Neurofeedback
Brain Wave Training
WHAT IS NEUROFEEDBACK OR BRAIN WAVE TRAINING?
Neurofeedback, often referred to as EEG biofeedback or brain wave training, is a type of biofeedback in which individuals are trained to improve their brain function.
Neurofeedback has been practiced for well over four decades. Hundreds of thousands of individuals and families impacted by various mental health and/or neurological conditions have benefited greatly from this powerful, effective, established, and proven intervention.
Like other forms of biofeedback, Neurofeedback Training (NFT) uses monitoring devices to provide moment-to-moment information to an individual on the state of their physiological functioning. The characteristic that distinguishes NFT from other biofeedback is a focus on the central nervous system and the brain. Neurofeedback Training (NFT) has its foundations in basic and applied neuroscience as well as data-based clinical practice.
What Is Brain Mapping?
The brain is a highly complex organ made up of billions of cells called neurons.
Neurons send and receive messages to and from all parts of the body. These messages are electrical impulses that create brain waves. The brain map is an important tool we use to evaluate your brainwaves and identify opportunities to improve communication between various regions of the brain. The brain map captures a window of brain activity, analyzes the data, and creates a visual representation for each lobe of the brain and each specific brain wave (Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta).
Delta Brainwave
Sleepy, Dreaming
Theta Brainwave
Drowsy, Meditative
Alpha Brainwave
Relaxed, Reflective
Beta Brainwave
Alert, Working
How Does Brain Mapping Work?
Using a cap placed on the scalp, our software captures the electrical impulses in the brain.
This method is known as an electroencephalogram (EEG). The results show brain wave patterns in different regions of the brain. The process takes about an hour and the data is converted into a visual brain map report. We analyze the brain map report and identify any problem areas. The report will display the results in a clear and concise format that can be easily understood.
After the brain map, we will design a protocol to help you with the symptoms you are experiencing. Most appointments last about 30 minutes and involve a relaxing session watching a video or movie while wearing a few electronic sensors on your scalp, with headphones for the audio input.
What happens during a Neurofeedback Brain wave training?
During training, sensors are placed on the scalp and then connected to sensitive electronics and computer software that detect, amplify, and record specific brain activity.
Resulting information is fed back to the trainee virtually instantaneously with the conceptual understanding that changes in the feedback signal indicate whether or not the trainee’s brain activity is within the designated range.
Based on this feedback, changes in brain patterns occur and are associated with positive changes in physical, emotional, and cognitive states.
Often the trainee is not consciously aware of the mechanisms by which such changes are accomplished yet are able to access these states outside of the feedback session.
NFT does not involve either surgery or medication and is neither painful nor embarassing. When provided by a licensed professional with appropriate training, generally trainees do not experience any negative side-effects.
What are the benefits of Neurofeedback?
Research demonstrates that neurofeedback is an effective intervention for ADHD and Epilepsy.
Ongoing research is investigating the effectiveness of neurofeedback for other disorders such as depression, Autism, headaches/migraine, insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, TBI and other pain disorders, and is promising. As with most forms of treatment, Neurofeedback results will vary with each individual. Neurofeedback training may require 20-40 sessions or more, depending upon the age of the client and the severity of his or her condition. Benefits are usually experienced as improved focus, enhanced concentration, increased energy, better quality sleep, decreased moodiness, diminished agitation, reduction in anxiety, as well as reductions in physical symptoms typically related to stress.