tension, skin temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. Those who interpret the information accumulated through monitoring are called biofeedback therapists.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Strong background in Science classes like Anatomy and Biology are needed when pursuing a career as a biofeedback therapist. To better understand the physical aspect of biofeedback, taking Physical Education and Health classes are recommended. Sociology and Psychology classes develop counseling skills. Medical, Nursing or other professional designation before one can specialize in this field. Course work and schools are approved by the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA). Biofeedback therapists may earn Ph.D in Psychology and Master’s degree in social service. Certification is provided by BCIA to those who had completed 150 hours of biofeedback training program. The certification is not required but most of the professional organizations prefer to employ someone who is certified and had met the standards in this field.
Skills and Abilities
Biofeedback therapist should enjoy being with different types of people.
To interact with patients, they need good communication and listening skills. They should have genuine empathy for their patients. It is also important that they have a keen observation. Strong management skills is also needed.
Duties
It is important for biofeedback therapist to know the effects of stress and how the body reacts to different emotional and mental concerns. They help the patient in controlling their reactions to different types of stress. Their primary responsibility is to help patients control and understand emotional and physiological reactions. They should know how to measure brain waves, muscle tension and skin temperature which will be used in treating patients.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Work experience, level of training and the size of their client base are factors that determine the salary of a biofeedback therapist. Salary range greatly differs for each therapist in this field since they come from different professional background. Those who work in urban areas earn more than those who practice in small communities. Most biofeedback therapist charge their customers $50 to $150 per session. Those who are starting in this field can earn around $30,000 a year. Those who are experienced in rural areas can earn around $50,000 a year while those who work in larger communities which handle many patients can earn up to $200,000 annually. Population aged 65 and above are growing and they are the groups which usually seek treatment for different medical conditions. This is the reason that biofeedback therapists are expected to be in demand in the coming years.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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