WE BEGIN WITH ASSESSMENT

Neurofeedback plans are always customized and begin with a multi-faceted approach including checklists, questionnaires, and a Quantitative Electroencephalograph (QEEG) evaluation all of which provide an overall picture. The QEEG is an assessment tool designed to objectively and scientifically evaluate your brainwave patterns. This consists of placing a snug cap on your head that is embedded with 19 small sensors designed to measure and record electrical activity (or brain waves) coming from the brain. This evaluation determines 760 unique points of information about Brain Function. 

Every QEEG or brain map comes with a detailed, individualized report outlining key features of brain function including how and where your brain could be functioning better, so that we know what is possible in terms of better brain function – as well as how any dysregulated areas may be contributing to existing symptoms or conditions.

TRAINING

The technology is fun to use.

With Neurofeedback, all you do is sit back, relax and watch a movie of your choice. During a neurofeedback session, your brain wave activity is tracked via sensors on the scalp. In fact, in a single session, the brain observes over 1000 times when it’s on track and when it’s off track creating better function in the areas that need it. This information is communicated to you with visual signals. When your brainwaves fire at a rate that’s too fast, too slow or too often, the picture will dim on the screen — providing immediate feedback to your brain that something is out of balance.

This feedback helps you recognize when wanted and unwanted brain waves are being produced, and gradually, your brain learns how to better create the desired brain waves and minimize undesired brain wave patterns. In other words, you’ll watch a movie while your brain watches its own brain waves and self-corrects any dysfunction.

There is no way of doing it wrong

The brain is doing its own exercise while watching a movie. Kids enjoy the training, since they get to pick their favorite movies as part of the sessions.

You can remain on your medications while training

You don’t have to choose between Neurofeedback and medications. You can continue your medications while training your brain to function better. One of the goals is to eliminate dysregulated brain wave patterns which often reduce or remove the symptoms naturally, and therefore the need for medications. I advise clients to work with their prescribing physician directly about their need for continued medications or decreasing their dosages as they improve with training, because the way medications affect a dysregulated brain is very different from how they affect a balanced brain.

What does a normal course of Neurofeedback look like?

A typical session lasts 45-60 minutes.  Most patients report improvements after 5-10 sessions (but sometimes it’s less, or more). A typical treatment plan is 30 sessions, because that’s how long it takes for neuroplasticity to take place (this refers to the brain’s ability to actually make new connections which support better brain function in the areas that we are addressing.)