Neurofeedback therapy is an outpatient, FDA, non-invasive, no-side effects, evidence based EEG training process that enhances our functioning and performance in multiple domains. We all have brainwaves (Alpha, Beta, Theta, etc.), that when moving and connecting in optimal healthy fast and slow moving brain wave activity, our brain functions at its best. Neurofeedback is a non-drug, reward based training system for your unique EEG without any invasive procedure. It is a form of biofeedback that optimizes the electrical activity of your brain. It’s a non-invasive treatment that when enhancing your EEG performance, it also improves unwanted symptoms and behaviors. Neurofeedback is used to alleviate symptoms and behaviors associated with ADHD, attention, focus, impulsivity, emotional regulation, anxiety, sleep, mood, OCD, concussions, and headaches.
How does Neurofeedback therapy work?
Advances in neuroscience provide a more complex understanding of the mechanisms of EEG, allowing for improved treatment across different types of neurofeedback, especially in Z score training. This form of therapy includes EEG sensors that monitor your brainwaves and a computer to send feedback to you and your brain. It is suitable for both kids and adults and typically involves playing a game, listening to music, or watching a video. The stimuli (game, music, or video) only operates smoothly when your brainwaves are functioning within an optimal range. This acts as a reward for your brain. When your brainwaves fire at a rate that is not optimal, you receive negative feedback (your movie pauses or dims, the game doesn’t work, the music stops, etc.). This feedback tells your brain that something is out of balance and causes it to “figure out” how to return to a seamless movie, music, or game. Over the course of a training program, your brain learns from this feedback. This can promote lasting changes within your brain. The brain then consistently operates within a more optimal range outside of your training sessions, alleviating your symptoms.
What to expect in a Neurofeedback therapy session
We start with conducting a comprehensive brain mapping assessment that includes brainwave analysis using the latest qEEG technology to identify an accurate understanding of your unique brain activity. The assessment identifies the underlying brain areas related to your lack of focus, sleep issues, stress, OCD, anxiety, mood, inattention, and more. We analyze the information your brain gives us to develop an individualized protocol and treatment plan.
Brain Diagnostics
Using advanced qEEG technology, 19 sensors are attached to record your brain’s electrical activity to identify the specific areas of your brain that are understimulated, overstimulated, or typical in functioning. Your report shows the areas of your brain related to your symptoms that need to be re-trained based on the brain mapping assessment. We analyze the data to develop an individualized brain training program focused on your unique challenges.
Treatment Protocols
We utilize the latest 19 sensor S-Lorretta neurofeedback machine here in our clinic. This allows us to train 19 different areas of your brain simultaneously. You wear a cap fitted with 19 sensors that produce a visualization of your brain waves for the clinician to observe on a monitor. Your active and passive brain waves are measured, and then you are exposed to a video. The intent of the movie is to have you focus on the desired outcome, which is to see and hear it well. In doing so, you change your brain frequencies, frequently without realizing it, to achieve the task. You receive instant feedback when your brainwave frequencies fall within the desired treatment range to change volume and clarity of the video. The clinician guides you to achieve target results and reinforces certain frequencies while inhibiting other frequencies. At the same time, your brain learns what frequencies to change and how to change them, often without you being aware of the process.
Who could benefit from Neurofeedback therapy?
- Children 5 and Older
- Adolescents
- College Students
- Adults
- Seniors
Any risks to Neurofeedback therapy?
Currently, research shows no side-effects or risks to neurofeedback, even for young children. It is like going to the ‘brain-gym’, which only enhances EEG performance, with zero risks for harm or injury. It is a non-invasive, non-chemical bio-feedback intervention, hence making it a super safe FDA approved intervention.