Neurofeedback is biofeedback for the brain. The training tends to improve cognitive function, attention, mood, anxiety, and behavior. It helps quiet the mind.
An overview of the process. Connecting electrodes to an amplifier, software, what the therapist sees, and what the client may see.
Think of it as regulating central nervous system-related problems or “dysregulation”. It’s commonly used for ADD, ADHD, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, traumatic brain injury, and sleep problems. But you often train differently for different problems.
How many times do you need to go to the gym before you get in shape? The answer is different for everyone. It could be 10, or it could be 40 visits. But you’ll know quickly whether neurofeedback is working for you.
Total training time is usually 30 minutes.
Twice a week is typical. Three to four times a week can be helpful. Once a week is standardly regarded as the minimum.
Don’t stop training the minute your symptoms get better. Turn them into a new brain habit.
Should you notice change in the first session? By the fifth? What’s realistic? Many people get impatient if there’s no change within 10 sessions.
If something can produce positive changes relatively rapidly, is it possible to make symptoms worse, even if just for a short time?
In an interview with Dr. Joel Lubar, he reported following up with patients up to 20 years later. Do the effects of training always hold?
Clinicians report that more than half their neurofeedback clients start neurofeedback while taking one or more medications. After training for a while, it is often possible to reduce medication under appropriate supervision.
Just as physicians and psychologists vary in their effectiveness based on their training, knowledge, and people-skills, the same is true of neurofeedback practitioners.
In neurofeedback training, the “beep” is the sound you hear to remind your brain to return to the goal (to relax, to focus, or a specific goal set for the client). The experience generalizes so when you’re not training, you can be more focused, less anxious, sleep better, be in a better mood, etc.