What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback (NFB), also called EEG Biofeedback or Neurotherapy, is an advanced intervention that presents the participant with real-time feedback on brainwave activity, as measured by sensors on the scalp, typically in the form of a video display and sometimes sound. Most of our NFB methods train brainwaves to optimize neuroelectrical self regulation. NFB works by training up or down certain brainwave frequencies. More efficient and effective brain waves patterns make life less problematic and more enjoyable.

Over time participants should notice differences in how they think, feel, and behave. For example, individuals may feel more energy, more relaxed and calm. They may feel more rested, experience better sleep and improved concentration. Participants may also notice changes in appetite, mental performance and overall mood. When brain activity changes in the direction desired by the NFB protocol, a positive “reward” feedback is given to the individual.

Rewards/reinforcements can be as simple as a change in pitch of a tone, or as complex as a movie becoming brighter or darker. Most participants complete approximately 30-60 sessions in order to establish the changes NFB makes in the brain.

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Explore the many benefits

There are several research studies that have demonstrated the benefits of neurofeedback in treating depression, anxiety, ADD, insomnia, panic attacks, etc.

Neurofeedback therapy is commonly used to control symptoms of hyperarousal, including those associated with PTSD, panic disorders, insomnia and ADHD symptoms. A 2016 randomized control trial found that “Compared with the control group, neurofeedback produced significant PTSD symptom improvement in individuals with chronic PTSD.”

Traumatized individuals with PTSD that were included in the study, all of whom had not responded to at least six months of trauma-focused psychotherapy, were compared to a waitlist control group. At the end of the study, which included 24 sessions of neurofeedback (NF), the NF subjects were found to have statistically significant improvements in measures of affect regulation, identity impairment, abandonment concerns and tension reduction activities.

The researchers also point out that NF may be “particularly helpful for traumatized individuals who are too anxious, dissociated or dysregulated to tolerate exposure-based treatments.”

Neurofeedback is a personal trainer for your brain, specifically for a person who suffers from anxiety. Gently the brain is trained to operate out of a calmer place. The benefit of relieving anxiety conditions does not restrict itself to anxiety per se, but will influence the person’s entire life quality. The changes will reflect improved attention and focus of the person; emotional relationships will progress; and the person will relate differently with his or her perceived “self.”

Neurofeedback and Depression

While depressive episodes are often temporary and manageable with the help of therapy or medication, those treatments aren’t always effective and don’t lead to long-term relief. Neurofeedback helps with depressive episodes by regulating brain waves without side effects and making it easier to cope with negative thoughts. Over time, the therapy can help reduce the frequency of depressive episodes as well.

Neurofeedback Improves Attention and Focus

ADHD is one of the top reasons why people seek out neurofeedback services. The symptoms of ADHD include forgetfulness, difficulty staying organized or on task, difficulty following instructions or completing tasks, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Neurofeedback can actually help those suffering from these symptoms by retraining their brains to be able to focus better and improve their overall functioning. With regular sessions, neurofeedback can make a significant difference in how someone functions in everyday life, whether they are struggling with ADHD or a general lack of focus.

Neurofeedback Increases Emotional Stability

Neurofeedback is a form of therapy that can help people gain emotional stability. It is a non-invasive technique that uses electroencephalogram (EEG) technology to measure brain activity and provide feedback to the patient in real time. Through this repeated process, neurofeedback helps patients become aware of their own emotional states, allowing them to better regulate their emotions and reactions. Over time, patients can learn how to manage their feelings more effectively and respond appropriately in difficult situations.

Book & Gain the Benefits of Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback has the potential to revolutionize mental health treatment, offering a new approach for those who have not yet found lasting relief using traditional methods. By training brain regions to communicate differently, neurofeedback can address the symptoms of mental health issues at their source with few side effects. This is why we have chosen to make neurofeedback therapy a cornerstone of our practice, and why we have become a valuable resource for anyone looking for the benefits of neurofeedback therapy.

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Neurotherapy & Neurofeedback

The terms neurotherapy and neurofeedback are often used interchangeably by reporters and practitioners in psychology and biofeedback. We define neurotherapy as a psychological process for improving brain chemistry and function, in order to benefit the patient’s health and wellness. Neurofeedback is therefore a therapeutic technique that is part of the neurotherapy offered by the Brain Health team.

Neurofeedback is a form of neurotherapy that monitors brainwave function and then provides brain stimulation via mild electrical or auditory impulses. It is therefore a type of biofeedback, but with a specific focus on brain function. We only use non-invasive forms of neurofeedback that stimulate the surface of the scalp or the patient’s own nervous system, via the skin, eyes and ears. There are a variety of neurofeedback techniques, each with its own specific benefits and treatment protocols. Based on the symptoms presented by the client, and ideally the results of initial brainwave assessments, we select the form of neurofeedback that is most likely to produce the desired improvements.

What happens during a neurofeedback session?

During the session, the specialist will attach electrodes to the patient’s head and display the processes on a monitor. The patient’s brain is what controls the process, and the therapist will be there to guide the patient throughout the session. The computer that the patient is connected to will give instant feedback about the patient’s brain.

The specialist will use software that generates a game where the patient will have to move different items using his/her mind. The brain-wave activity will offer data to the therapist to study and decide what kind of exercises will improve the patient’s condition.

References:

Hershberg, et al. (2005) Emerging brain-based interventions for children and adolescents: Overview and clinical perspective. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Vol. 14, pp.1-19