Today we’d like to introduce you to Leigh Richardson.
Leigh, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After an alarming event occurred when my twin boys were in second grade, my world completely shifted. My son was hit by a car crossing the street; my other son saw it happen, and I wasn’t sure who to run to. While my son recovered quickly from a concussion, he started experiencing some issues concentrating in the 5th grade. His counselor immediately suggested that we put him on Ritalin, and as I’m very alternative medicine focused, I said: “No thank you.” But my son still needed my help. I had to do something.
After much searching, I found a neurologist that did neurofeedback. After fully understanding neurofeedback, I thought it was well worth a try. Going straight to medication was not a decision I could make for him. I wanted to exhaust other options first. About 10 sessions into the neurofeedback sessions, his self-confidence greatly improved; his self-esteem did too. I thought this MUST be working.
I have suffered a couple of brain injuries, which led me to neurofeedback. It helped me regain my sense of smell and my visual processing. I had lost my interest in reading as a result of the brain injury. This is when I decided to get involved. I went to UNT and did the didactic training there, and then completed my internship with that same neurologist and got board certified in neurofeedback. After working for him for 5 years, my vision had grown and I was ready to introduce new treatment modalities, such as biofeedback and coaching.
In 2009, I created my own practice under a medical model at a clinic. As the business evolved, it became more of a behavioral/psychological center. I had added counseling into the practice and was ready to shift the focus more to the mental health and moved to a standalone behavior center. With technology and new methods, there was so much more I could do. From simply doing limited training to now doing whole-brain training that incorporates neurofeedback, biofeedback, and cognitive behavioral therapy all in one, it made more sense.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it was pretty rocky in the beginning. Remember the financial environment in 2009? Opening a cash business when people were very concerned about cash was an uncontrollable factor that impacted my business growth. And there was location, location, location. Originally, I opened my office in the Colleyville/Southlake area, and I am not sure why, but it never supported the business growth the way the Irving and Dallas locations have.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Brain Performance Center story. Tell us more about the business.
The Brain Performance Center is a behavioral health center dedicated to improving all aspects of brain health with individualized, innovative, and quality care.
We have two locations: in Dallas and Irving (Las Colinas), Texas. We treat people who are struggling with common conditions that interfere with their quality of life, relationships, and careers. These problems include ADD/ADHD, Addictions, Depression, Panic Attacks/Anxiety, Autism, Insomnia and many more.
We focus on creating change at the brain level through neurofeedback, neuromodulation, and cognitive behavioral therapy, and some clients are able to reduce or discontinue the medication.
I am most proud of our approach. We don’t have a template or standard program. Every person has a customized program, and we use treatment goals to measure progress. People knowing what specific changes they are looking for is important. If you don’t know what you are looking for, you will never find it. We don’t want to meet your expectations; we want to exceed! We meet people where they are, no judgment or B S. What sets us apart is that we truly care.
Simply put, I am blessed. I have a proudest moment on a regular basis. Seeing people change and take their life to the next level, no matter what that is, is exciting. For some, the next level can mean being able to focus and concentrate to get the grades or promotions they want. Or, being able to manage that anxiety and not let it dictate what they can or can’t do. Seeing transformation, seeing people come alive, makes me proud. Proud of them and proud to be part of the process.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think this industry is going to blow up. I think that people are tired of the results they’re getting with medication, and the increased awareness of how the brain impacts everything you do and don’t do is gaining momentum. Mental health is coming into the limelight as a result of all the terrible things that are happening, like the shootings, just the environment we’re in as a whole. I see it growing exponentially.
We need this change. When you look at these horrible things, and it’s not just political and all about guns; on the same level as political change, we need change when it comes to mental health. It must be identified earlier on so that something can actually be done about it. That’s why I think this industry is going to grow, improve, and have its place in the world.
I’m excited, especially with technology advancing the way it is; I learn something new every year in this industry.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5924 Royal Lane
Suite 255
Dallas, TX 75230 - Website: www.thebrainperformancecenter.com
- Phone: 817-500-4863
- Email: info@thebrainperformancecenter.com
- Instagram: @thebrainperformancecenter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrainPerformanceCenter
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