Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive treatment that addresses imbalances or dysregulation(s) in our brain wave activity. It is a tool that can use your brain’s natural electrical activity together with EEG (electroencephalogram) technology and a specialized neurofeedback computer program to help it function more effectively thus improving overall functioning.

“Neurofeedback is the process of normalizing brain wave patterns in specific regions of the brain that influence our emotional state and cognitive performance.” (Demos, J. Getting Started with Neurofeedback, 2005).

In a brain training session, your brainwaves are observed in action and your brain is rewarded for changing its own activity to more desirable patterns through a specialized “protocol” chosen for each unique client. Like many of your organs, your brain is “self-regulating” and neurofeedback can help you train your brain to better self-regulate to improve your brain function.

“Healthy brain wave patterns are reinforced by neurofeedback training” (Demos, 2005).

Your improved brain function can result in a reduction in your symptoms which in turn leads to improved health and well-being.

Your trained and BCIA Board Certified Neurofeedback therapist will first “map” your brain and then through a specialized “protocol” will use sensors and a specialized computer program to monitor your brainwaves in order to send feedback to you through a series of ‘tones’ when your brainwaves are functioning within an optimal range.  

The stimuli (tones) only occur when your brainwaves are functioning within that optimal range. This acts as a reward for your brain. When your brainwaves fire at a rate that is not optimal, you will not hear a tone.

This tells your brain that something is out of balance and encourages it to “figure out” how to return to an optimal range to be rewarded again by the stimuli. Over the course of a neurofeedback training program, known as a “protocol”, your brain learns from this feedback through practice and repetition.

Due to your brain’s “neuroplasticity” (ability to create new pathways), this can promote lasting functional changes within your brain activity. Your brain can learn to consistently operate within an optimal range, even outside of your training sessions, which in turn helps to alleviate your accompanying symptoms.

Your brain is capable of adaptability, reorganization of pathways and the creation of new connections, also known as “neuroplasticity”. We know that experience sculpts the brain. 

It is capable of making adjustments to improve its own performance if given cues about what to change. When the brain is regulating itself well and is alert and attentive, brainwaves show particular patterns.

Through neurofeedback, we challenge your brain to maintain this new optimal state of functioning. Gradually, after 20 or so training sessions, your brain learns to retain this skill and remain at an optimal state for longer periods of time.

Everyone’s brain (and the brainwaves they produce) are unique, therefore the results will vary from person to person. 

“Neurofeedback training is all about learning.  Each person’s rate of learning is unique;  some respond more quickly than others do. Most people can learn to change brain wave patterns with neurofeedback equipment.  Conditions such as depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorder usually respond well to treatment.” (Demos, 2005).

That said, someone whose brain is consistently operating in an optimal state usually means they are:

• more present and focused
• calmer and more patient
• less reactive or irritable
• better able to handle arising issues
• less symptomatic

Other benefits of NFB treatment can include:

• absence of symptoms/symptom reduction Ex. Anxiety, depression, effects of PTSD, ADHD, etc.
• improved sleep hygiene
• improved attention and focus, ability to remain organized and commit to task completion
• improved ability to engage in new experiences
• improved capacity for integration of psychotherapy
• improved ability to cope with stress, problem solve and mood regulation

Each client is asked to complete their own Progress Tracker which cites 8 – 10 symptoms for desired improvement.  Together, the NFB therapist and client monitor this progress and said improvements over the course of treatment.

What is the Neurofeedback process at FSWE?

Step 1:    Initial Assessment including Clinical Interview(s) and a Brain-Mapping Session

Step 2:    Brain Training Sessions (1-2 sessions/week for approx. 20-25 sessions)

Step 3:    Re-mapping Session, review and personalized plan for post-treatment success

How does NFB help people experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in some people who have experienced a trauma, or a series of traumatic events. When a manifestation of PTSD symptoms prevail,  the brain remains in a state of hyperarousal causing a range of negative and distressing symptoms.  

“Patients need help to change the habitual brain patterns created by trauma and its aftermath”, Sebern F. Fisher, Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Developmental Trauma:  Calming the Fear-Drive Brain (New York, Norton, 2014).

Neurofeedback can help to facilitate this change within a relatively short period of time. 

“I had never come across a treatment that could produce such a dramatic change in mental functioning in so brief a period of time”, Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. The Body Keeps The Score (New York, Penguin Books, 2014)

The success in treating PTSD with neurofeedback is supported through extensive clinical research. However, it is still considered an experimental treatment.  See PTSD Overview for more general PTSD information. See Neurofeedback FAQs for more information on neurofeedback and treating PTSD.

The process of Neurofeedback brain training is a matter of intention, attitude and commitment. Candidates must be adults (18 years and older) and have a diagnosis of Depression, Anxiety, ADHD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from their Primary Care Physician, Psychiatrist or Psychologist.

Good candidates for NFB have the following in common:

• Are ready and interested in committing to neurofeedback treatment
• Can commit to regular sessions for a given period of time
• Are willing to provide feedback to their NFB therapist via progress tracking system
• Continue to follow their doctor’s instructions, including taking prescribed medications, where applicable

Good candidates also:

• Are committed to general health and well-being, such as good sleeping habits, balanced diet, exercise, etc.
• Are not taking non-prescription drugs, illicit drugs, or abusing alcohol, etc.
• Are able to abstain from caffeine, alcohol, non-prescribed drugs 24 hours prior to their brain mapping and brain training sessions  Note:  Clients must remain clean and sober during the entire Neurofeedback treatment process
• Do not have untreated thyroid problems

Click here for a copy of the Qualifying Questionnaire for Neurofeedback Candidates.