Neurofeedback is biofeedback for the brain. It exercises and helps improve the functioning of the brain, calming it and improving its stability. It’s easy, and anyone can do it. The brain learns to increase certain brainwaves that are helpful for improved function. The brain can decrease excessive fast or slow brainwaves that interfere with good functioning. In time, the result is a healthier and better regulated brain. Neurofeedback enhances the use of psychotherapy, and can be used as a complement to or alternative to pharmacological or other therapies.

Neurofeedback sessions include brainwave exercises to train the brain by playing a computer video game. Metal pads are placed on the scalp to provide brainwave feedback. This feedback allows the client to manipulate and play the game simply through thought (no manual manipulation is involved). While the client is playing the game her brainwave patterns are observed on the therapist's screen, as he monitors her progress. The client is actively involved in the tasks designed to help improve their cognitive functioning through the brain wave training protocols. Upon completion, client and therapist review what transpired during the session, with 3D imaging and graphic depiction of what was happening in the brain during that time.

Neurofeedback is also referred to as Neurotherapy. Neurofeedback makes information available to the brain almost instantly, and asks it to make adjustments. This input provides the brain with greater ability to self-manage or regulate. State flexibility is inherent in the brain, and when the brain is diminished in flexibility, (known as stuck or fixated) a variety of problems can arise, such as impulsivity, ADD, anger, sleep problems, post-traumatic stress syndrome, anxiety, depression and agitation. Neurofeedback increases state flexibility. Neurofeedback reduces stress and is relaxing, and provides a direct and lasting impact on brain regulation along with central nervous system function.

How is Neurofeedback Used Clinically?

The most common problems addressed by licensed and competent clinicians who use Neurotherapy in their practice are:
• ADD/ADHD
• Depression
• Anger and rage
• Learning Disabilities
• Bipolar Disorder
• OCD
• Sleep Dysregulation
• PTSD
• Fertility
• Peak performance training
• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Chronic pain syndrome, including Functional Abdominal Pain
• Headaches (migraine & tension)
• Hypertension
• Insomnia
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress
• Raynaud’s
• Tachycardia

QEEG is the acronym for quantitative electroencephalogram. A QEEG is a way of measuring your brain activity in many different areas at once. It helps us to understand what areas of your brain are functioning well, and where your brain is challenged. This is achieved through the placement of sensors on your scalp that can detect the electrical activity in your brain. The QEEG helps us to identify how to support your brain to improve its performance. The brain maps provide us with recommendations to guide your Neurofeedback sessions toward successful results. You may have a QEEG more than one time during your work with us.

Your brain is like a power plant. Brainwaves that you will see during your QEEG assessment develop from the millions of neurons in your brain that are constantly active-creating thoughts, feelings and perceptions that you have. You might think of your brain as a network with hubs that specialize in different activity; without electricity, those networks would not function well or effectively communicate with each other. We couldn’t be creative or productive in our life without the healthy functioning of our brain.

The test requires one and a half hours, with about half that time involved with prepping and clean-up. Preparation time includes cleaning the sites to be tested, placement of a sensor cap upon your head, and ensuring there is good contact between the sensors and your scalp and that your brain's electrical activity is being clearly detected.

Once your QEEG recording is completed, analysis of the QEEG recording requires between one to five business days. Afterward, we will meet to discuss the results along with recommendations for treatment. Upon request, we can send a report to your referring provider. The entire process is easy and efficient!