Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG (electroencephalogram) biofeedback, is a therapeutic intervention that provides immediate feedback from a computer-based program that assesses a client’s brainwave activity. The program then uses sound or visual signals to reorganize or retrain these brain signals. By responding to this process, clients learn to regulate and improve their brain function and to alleviate symptoms of various neurological and mental health disorders.
When It's Used
Children, adolescents, and adults with seizure conditions, behavior disorders, attention deficits, autism, ongoing developmental delays, acquired brain injuries, birth trauma, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, stress-related problems, and insomnia or interrupted sleep patterns, as well as those with age-related cognitive loss, may find neurofeedback helpful. Neurofeedback may also be used as an adjunct intervention with other forms of therapy.
What to Expect
Neurofeedback therapy typically consists of 30-minute to 1-hour sessions once-a-week for an average of 30 weeks. Some people need fewer sessions, while others require more. While you are sitting in a chair, the technician will attach sensors to your scalp. A computer EEG program will process your brain signals and provide information about various brainwave frequencies.
The first session will always be what we call “The New Q” or a qualitative EEG analysis. This is used to get your specific brain wave patterns mapped out and our computer will analyze those patterns under various conditions to help us determine the best course of treatment protocols. It is important to point out that, at no time, does any type of impulse, wave, electricity, or anything else go INTO your brain. Our EEG simply uses external scalp sensors to measure and record your brain waves already present. This process, therefore, should not cause any side effects. During the following appointment, we will go over the results with you and start a neurofeedback session.
At Breakthrough, you will simply relax and either listen to music, watch some calming videos, play a video game, or solve a jigsaw puzzle while your brain waves are being recorded. We may also be recording your skin temperature, moisture, pulse, oxygen levels, and breathing patterns. You will get immediate feedback from the program when your brainwave patterns improve. Through the use of the sophisticated computer software and the qEEG unit, “healthy” brain patterns will be rewarded with an increase in the volume of pleasant music or increase in activity of the other visual videos. If the computer notices that you’re thinking too much, it will notify you by adding in a different sound (like birds chirping) or a static sound or slow the video. These feedback signals will tell you that it’s time to refocus and relax. In this way, the program helps direct your brainwave activity toward more desirable and controlled patterns. The idea is that you will learn to recognize how to control your brain waves and train your brain to calm itself! Between sessions, you should be able to notice changes in stress, sleep patterns, or mental clarity.
How It Works
Neurofeedback is not considered a cure, but rather a method of managing or regulating the workings of the brain so it functions in a healthier manner. This is achieved by repeated training sessions using a computerized neurofeedback program that teaches your central nervous system to reorganize and regulate brainwave frequencies. Neurofeedback assesses your brain and provides information about areas of dysfunction that are causing symptoms so that they can be treated directly. Various neurofeedback methods and equipment are used for different types of neurological problems. At Breakthrough, we primarily focus on ADHD treatment and “alpha-theta” training for the treatment of anxiety, stress, and depression. The reasons for these issues can be very complex so we include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to further help the individual to work through them.
Session Fees
Despite growing empirical research demonstrating the effectiveness of neurofeedback, the vast majority of insurance companies do not cover the cost of neurofeedback or, if they do, they pay almost nothing. Because of the high cost of equipment and training to offer neurofeedback, we can only accept out-of-pocket payment for this service. However, Breakthrough is among the least expensive in the valley! Only $50 per each 30-minute session.
If you would like more information about neurofeedback, please click on these articles:
Psychology Today Article What Is Neurofeedback?
Harvard Article Brain training: The future of psychiatric treatment?
If you’re ready to work with one of our trained neurofeedback specialists, please give us a call now! Maybe neurofeedback is what will help you with your next BREAKTHROUGH.
