Biofeedback Monitor / GSR Meter

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As seen on BBC Three Television

This is an updated model of the Biofeedback Monitor / GSR Meter that was used in the BBC three documentary series ‘The House of Tiny Tearaways’.

Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

We guarantee customer satisfaction, so if after purchase you are not completely satisfied with your Biofeedback Monitor / GSR Meter you may return it within 21 days and receive a full refund (details in terms and conditions). We have never received a returned unit from a dissatisfied customer, which speaks volumes for the quality of the monitor itself.

The Theory Behind It

The Biofeedback Monitor / GSR Meter measures a client’s Galvanic Skin Response (also known as Electrodermal Skin response – EDR). The Monitor operates by passing a small electrical current (unnoticeable to the client) through the skin from one finger electrode to the other.

The electrical conductivity of the skin is affected by changes in the salt and water in the sweat gland ducts. These changes occur almost instantaneously in response to certain emotional reactions, for example when the ‘fight or flight response’ is triggered electrical conductivity increases, indicated by the change in reading on the digital display, and when relaxed electrical conductivity decreases. Thus the Biofeedback Monitor / GSR Meter is able to measure and display a client’s general state of relaxation and immediate emotional reactions. The depth of relaxation or intensity of emotional response is indicated by the change in reading on the digital display.

(The Biofeedback Monitor / GSR Meter is shipped from the UK)

Features

• The Biofeedback Monitor / GSR Meter has a 1 year guarantee against faulty parts and manufacturing faults

• Dimensions :- 83 mm’s wide, 152 mm’s high, 39 mm’s deep. Large easy to read digital display

• Switchable between 2 and 3 digit accuracy

• Very low power consumption

• Comfortable and unobtrusive velcro finger straps with high-conductivity electrodes connected to a long (1.5m) lightweight lead

• The Biofeedback Monitor / GSR Meter has a built-in tilt stand for convenient viewing of digital readings

Operating instructions

The Sensor Lead:

The velcro finger straps should be fitted securely to the client’s first and second fingers. The straps should be positioned in the middle of the end section of the fingers, orientated so the metal electrodes are in good contact with the fingerprints (not the fingernails). If the finger straps are not fitted well, for example if they are too loose, or too near the tips of the fingers so the electrodes don’t make good contact, then the monitor reading will tend to be too low. It doesn’t matter which hand is used, but it is important to continue using the same hand from session to session in order to get comparable readings. When using/storing the sensor lead you should take care not to twist the lead or wrap/wind it around anything, as over time this could lead to damage to both the sensor lead and the electrodes. The sensor lead is included with the meter, if you require a spare lead it can be ordered below.

The Front Panel:

Connect the sensor lead to the socket of the Biofeedback Monitor. The rocker switch on the left turns the meter on, and the push button on the right toggles between 2 and 3 digit mode. The first 2 digits of the monitor reading are the same in both modes – 3 digit mode simply adds more accuracy. More accuracy can be useful in seeing more quickly which direction the reading is moving in (e.g. during analysis), whereas the 2 digit mode is less distracting to read (e.g. during hypnosis).

Since the readings will vary from person to person regardless of their mental state (due to variations in skin type, etc.), it is a good idea to record a reading of a client before any therapy is carried out. This will give you a reference to work from. It is best to take this biofeedback reading after your client has been sitting relaxed for a while. Perhaps attach the electrodes at the beginning of the initial consultation but record the reading near the end of the consultation. Typical biofeedback readings at this stage tend to be between 35 and 55.

Note that use of certain prescribed drugs or even herbal medication (anti-depressants, tranquillisers, etc.) may result in an unusually low reading from the Biofeedback Monitor. This low biofeedback reading does not matter as it is still a valid reference point. It is also worth noting that if a client is particularly hot or cold this will affect the biofeedback reading, making it higher or lower respectively. This should not normally be a problem since the environmental conditions of your treatment room are mostly likely fairly stable. In any case it is the changes in reading during a session that are of most interest.

Hypnosis:

When you have your client comfortably settled, attach the GSR Meter electrodes to their fingers. Take a note of the display reading as you begin your induction. Normally as your client enters hypnosis the biofeedback reading will fall and continue to fall as they become more and more relaxed. Occasionally a client’s reading will rise even though they have entered trance, this tends to be indicative of subconscious anxiety. It is recommended to continue deepening suggestions until the biofeedback reading stops falling, or at least slows right down.

Analysis:

As your client begins to talk during analysis (e.g. free association, regression to cause, etc.) the biofeedback reading will tend to rise somewhat as their trance lightens. This is normal, but when they enter a ‘no go’ area (anxious thoughts, etc.) the reading will rise more significantly, often very quickly, even though they may appear visibly relaxed. This is the time when you may decide to gently probe. Reduced reactions in particular areas from session to session will give you good feedback of your client’s improvements.

Suggestion:

With the Biofeedback Monitor you can monitor your client’s emotional reactions to your suggestions during hypnosis and thereby pace your suggestions. You can also get a good indication of progress made by observing their response to a fear or phobia before and after hypnosis. Ultimately as you use the GSR Meter you will gain specific experience relevant to your particular methods of therapy and most likely you will find it an invaluable tool.

The Battery

The Biofeedback Monitor has a low power consumption. When the battery eventually runs down, the display may become fainter, may flicker or may simply not display anything. Another indication that the battery is almost discharged is if the display doesn’t quite go down to 00.0 (for example if it reads something like 00.2) ten seconds after the sensor lead has been detached from the fingertips. It is best to replace the battery at the first sign of it running out (i.e. the fainter display) because the readings will become slightly less accurate after a time. To get access to change the battery: first, unscrew the battery lid at the back of the case, then pull the battery out with one hand while holding the battery socket with the other hand.  Make sure you don’t pull the cable from inside the monitor.

Please read our Terms and Conditions before purchase.