Neurofeedback, also called EEG biofeedback or neurotherapy, makes use of the brain’s capacity for change to reshape brain networks. You sit in a chair, facing a computer screen, while the clinician places sensors on pre-selected sites on your scalp which are connected to a computer programmed to respond to your brain’s activity. The EEG feedback allows you to alter your own waves in parts of your brain that help you pay attention; that help you be calm; that help manage your mood and your emotions; or that help you sleep.
It is a way to directly train the brain to function better. Neurofeedback is a research-supported brain retraining exercise to sharpen attention, relieve anxiety, enhance mood, and improve learning, and behavior…without medication.
Although the technology is complex, the process is simple, painless, and non-invasive. It is just learning. You learn to alter your brain activity the same way you learn every other skill. You learn through feedback and practice. What is new in neurofeedback is that you are guided by a form of feedback that was previously not available to you. With neurofeedback, you get instantaneous information or feedback about changes in your brain’s electrical activity. Every half second, your brain activity is compared to your target or goal for change. You get a signal and “reward” when you meet the goal. No signal or reward when you do not.
What is Neurofeedback used for?
- Peak performance
- Depression
- Anxiety & panic attacks
- ADD/ADHD/ASD
- Chronic Pain
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- and much more…
Neurofeedback (NFB) home training has been used for many years. However, it has become more popular and an essential method for continuing clients who began NFB prior to the COVID19 pandemic and still need continuing NFB as well as new clients (trainees) who wish to begin NFB training.
NFB remote training has also gained popularity in recent years. It is anticipated that home/remote training (HRT) will continue to become more widely used as the predictions currently indicate another outbreak during the fall of 2020. Further, these approaches can facilitate those living in rural or remote areas who otherwise could not access such services.
This method of training is used in homes, schools, health care related offices/practices, satellite offices of clinical practices, and residential centers where the NFB clinician may not be physically present during sessions but still has the ability to have professional oversight to maintain proper use of this state-of-the-art biofeedback equipment.
How are the sessions monitored?
BrainWorks Therapy uses software and equipment from New Mind Center which has been adapted for home use and allows this clinician immediate review of each session.
How are decisions made regarding changes in protocols?
This BrainWorks Clinician has been specially trained to review HRT sessions and monitors each trainee’s progress. We also use a built in progress tracker that is tailored to the individual trainee and is filled out as directed by this clinician. The clinician arranges routine methods to check in with the trainee (through online monitoring, E-mail, telemedicine and similar formats, or other agreed upon communication methods). For quick guidance telephone conversations and texts can also be helpful. The trained clinician establishes a method by which protocols can be modified, updated or changed based upon the trainee’s progress, and training protocols can be changed remotely.
Partial source/content: ISNR (International Society for Neurofeedback and Research).
