BrainTap at Healing Connections

Simple, guided neuro-relaxation using light + sound. Short sessions. Big exhale.

Where: Healing Connections Psychotherapy — 183 1st Ave West, North Bay, Ontario P1B 3B8

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What is BrainTap?

BrainTap is a guided relaxation experience using a light-emitting visor and headphones with calming narration and sound. It’s used at our clinic as a wellness add-on (or stand-alone) to help your nervous system settle, reduce stress, and support sleep.

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Why it can help (the science)

Your brain naturally pulses in rhythms (delta, theta, alpha, beta). Rhythmic light and sound can “nudge” those rhythms—a process called entrainment. Studies show that when visual flicker or certain audio patterns are presented at specific speeds (e.g., in the alpha range ~8–12 Hz), brain activity can align with them and shift attention, calm arousal, and sometimes reduce anxiety or improve sleep. Results vary by person, but the mechanism is real and measurable (EEG “steady-state” responses). 

What research suggests so far:

• Anxiety & procedure tolerance: Several randomized studies of binaural beats/music with beats report lower anxiety before medical procedures, sometimes improving procedure tolerance. (Not all trials agree, but many show a benefit.) 

• Sleep & pain: Audio-visual stimulation (AVS) has shown promise for insomnia and pain in pilot and open-loop studies, and feasibility RCTs suggest people can use it at home with good adherence. 

• Mood & cognition (early data): Small randomized trials in clinical populations suggest AV entrainment can modulate EEG rhythms and may reduce depressive symptoms—but these studies are early/heterogeneous and need larger replication. 

Bottom line: Entrainment reliably happens in many people; well-designed light/sound sessions can feel deeply relaxing and may reduce state anxiety or support sleep. It is not a medical treatment and results vary—so we present it as a wellness tool and integrate it thoughtfully with therapy when helpful. 

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Who it’s for

• People who want a safe, structured way to decompress between life’s demands.

• Clients who like a sensory, body-based reset before/after therapy.

• Anyone building a simple, repeatable routine for stress and sleep support.

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What a session is like (20–30 minutes)

1. Arrive a few minutes early for consent and a quick check-in.

2. Get comfortable in a recliner. We fit the light visor and headphones.

3. Close your eyes while gentle light patterns and narration play.

4. Most people feel calm, heavy-limbed, or refreshed afterwards.

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Safety & suitability (important)

• Do not use if you have photosensitive epilepsy or a history of seizures triggered by flicker. 

• Use caution / talk to us first if you have migraine triggered by light, concussion, serious eye conditions, are pregnant, or are very light-sensitive.

• You can keep eyes closed under the visor if you prefer gentler light.

• This is a wellness experience. It does not diagnose, treat, or cure any condition.

• If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or uncomfortable at any time, we stop immediately.​

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Session options & prices

• BrainTap (30 min): $25

• Red-Light Therapy (20–30 min): $25

• Stacked: BrainTap + Red-Light (45–60 min): $40

• 10-Passes: BrainTap $175 · Stacked w/ Red Light Therapy - $360 (save vs. single sessions)

• Memberships (up to 6 sessions/month): BrainTap $99 · RLT $99 · Stacked $149
  Passes valid 6 months. Shareable within a household.

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FAQs

Is there good science behind this?
There’s solid mechanistic evidence that rhythmic light/sound can entrain brain activity. Clinical studies on anxiety, sleep, and pain show encouraging but mixed results (typical of wellness approaches). We present it transparently, with realistic expectations and clear safety screening. 

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Will it fix my insomnia or anxiety?
It’s not a cure. Many people report feeling calmer and sleeping better on days they use it. We suggest trying a series of sessions and pairing it with therapy, sleep hygiene, and medical care where appropriate. 

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What does it feel like?
Most describe deep relaxation or a pleasant “drifty” feeling. Some get sleepy—plan a gentle re-entry to your day.

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Can I do this if I’m in counselling with you?
Yes. We often stack BrainTap before/after therapy to help the body settle and integrate. Also, your choice to participate or not will never impact your care.

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What if flashing lights bother me?
Tell us. We can adjust settings, keep sessions eyes-closed, or skip the light component. Safety first. 

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Before you arrive

• Eat and hydrate normally.

• If you wear heavy eye makeup, it may smudge with the visor.

• If you feel very drowsy after sessions, avoid driving until you’re fully alert.​

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Ready to book?

Choose “BrainTap (30 min)” or “Stacked: BrainTap + Red-Light.” Questions? We’re happy to help you choose a first session plan.

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References 

• Pino O. Acta Biomed (2022): RCT on audiovisual entrainment in psychological disorders.

• Tang HYJ et al. Sleep Med (2021) & pilot work: AVS and sleep in older adults/insomnia. 

• Demirci S. PubMed (2024): Binaural beats reduced pre-procedure anxiety and increased tolerance. 

• Opartpunyasarn P. Frontiers in Psychology (2022): Binaural beats vs music vs control for anxiety. 

• Wiesman AI. J Neurosci (2019): Alpha-frequency visual entrainment mechanisms. 

• Gulbinaite R. J Neurosci (2017): Individual alpha peak and 10 Hz flicker effects. 

• ANS/BSCN & ILAE guidance: Photic stimulation safety and photosensitivity.