Neurofeedback therapy is non-invasive and FDA-approved therapy has gained significant attention for its potential to enhance various aspects of cognitive and emotional well-being. As a result, patients often ask us, ‘does neurofeedback work?” In this post, we’ll explore the intricacies of neurofeedback, answer that question, and more.
What is neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, non-pharmacological, FDA approved intervention to improve symptoms of attention, focus, performance, sleep, anxiety, OCD, mood, stress, and emotional regulation.
This form of therapy includes EEG sensors that monitor your brainwaves to send feedback to your brain. As a therapeutic intervention, it is suitable for both children and adults. It can even be effective with young children, as the newest system typically involves watching a video.
Neurofeedback: Training the Brain
The neurofeedback process involves utilizing EEG sensors to monitor brainwave activity. A video, often part of the newer systems, runs smoothly when the individual’s brain waves are within the optimal range. This acts as a reward for your brain. When your brain waves fire at a rate that is not optimal, you receive negative feedback (your movie greys out). This feedback tells your brain that something is out of balance and causes it to “figure out” how to return to a seamless movie.
Neurofeedback at Aspiring Families
The research shows evidence of neurofeedback being effective. At Aspiring Families, we use the 19 sensor system which allows for a brain map to identify the specific EEG and location in your brain that are not functioning optimally. This allows training to be unique to your brain and we typically see results in approximately 15 weeks.
Here are some examples:
An 8 year old boy had been diagnosed with ADHD and was struggling in school with impulsive behaviors, hyperactivity, difficulty following directions, and attention. Even when we offered him behavioral training in the office, it was impossible to see him inside, as he was too hyper and distracted, and sessions had to be held in an outdoor space. The parents were reluctant to try medications given his young age, so we offered neurofeedback. Within 7 sessions the child was staying seated calmly in the neurofeedback chair, was saying please and thank you to the providers, and was able to resume sessions in the office. By the 12th session, when we asked the teachers how he was doing in the classroom, the teacher reported that he had made remarkable improvement and they no longer needed the behavioral chart in the classroom.
What Clients are Saying About Neurofeedback Therapy
Similarly, other clients have reported:
“My child is doing their HW independently”.
“I no longer hear the chatter in my head”.
“I am feeling so calm and focused”.
“My OCD is not interfering in my life”.
“I am sleeping better and feel less anxious.”
These are clinical examples of how neurofeedback can improve an individual’s symptoms and functioning. 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.
How Aspiring Families Can Help
Aspiring Families, a trusted provider of neurofeedback therapy. Whether it’s addressing ADHD in children or alleviating anxiety in adults, Aspiring Families tailors neurofeedback sessions to individual needs. Our experienced team offers an effective approach to enhance cognitive and emotional well-being through neurofeedback. Book a free 15 minute session to learn more today.