Neurofeedback is a revolutionary form of therapy that allows direct feedback to the brain
WHAT NEUROFEEDBACK IS NOT:
Before we get further into what neurofeedback is, let me first calm any concerns about what neurofeedback is not:
It is not invasive – no injections, no needles and no pain.
Neurofeedback does not put any signal into your brain
It is not electric shock therapy
And it definitely does not allow me to read your mind!
WHAT NEUROFEEDBACK IS:
Sensors are placed on the scalp and earlobes to read the electrical activity of your brain, and then through various forms of feedback, we ask the brain to alter its electrical activity to function in a more balanced and healthy way. We “nudge” the brain to optimize its firing patterns through various types of rewards – sounds, images, games, etc. We are not forcing your brain to do anything, simply offering rewards to try something different.
Here are just some of the things neurofeedback has been used to treat:
Anxiety
Depression
ADD and ADHD
Sleep Issues
PTSD
Memory Issues
Addiction
Post-Concussion Issues
Neurofeedback provides so many benefits; it can play an important role in building up a person’s confidence and belief that they can change. It can increase emotional flexibility and decrease emotional reactivity.
And it is not just for treating problems – it can also help high achievers reach peak performance by optimizing brain function. Athletes, performers and top executives use neurofeedback to help them achieve higher functioning.
For those of us concerned about losing cognitive functioning as we age, neurofeedback can help enhance memory and increase mental clarity.
In general, clients have reported increased focus and memory, decreased impulsivity and anxiety, better mental clarity, more restful sleep, improved mood, less desire to abuse substances and many other benefits after using neurofeedback.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many sessions does it take?
The short answer is, it depends. Every brain is different, age can play a role, and the frequency of sessions can play a role. We recommend doing 15-20 sessions and then re-evaluate goals and progress.
Does it hurt?
Absolutely not! The most you will feel is when the clip is put on your earlobe. No pain involved!
Do I have to come into the office?
We offer two different types of neurofeedback – one can be used at home and can be completely remote, and the other is done in the office. We also offer full 19 channel QEEG brainmaps, which do need to be done in the office. During your initial assessment we can discuss which method best suits your needs.
Does insurance cover neurofeedback?
Some insurances are beginning to cover neurofeedback, especially when it is combined with psychotherapy. When checking with your insurance to see if it is covered, the term that insurance companies most often use is biofeedback rather than neurofeedback. They often consider neurofeedback a type of biofeedback. Many clients prefer to pay out of pocket so that the insurance company doesn’t dictate how frequently they do neurofeedback sessions or how long they use it. When you call our office we can help you decide which payment method is best for you.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Call to schedule an initial assessment and we can talk about what you are looking for, what your goals are, and which method of neurofeedback is right for you. Welcome to the cutting edge of neurotherapy!
STILL NEED MORE INFO?
Check out these videos describing the Myndlift system for at home neurofeedback training
SOME OF THE RESEARCH
The impact of neurofeedback on ADHD has been studied the most among all neurofeedback therapies. Many studies have been published over the years, we chose few recent ones to show you:
2009:
102 children aged 8-12 with an ADHD diagnosis were randomly assigned in two groups- one group did 36 neurofeedback sessions, the other did 36 sessions of computerized attention skills training game.
Findings:
Improvements in the neurofeedback group were superior to the control group. The findings indicated that “neurofeedback effects are substantial and of practical importance. Our results confirm findings of previous neurofeedback studies even under strict control conditions.” The researchers concluded the result “indicates clinical efficacy of neurofeedback in children with ADHD”.
2012:
130 children diagnosed with ADHD aged 6-18 were randomly assigned into 3 groups – one received neurofeedback, one received medication (methylphenidate), one received both neurofeedback and medication.
Findings:
The researchers conclude that “NF produced a significant improvement in the core symptoms of ADHD, which was equivalent to the effects produced by MPH (methylphenidate), based on parental reports. This supports the use of NF as an alternative therapy for children and adolescents with ADHD.”
2012:
American Academy of Pediatrics rated neurofeedback as a Level 1 “Best Support” Intervention for ADHD. This is highest possible rating and at the same level as medication treatment and behavioral therapy
2014:
104 children were randomly assigned to receive NF (neurofeedback), cognitive training or a control condition. They were also evaluated 6 months post-intervention.
Findings:
“Neurofeedback participants made more prompt and greater improvements in ADHD symptoms, which were sustained at the 6-month follow-up, than did CT participants or those in the control group. This finding suggests that neurofeedback is a promising attention training treatment for children with ADHD.”
CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION
970-988-6978
I would love to tell you more about the different options to help you optimize your brain, thoughts and emotional regulation.