What is Neurofeedback Therapy used for?

Neurofeedback is used to help train or retrain flexibility in the brain both by persons interested in Peak Performance and by persons seeking treatment for problem conditions and injury. These include Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder, sleep disorders, tic disorders, TBI, and migraines. It also helps mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and seizures.

How is Neurofeedback done?
An initial interview, health history and testing is done to assess brain function, understand symptoms, and to plan a protocol. Comfortable sensors are placed on the scalp. The brain waves are monitored by means of an amplifier and a computer that processes the signal and provides the proper feedback. This is displayed to the trainee by means of a video game or display along with audio signals.

As activity in the desirable frequency band increases, the video games move faster, or some other reward is given. As activity in an adverse band increases, the video game is inhibited. Gradually, the brain responds to these cues, learning new and optimal brain wave patterns. The aim is greater stability, greater flexibility and faster recovery from anything destabilizing.

How long does training take?
Each session involves about 30 minutes of training plus 15 minutes hook up and discussion. EEG training is a learning process. Therefore, the results are seen gradually over time. For most conditions, initial progress can be seen within about ten sessions. Improvements are often seen in behavior, mental and athletic function and sense of well-being. Initial goals may be met at 20 to 30 sessions. In very severe chronic conditions and cases of hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder, training may take 40 or more sessions. Progress is monitored and tested along the way to maximize effectiveness.

How frequent should sessions be?
In the initial stages of learning, the sessions should be regular and frequent, at two or three sessions per week. Later, one or two sessions per week will suffice.

Can Neurofeedback compliment other therapies?
Absolutely! Collaboration with your current therapist, tutor, coach or physician is advised. We support them as they are helping you. Scientific research documentation is available for your provider.

Can I do Neurofeedback while on medication?

Yes.  I do not expect people to stop the medication that they are currently on while doing Neurofeedback. However, I do ask you to limit medication changes early on in the training process while I am first observing the effects of the neurofeedback. If two factors (medication and neurofeedback) are changing at the same time, I do not know how to interpret any changes you observe or experience.  If doing neurofeedback while on medication, it is important for us to work collaboratively with your prescribing doctor and for me to know when you are changing medications.  It is my experience, and that of many other neurofeedback providers, that neurofeedback often seems to make trainees more sensitive to the effects of medication.