Overview
Neurofeedback, EEG biofeedback or Neurotherapy, is a proven therapeutic technology. Combining today's computer power with state-of-the-art software and the established medical technology of electroencephalography (EEG), neurofeedback enables children and adults to literally train their brains for relief of many psychological and physical symptoms. Neurofeedback has a research history dating back to 1967 when Dr. Barry Sterman (UCLA) published his first findings after training laboratory cats to control their brainwave activity.
Medical professionals treat most psychiatric problems in the chemical or pharmacological domain of brain functioning. Medications have a good track record for many common problems including anxiety, depression and ADHD. However, successful treatment from a chemical basis typically requires continuous use of the medications in order to preserve symptom reduction. If you stop the medications, the symptoms reappear, and with medications the risk of unwanted side-effects is very real.
Neurofeedback addresses these conditions in the electrical (brainwave) domain. While monitoring brainwave activity with an EEG, we gently "nudge" (reward and inhibit) the electrical activity in the brain out of its "stuck" level into a more flexible functioning level. Video game feedback rewards individuals when they are producing the "desired" brainwave frequencies at specific scalp locations. This brain self-regulation process trains the brain back into a healthier electrical rhythm and timing. The result is reduction or elimination of symptoms.
Unlike some medications, neurofeedback has no unwanted side-effects. We are able to make any needed adjustments in the process as the training proceeds. The training is site-specific targeting only those areas in need of regulation and avoiding the systemic effects inherent with medication. Perhaps best of all, by training the brain through repeated practice, neurofeedback enables the individual to achieve a level of success that remains long after the training has stopped. Once you learn to ride a bicycle you never forget it.
Neurofeedback training sessions are very consistent from one session to the next. We begin by reviewing any significant events or symptoms that have occurred since the last meeting, as well as any issues that may be of concern to the family. Psychotherapy continues throughout neurofeedback training allowing adults to address concerns and parent-child issues to be addressed from a cognitive-behavioral perspective. Review of diet and nutritional or medication changes is also done while training.
EEG sensors are applied to the scalp in locations determined by the training protocol. The scalp sites are gently prepped with a cleaning solution and then a conductive paste is applied to enhance the electrical signal transmission. Once the sensors are in place and seated comfortably next to a vibrating teddy bear for tactile feedback, the neurofeedback training begins. Watch some of the Neurofeedback Videos provided in the link to the left to see how training is conducted.
- What Doctors Say About Neurofeedback
- Neurofeedback now "Evidence-Based"
- Neurofeedback with Anxiety and Affective Disorders
- Neurofeedback with Mixed Substance Abuse
- Neurofeedback with Dangerous Offenders
- Neurofeedback with Epilepsy