+ What is neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a computer-assisted non-invasive, non-drug way to help your brain become more flexible, stable, and functional. Sensors are placed on your head to measure your brainwaves (nothing goes into your head). A computer analyzes those brainwaves in real time. It then “talks back” to the brain using customized sounds and images. These encourage positive brain activity such as relaxation, focus and attention. At the same time, the program discourages the type of brain activity which causes anxiety or depression. With repetition, it becomes easier for your brain to reach whatever the desired state is in order for you to feel better, and all of this occurs while you relax!

+ How does neurofeedback work?

Neurofeedback takes advantage of the brain’s amazing ability to change itself. This ability is known as “neuroplasticity.” It’s the way learning takes place. For example, neuroplasticity is what allows you to become better at a sport with practice or to develop a new habit over time.

Research has shown that throughout life the brain continues to adapt and adjust as it confronts new experiences, fresh knowledge and varying sensory input. The result is that with life experience, different neurons fire, synapses grow, and the brain remaps itself. Over time, neurofeedback helps create different patterns and structures which are more conducive to contentment and a peaceful mind. With practice and training, these patterns can produce a new way of life. This capacity for change continues well into old age.

+ Why can brain training help when other methods haven’t worked?

Neurofeedback is the only therapy based on the neuroscience of plasticity, that actually rewires the neural pathways in your brain. No amount of talk therapy and mental discipline can be effective when your brain is working against you. When new healthy pathways are established in your brain, your brain becomes your ally, and change happens seamlessly and effortlessly. Your life will simply start to transform as if by "magic." Of course, it is not magic at all but the power of an optimized brain at work.

+ How effective is it?

Neurofeedback is effective in the vast majority of cases, and provides measurable results. While it’s not a panacea, almost everyone responds to training, and the results are long lasting. Our clients report significant improvement towards their goals 95% of the time; an exceptionally high rate of achievement. Like any therapy it works best with people who are motivated and want to improve. Our reputation is based on results (see client testimonials), so we won’t accept you as a client if we don’t feel you can benefit from the sessions.

Neurofeedback is essentially skills building. Like any skill, it is relatively permanent as long as you limit extended periods of extreme stress. It helps to maintain your gains, follow a healthy diet to properly nourish your brain, and limit your intake of alcohol and other toxins. It is important to note, however, that degenerative neurological conditions, Parkinson’s, for example, will require regular ongoing sessions to maintain the positive gains.

+ Why haven’t I heard of this?

Scientific understanding of the way the brain works has been changing rapidly. Less than a decade ago, brainwave patterns were believed to be unimportant: the brain fixed and changeable. Neurofeedback was therefore deemed “scientifically impossible,” thus subject to immediate dismissal.

These days, medical science has realized that these long held beliefs about the brain were simply medical myths. Neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to learn and change through life) is now the focus of scientific inquiry rather than disbelief.

The brain sciences have advanced so quickly that medical establishments have yet to integrate approaches based on this new view; hence few psychologists and physicians have an understanding of neurofeedback and its clinical applications.

Neurofeedback employs a sophisticated, evidence-based approach with quantifiable results backed by 50 years of clinical application. Still, old biases die hard and mainstream acceptance of neurofeedback is slow. Change is coming from a fundamental shift in philosophy, and by consumer demand for simple, safe, commonsense solutions.

+ Will I still need medication?

As the central nervous system becomes more regulated and symptoms subside, we often see a reduction in the amount of medication required to manage those symptoms. This is usually first apparent with sleeping medications, as sleep is one of the first things to become regulated.

Any reductions in medication should be handled by your doctor. Never stop taking or alter your dosage of prescribed medications without consulting with the prescribing physician.

+ Will I get a diagnosis? Is it a cure?

We don’t diagnose, nor is a diagnosis required to understand the problem. The medical model doesn’t fit well into the paradigm of neurofeedback. From our point of view, functional brain disorders such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, concussions, PTSD, memory, focus, etc. are not “diseases” to “treat,” but rather reflections of fundamental brain dysregulation, any of which could benefit from brain training. For this reason, neurofeedback is clearer viewed as “personal training” rather than a “treatment.” It is a way to shift your mind out of stuck patterns in order to relieve the corresponding symptoms.

Nor is neurofeedback a “cure” for these diagnosed conditions; we work toward symptom resolution by resolving the underlying imbalances.

+ What happens after?

The weeks following your sessions are important to making the new neural nets dominant over the old. It is important to use your new mental freedom to make healthier choices and to implement the changes you need to make. The more you use your new neural connections, the more dominant they become. It’s the nature of the brain, and of learning any new skill. The brain naturally seeks a balanced, stable condition, so after you have trained it is more difficult to get out of balance, and easier to return to balance. It is a good idea to take some time each day in a quiet environment to integrate the changes; you may find it helpful to keep a journal to track your progress. To ensure lasting results, do not drink alcohol or use recreational drugs during and for several weeks following your sessions. Brain neurons become “rubberized” with alcohol and drug use and fail to set lasting neural nets.

+ Are there any side effects?

Neurofeedback is the brain equivalent of physical exercise, and the most common side effect of physical exercise is that you get tired. As with physical training, fatigue is the most commonly reported side effect after a session. While brain training is in many ways similar to physical training, the brain expresses the side effects of training differently than the body does. The fatigue feels much like the mental tiring after learning a complex mental skill, or the exhaustion felt after speaking a non-fluent language.

Because neurofeedback is essentially structured exercises for your brain the term “side effect” isn’t applicable in the same sense as for medications. Unlike medication, nothing is put into the body or brain.

Those with more serious emotional conditions or trauma occasionally report an increase in old, familiar feelings before the difficulty passes away and the issue fades out for good. It’s a bit like going to the gym and feeling that old injury acting up, revealing what’s beneath. People often report vivid dreams as the mind settles into a more balanced position.

If you have a physical brain injury or head trauma, you will likely be more sensitive to neurofeedback. You might experience nausea, dizziness, and light sensitivity as you “re-regulate” your brain function. This is part of the process. The changes usually take place quite seamlessly as your life transforms.

+ How many sessions will I need?

Since neurofeedback involves learning and every person is unique, the order and pace of change differs from person to person. Young brains learn much faster than older ones, and a small issue shifts quicker than a big one. Typically , the more long standing and entrenched the symptoms the more sessions are required. You can expect the gains to be cumulative over the course of training. For most people, simply relieving uncomfortable symptoms is enough. Others want to move forward in other areas, or tackle new goals such as increasing work performance. Ultimately, self-improvement is a lifelong continuum. How much improvement is enough is up to you.

+ What are your rates? Do you take insurance?

I charge $95 per session, and I do not take insurance.