What is neurofeedback?
A sophisticated form of brain wave training
Neurofeedback is a drug free, painless, non-invasive and usually permanent solution for the symptoms which may be associated with dozens of brain based conditions such as addiction, anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, TBI, memory loss, insomnia, obsessive thinking, learning disorders and the list goes on and on.
It is classified as the science of Neurophysiology (physical changes that take place within in the brain can produce emotional and/or cognitive symptoms.) It focuses on irregular or "dysregulated" brain wave patterns. When a brain wave is deemed dysregulated, it has ceased to act the way nature intended. When this occurs, the symptoms appear.
Developed at the University of Chicago in the late 1950's, Neurofeedback has been around longer than heart transplants. In the mid 1960's its effectiveness in altering brain wave activity was further corroborated at UCLA where they were constantly improving and refining treatment techniques well into the 1990's.
Initially, neurofeedback training was so complex that the only individuals qualified to perform the procedure were neurologists. As time went on, computer technology opened the door for others to provide the treatment and today, the neurofeedback software programs are so sophisticated that the procedure is 95% automated.
Neurofeedback brain wave training is actually fun (kids love it!).
how does it work?
Operant Conditioning
Neurofeedback is based on the concept that when your brain (neuro) receives information (feedback) its ability to "self regulate" is triggered and it repairs itself.
Real Time Feedback
Utilizing the report of findings from the initial Brain Map, the dysregulated brain waves are identified and targeted. While the client watches a tv show or movie of their choosing, we are monitoring their brain wave activity via sensors placed on the scalp. Both the movie and monitoring are connected to the neurofeedback system. When the brain waves operate normally, the show plays fine. When the brain waves show signs of dysregulation, the picture dims and volume drops. This provides the brain the information it requires to bring the brain wave back into regulation. Once achieved the show plays normally. Do this enough and the brain wave continues to operate normally without any "feedback."
How many sessions are required?
On average, 20, 40 minute sessions are sufficient to bring the brain waves back into regulation. Every five sessions we conduct a "progress brain map" to identify and share with the client the physical changes that have taken place within the brain. We then target the next series of dysregulated brain waves and the process repeats itself. Every 5 session series of treatments will target different brain waves, different brain hemispheres and train at a customized series of frequencies for that specific circumstance.
Are there any side effects?
There are no permanent side effects associated with Neurofeedback. However, during treatment, it is possible to experience mild side effects that will dissipate over the course of treatment.
Will it change who I am?
This is one of the most common questions we receive at the center. The short answer is no. Will it change you? Yes... in a positive way. That's why you are here.
Will I have to come back for "tune ups"?
While the brain is the most sophisticated organ in the known universe, it's function can be broken down into two tasks; learn and execute. It cannot "unlearn" something. Once the brain is taught to identify dysregulated brain waves and then repair them with precision, the results should be permanent.
What dysregulates brain waves?
Anything that initiates a prolonged stress response in the body can dysregulate brain waves. Examples; any perceived threat, physical trauma, emotional trauma, addictive behaviors, immunizations, poor diet, subluxation (compression of the spine due to poor posture) and a prolonged illness. However, the number one cause of brain wave dysregulation is a negative internal dialogue.