Neurofeedback FAQ
What happens during a neurofeedback session?
A technician will place electrodes on your scalp on the areas which correspond to the symptoms or irregularities being experienced. The electrodes simply convey the patterns and frequencies of the client’s brain waves on an EEG computer screen monitored by the technician. The client either watches a movie or a video game for 30 minutes. As long as the brain is performing optimally, the movie operates with sufficient brightness or the game navigates properly. When the brain waves fall out of rhythm, the movie fades or game points don’t score. The brain is also simultaneously receiving auditory feedback to which the brain responds. Brain waves are constantly being compared to the brain wave patterns of normative healthy brains in the client’s age group. Over time with repetition and repeated reinforcement, the brain learns to move into healthy brain wave patterns and balance.
What does the client do?
The client simply relaxes and enjoys the movie or game. The brain will learn without conscious effort. When doing a specific type of Neurofeedback called Infraslow, the client is asked to monitor any physiological or emotional shifts during the training and will be asked periodically about specific symptoms during the training. These symptoms are usually eliminated within minutes of an adjustment of the training.
Is anything being put into the client’s brain?
Absolutely not, the brain is learning to change itself and create balance.
How is it decided what parts of the brain are to be trained?
After completing a questionnaire, clients are given an assessment by a Licensed Mental Health Counselor trained in Neurofeedback. Decisions are made based on the shifts the client wants to see and the symptoms exhibited. For clients who want to see evidence of the irregularities within the brain, a Quantitative Electroencephalograph (QEEG) can be acquired.
What is the client’s responsibility during the course of training?
Let staff know of any positive and negative shifts which occur between sessions. It is also best to ask family and friends for feedback as well. Often they notice before the client does. The client is also responsible for keeping regular appointments. The brain needs repetition in order to learn. Clients are requested to attend sessions three times the first week and twice in subsequent weeks.
Is a client able to tell in one or two sessions if neurofeedback is working?
No, it takes time for the brain to learn new patterns and create balance.
How many sessions will it take?
Although many people see benefit within the first few sessions, it may take 10-15 sessions to begin to see a response. It will take at least 20-40 sessions for the brain to sustain change. With complex issues, it will take longer. With cases like Autism, ongoing treatment may be needed.
What results do client who respond to neurofeedback see?
The results are many and vary according to the individual client’s brain. The client is training their brain to operate in an optimally calm, alert state. Improvements in sleep, memory, attention, focus, digestion, and menstrual cycles are often reported.
Do the effects of Neurofeedback training last?
Once the brain changes, it tends to last. Stressful times can create imbalance in the brain, necessitating the need for a tune-up. These maintenance appointments only require a few sessions.
What ages can benefit from neurofeedback?
Both children and adults can benefit.
Do I need to have a disorder to benefit from neurofeedback?
No, neurofeedback has been used for peak performance in sports, business and school. It is also used to delay cognitive decline associated with aging.
What type of conditions does neurofeedback treat?
ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, OCD, migraines, sleep difficulties, addictions, PTSD, pain disorders, emotional and behavioral issues.
For more information on Neurofeedback, click here.