Patient Testimonials

“I first met Dr. Essl just over a year ago when I was experiencing significant work-related anxiety that often disrupted my sleep patterns. I would rate my stress/anxiety level at 6 out of 10—a feeling that had unfortunately become ‘my normal.’ I rarely got more than 4-5 hours of restful sleep, with frequent disruptions throughout the night.

Over the past six months, after several LENS treatments combined with natural organic supplements (for balanced nutrition, sleep, and stress relief), the results have been remarkable, and the metrics speak for themselves.

My stress and anxiety levels have decreased by about 50%. My new ‘normal’ on a daily basis typically ranges from 3-4, and I’ve been able to apply techniques learned from Dr. Essl to create a much more productive workday.

I’ve also implemented techniques and supplements to improve my sleep preparation routine. The results these past few months have been impressive: deeper, more restful sleep lasting at least 6 hours with fewer disruptions each night.

I’m very pleased with what has become ‘my new normal,’ and with Dr. Essl’s continued treatment and encouragement, I look forward to even better results in the future.”

71-year-old nonprofit executive, Marin County

“For decades, I suffered from the effects of complex PTSD—a diagnosis I didn’t discover until reading ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. This book helped me understand the origins of my struggles: night terrors, chronic pain, autoimmune issues, and emotional instability.

Dr. van der Kolk emphasizes that for people with complex PTSD, neurofeedback is often necessary to create meaningful shifts in the nervous system. Trauma rewires the brain, and without proper interventions, people remain trapped in cycles of activation and distress.

This led me to Dr. Brigitte Essl and LENS neurofeedback treatment. The results were life-changing. The progress I made in just one year with Dr. Essl—combined with other science-backed therapies—far surpassed my previous 30 years of healing efforts, despite substantial investments of time, energy, and financial resources. The LENS treatments were remarkably effective, leaving me feeling both deeply grateful for the relief and frustrated that these treatments aren’t more widely available.

Dr. Essl’s care and expertise are exceptional. Her deep empathy and attunement to patients allowed her to personalize my treatment, adjusting when my nervous system needed more integration time. This level of trust and attentiveness made all the difference in my healing journey.

I am eternally grateful for my work with Dr. Essl and have referred many of my own clients to her with complete confidence in her skill and care.”

Michael W, San Francisco

“To say that Dr. Essl ‘gave me a life’ is not an exaggeration. She has supported me through over 20 years of various ailments—especially depression and gastro-intestinal issues—both of which would have severely limited my life without her care.

Under her guidance, any cold or flu I contracted passed through me much more quickly than before. Perhaps most remarkably, her support for urinary infections saved me from needing antibiotics.

Through homeopathy and nutritional recommendations, these past two decades have been filled with more resilience, joy, and vitality than I had thought possible before meeting Dr. Essl. Her comprehensive approach to wellness truly transformed my quality of life.”

Suz S, PhD

“After completing a 5-session LENS treatment with Dr. Brigitte, I noticed a great improvement in my overall well-being. My stress levels decreased significantly, my thoughts became clearer, and my sleep quality improved dramatically. I also experience nervous stomach issues during daytime hours. Dr. Brigitte proved herself to be an excellent diagnostician, deep listener, and exceptionally caring doctor—far more attentive than most medical professionals!

The most profound change I experienced was a deep calmness that allowed me to be more present. Colors appeared more vibrant, and my overall mood was enhanced considerably.

Dr. Brigitte also prescribed several homeopathic drops that helped with my Lyme-related stiffness and brain fog (though the LENS treatments likely contributed to improvements in these areas as well).

I highly recommend Dr. Brigitte’s treatment approach for anyone dealing with Lyme disease, anxiety, brain fog, fatigue, or low mood. The results are truly remarkable.”

Liz S, Sausalito

“I am writing as a grateful patient of Dr. Essl.

In 2016, I developed sciatica in my right leg. As a former professional dancer who was still teaching in 2015, this condition caused me significant distress—not only from the physical discomfort but primarily because I was unable to work out and dance. That’s when I was referred to Dr. Essl and LENS neurofeedback.

After just 3 sessions, my heightened anxiety levels dropped dramatically from 8-9 down to 2-3. My sleep quality improved significantly after 6 sessions, and my sciatica disappeared.

When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2016, I also experienced GI issues. Dr. Essl helped address these with an anti-inflammatory food program called Metabolic Balance.

Throughout 2018-2019, I struggled with brain fog and sleep disturbances resulting from radiation treatments and Lupron injections that suppressed testosterone. Thankfully, Dr. Essl provided LENS treatments that helped alleviate my fatigue, depression, and anxiety.

I’d like to highlight something beyond the LENS treatments themselves—the wonderfully supportive, warm, positive, and welcoming atmosphere Dr. Essl created, along with the ease of communicating with her. This is increasingly rare in today’s digital healthcare environment. Put simply, Dr. Essl made me feel I was in the hands of a friend. She is certainly an outstanding practitioner who inspired great confidence during every office visit, but more importantly, she is a genuine, caring human being who put me at ease from the moment I stepped into her office.

Thank you, Dr. Essl!”

David C, San Francisco

“Before receiving help from Dr. Essl, I had been experiencing varying degrees of brain fog for several years, likely from mold exposure and post-viral symptoms. By the time I met Dr. Essl, I was depressed and concerned about my wellbeing; I could no longer perform effectively for my family or business. I had tried numerous healing modalities over the previous 2-3 years with varying results, but none were satisfactory.

Dr. Essl patiently listened to my history, factored in all my previous treatments, and developed a progressive strategy that provided solutions. The LENS neurofeedback offered immediate benefits—a subtle relief and lightness following each session that continued to build over subsequent days. Combined with homeopathic treatment, herbal support, and a detox strategy, I finally reached a level where I could live happily.

The LENS treatment provided subtle improvement immediately and built momentum over the long term. During my seven months with Dr. Essl, the most profound changes occurred in the first few months; the latter half focused on fine-tuning and maintenance.

When I first met Dr. Essl, I felt vulnerable and defeated, though still hopeful for recovery. She was compassionate, patient, strategic, and intelligent. Her layered approach helped me recover, balancing the right amount of treatment—not rushing while understanding my desperation to feel better quickly. Throughout the process, I always felt Dr. Essl’s genuine care and support.”

Adam H, San Rafael

“The LENS treatments have been helpful for sequelae from a head injury and also for ‘resets’ when I feel overwhelmed and anxious. Some of the remedies Dr. Essl has given me have been essential in helping heal family of origin trauma. And always, her gentle, perceptive counsel has helped restore my sense of ease and comfort.”

“Dr. Essl’s help has been and continues to be a valuable resource in my life. Living in a world in chronic, toxic disarray is getting more difficult, and I find her work to be both a necessary survival tool and a balm for my sensitive nervous system.

AJ, Sausalito

“Dr. Brigitte Essl is the most multitalented and effective doctor/healer that I know. In my decades-long journey to heal from misdiagnosed Lyme disease, I worked with many different practitioners. Dr. Essl helped me the most profoundly, quickly, and deeply. I am incredibly grateful she has brought her many gifts to us.

After the shock of the 2024 election, her LENS work helped me regain my balance. Not only did I gain stability, but also peace of mind and new energy for action. More recently, I was feeling so good that I didn’t think I needed a LENS treatment, yet I went anyway. From that session, I felt even better—something I hadn’t known was possible.

I highly recommend her work. From my experience, no matter how you’re feeling, you will likely feel better after seeing her. Part of her medicine is her kind and wise healing presence.”

Hallie A, Author, Activist, Mill Valley

“Dr. Brigitte Essl is a knowledgeable and thoughtful professional, and I’ve been fortunate to work with her for many years. She specializes in supporting health at the root cause—not just addressing symptoms. She has always been extremely patient and attentive to my concerns, and thorough in communicating treatment options.

I have experienced the benefits of LENS and complementary supplementation firsthand on my immunity and general wellbeing. After a LENS session, I notice an immediate feeling of clarity in my vision and reduced tension behind my eyes. Everything around me becomes more peaceful, and I can think, absorb, and process more easily—though I understand each person’s reaction is unique.

Her recommended dietary supplements have been incredibly helpful. When taking them consistently, I’ve noticed improvements in my mental activity, skin, hair, and nail health. What stands out most is gaining consistent energy throughout the day and increased physical resilience. I feel more active and present, with a stronger immune system that prevents illness and recovers more rapidly when needed.

For these reasons and many more, my family and I highly recommend her practice and services.”

Maeve M, Corte Madera

“Working with Dr. Essl was nothing short of transformational. I originally came seeking support for digestion, mood, and sleep issues that had been lingering for years. What I found was not only relief but a profound shift in my overall well-being.

Through a thoughtful and integrative approach, Dr. Essl helped me reset my body, beginning with my gut. My digestion became balanced, my sleep deepened, and my emotional landscape softened in ways I hadn’t expected. After just a few sessions, I felt more present, more grounded, and more creatively open than I had been in years. I’m deeply grateful for Dr. Essl’s wisdom, compassion, and truly holistic care.”

Gina C, San Rafael

“I suffered from severe, debilitating chronic back pain for 3 years. Traditional western practitioners offered no hope—only pain medications as a lifetime solution. I was told to live with the pain, but living with that pain was not a life.

My bodywork therapist recommended Dr. Essl and LENS Neurofeedback. The treatment helped calm and stabilize my nervous system, which was stuck in ‘fight or flight’ mode. The result was gradually decreasing pain until eventually, my chronic back pain disappeared completely. This process took about a year, with weekly appointments for about 6 months, then every 2-4 weeks as needed. A small investment to get my life back! My back pain has not returned, and I now live a full and active life—skiing, mountain biking, weight training, running, hiking, and playing with my kids daily. Most importantly, I am happy and pain-free.

I owe my life to Dr. Essl and recommend speaking with her if you have any type of pain, including headaches.”

Tess M, Marin County

“Over the last 10 years, I have had the opportunity to refer a multitude of patients with diverse and complicated chronic conditions to Dr. Essl. She has used her treasure trove of skills, acumen, and empathy to help each one in a personalized manner. Her approach is targeted and uncomplicated, with tools that are expansive and unmatched. Under her care, patients’ symptoms resolve and their quality of life improves. Dr. Essl is clearly one of the best practitioners in our region!”

“In 2019, I sought treatment from Dr. Essl for sleep issues. After just three LENS treatments, my sleep problems were successfully resolved.

At the end of 2023, a genetic heart anomaly required emergency open-heart surgery. Afterward, my heart and brain electrical systems weren’t functioning properly. I also overestimated my strength and pulled my ribs out five times. The scar tissue nerve pain was extremely intense when my ribs were displaced, often continuing for days or weeks even after they were properly repositioned.

I returned to Dr. Essl for LENS treatment. Remarkably, within just four hours of my first session, the stinging pain was reduced by at least 45%. As I continued treatment, my autonomic nervous system regained control, and the stinging pain in the rib scar area disappeared completely. My mild tachycardia (caused by brain and heart electrical system dysfunction) began to dissipate, and my disrupted sleep patterns improved significantly.

Throughout my treatment, Dr. Essl has been exceptionally knowledgeable, reassuring, caring, and competent in her application of the LENS procedure. She answered all my questions, allowed me to email with follow-up concerns, and helped me immensely with homeopathic scar relief cream and managing supplements to support my overall health.

I continue to receive LENS treatments from Dr. Essl because this treatment works wonders for me personally. It has helped my heart, brain, autonomic nervous system, spirit, and endurance. I’m now back to walking 12-15 miles per week.”

JP, Novato

“My audiologist referred me to Dr. Essl to help with my tinnitus. Additionally, I had sleep problems and suffered from anxiety. The tinnitus remarkably decreased with her treatment. LENS therapy helped tremendously in reducing my anxiety and stress. I am now able to focus and be more productive. My attention and energy levels have improved, and I sleep much better. Even my friends have noticed the positive difference in me.”

MC, business executive, Marin County

“From our first meeting, I was struck by Dr. Essl’s warmth and caring nature. She’s committed to getting to the root of issues to ensure effective treatment outcomes. She supported me through chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, and then helped me improve my gut function. She is very skilled in the use of herbs and homeopathic remedies.

After my first LENS treatment, I experienced deep relaxation—like I had just emerged from a hot bath. During subsequent training sessions, I noticed increased flexibility, which made me realize how much anxiety and tension I had been carrying in my body. Most surprisingly, I found myself feeling more grounded with greater clarity about life events.”

Catherine M, Mill Valley

“Since seeing Dr. Brigitte Essl and receiving LENS treatment, my severe and frequent migraines have completely disappeared. My stress levels have dropped considerably and my brain function has improved significantly. I’m now more grounded and focused than before. The supplements she recommended have enhanced my brain function and sleep quality.

Dr. Brigitte is brilliant, effective, resourceful, and kind. I recommend that anyone consulting with her shares all health concerns – even those that may seem irrelevant – so she can develop the most comprehensive understanding of their situation.”

Marie M, Sausalito

After a car accident a number of years ago, I experienced post concussion syndrome: short term memory loss, cognitive difficulties and mental exhaustion. With L.E.N.S. treatments and homeopathy , Dr. Essl restored me to full functioning.  Her ability to address complex health issues is nothing short of miraculous! I trust her and her wholistic approach completely.

Marcelina, M, Mill Valley