Neurofeedback Therapy Near Me

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FAQs:

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that uses electrical potentials in the brain to reinforce desired brain states through operant conditioning. This process is non-invasive and typically collects brain activity data using electroencephalography (EEG). Several neurofeedback protocols exist, with potential additional benefit from the use of quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to localize and personalize treatment.[1][2] Related technologies include functional near-infrared spectroscopy-mediated (fNIRS) neurofeedback, hemoencephalography biofeedback (HEG), and fMRI biofeedback.

What Is Neurofeedback Therapy?

Neurofeedback therapy is used to help teach self-control of brain functions by indicating to patients how their brains react to certain triggers. Over time, patients learn to recognize when their brain is in a certain state. Then, they can learn to recreate the desired state, such as relaxation, or avoid undesired states, such as agitation, in their daily lives.

What is Neurofeedback Training?

Neurofeedback training (NFT) is preceded by an objective assessment of brain activity and psychological status. During training, sensors are placed on the scalp and then connected to sensitive electronics and computer software that detect, amplify, and record specific brain activity. 

The resulting information is fed back to the trainee virtually instantaneously with the conceptual understanding that changes in the feedback signal indicate whether or not the trainee’s brain activity is within the designated range. 

Based on this feedback, various principles of learning, and practitioner guidance, changes in brain patterns occur and are associated with positive changes in physical, emotional, and cognitive states. 

Often the trainee is not consciously aware of the mechanisms by which such changes are accomplished although people routinely acquire a “felt sense” of these positive changes and often can access these states outside the feedback session.

NFT does not involve either surgery or medication and is neither painful nor embarrassing. When provided by a licensed professional with appropriate training, generally trainees do not experience negative side effects.

Neurofeedback does not involve either surgery or medication and is neither painful nor embarrassing.

Typically trainees find NFT to be an interesting experience. Neurofeedback operates at a brain functional level and transcends the need to classify using existing diagnostic categories. It modulates the brain activity at the level of the neuronal dynamics of excitation and inhibition which underlies the characteristic effects that are reported.

Research demonstrates that neurofeedback is an effective intervention for ADHD and Epilepsy. Ongoing research is investigating the effectiveness of neurofeedback for other disorders such as Autism, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, substance abuse, TBI, and other pain disorders, and is promising.

Neurofeedback vs Biofeedback: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to get confused about the difference between neurofeedback and biofeedback. Some people may even think the terms can be used interchangeably. However, these two therapies are quite different from one another.

Biofeedback is a type of thought technology that’s used to make subtle changes to bodily functions such as heart rate, muscle tension, perspiration, breathing, blood pressure, and brainwaves. By learning how to better control these functions, individuals can learn to improve various medical conditions, relieve chronic pain, reduce stress, and improve overall physical and mental performance (sometimes referred to as peak performance training).

During a biofeedback session, sensors are attached to your body to detect changes in things like pulse, muscle tone, skin temperature, and brainwave patterns, among other physiological functions. When changes occur, a sound or flashing light is triggered. Over time, biofeedback patients can learn to take conscious control of their body’s automatic functions.

Neurofeedback, on the other hand, is a type, or subset, of biofeedback that focuses solely on the brain. Neurofeedback is sometimes referred to as EEG biofeedback. Rather than measuring multiple bodily functions, neurofeedback only measures brainwave activity. During a neurofeedback session, a patient is given real-time feedback about how their brain is functioning. Through reward-based training, also called operant learning, individuals learn how to better self-regulate their brain which leads to long-term changes in their brainwaves.

Does Neurofeedback Work?

Asking “Does neurofeedback work?” is similar to asking if all medications work. The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. The results depend on many factors, like whether the treatment is the right fit for a patient’s condition or the ability of the treatment to change a patient’s brain biology. For example, some people may not see benefits from neurofeedback because they are not using the right system for their needs.

Most of the clinicians in this field, including myself, continue to use neurofeedback because we have seen it work and improve patients’ conditions when applied properly.

Numerous studies support its clinical use. In some studies, patients not only felt better after treatment, but imaging technology (i.e. fMRI) showed that the treatment changed patients’ brain function and structure.

Does Neurofeedback Therapy Work for Depression?

One 2019 study used neurofeedback to treat those suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD). After twelve weeks, they found response rates were 58.3 percent. So not only did neurofeedback help the symptoms, but it also helped their recovery.

A trauma survivor had suffered from depression for years. She’d also tried medication, diet, hypnotherapy, various talking therapies, and exercise. While they all helped to an extent, she found neurofeedback made a real difference after eight sessions.

Many other studies back these findings up on a much larger scale. Clinical trials show an improvement, especially where other treatments have proven ineffective. While the trials have been small, and there is less research into its long-term effects, the benefits are still evident.

Studies have also shown success in using alpha/theta feedback training for deep depression. This training also helps to promote relaxation, trauma-related healing, and creativity.

Will Neurofeedback Work with Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that results in some level of learning disability and delayed development, though this varies widely between individuals. It is important to recognize that a child born with Down Syndrome may still acquire many of the cognitive and social skills most other people develop, they simply take more time to naturally develop. The level of the learning difficulties can be mild, moderate, or severe and some may suffer additional neurological deficits, such as ADHD and ASD symptoms. Because of these differences, helpful support, guidance, and treatment options differ in each case.  One of the options shown to be effective for Down Syndrome is Neurofeedback. Often people with Down Syndrome also suffer symptoms of conditions that are related to brain deregulation, which Neurofeedback can help to alleviate by using the brain’s ability to self-regulate to train it to work better and alleviate the symptoms.

A 2007 study demonstrated how several children with Down Syndrome showed significant improvements in all areas measured following up to 60 sessions of neurofeedback, i.e. Verbal Communication, Nonverbal Communication, Short and Long Term Memory, Behaviour, and Physical Balance.

Does Neurofeedback Help Insomnia?

Neurofeedback is a very effective method to organize sleep rhythms and stabilize the brain during rapid shifts in sleep state. Many sleep difficulties are related to problems in maintaining stable brain function during those shifts: night sweats, panic, migraines, seizures, restless legs, sleepwalking, and night terrors. Those problems can be improved by Neurofeedback stabilization training. Neurofeedback training can help with insomnia. Physical calming allows people to relax and fall asleep. It reduces muscle tension including bruxism (teeth grinding). It also calms a busy mind, and anxiety related to nightmares, fears, and hyper-vigilance which might cause trouble with sleep onset.

Does Neurofeedback Work for Anxiety?

Neurofeedback is an effective support for managing anxiety, especially when combined with additional supports like a whole-food diet, exercise, and sleep management. Anxiety is the fight/flight reaction of the stress response and when it becomes a chronic habit, we call it anxiety. The brain is supposed to only go into the fight/flight reaction for short bursts to respond to immediate danger and then return to the regulated state of perceived safety. Research shows being in this hyperarousal state takes a lot of energy and taxes the body’s other systems, such as the immune system. Neurofeedback helps with managing the stress response by showing the brain in real-time, its habitual patterns. The theory behind neurofeedback is that when the brain is cued to perceive habits that are maladaptive like stress, the brain will shift to more adaptive strategies, like calm/focus energy rather than fight/flight energy. When those strategies are engaged in regularly, they become a new habit replacing the stress reaction. Remember, the brain is adaptive, dynamic, and responds to change – neurofeedback is what signals it to adapt to more positive, helpful changes.

Does Neurofeedback Work for ADHD?

Neurofeedback is a promising treatment for ADHD. Research recently proved that as little as 30 sessions of neurofeedback treatment could be as effective as popular stimulants in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people no longer need ADHD medication after neurofeedback treatment. If you’re interested in exploring neurofeedback as a treatment for ADHD, reaching out to your medical provider is the first step in seeing if it is the right fit for you. The International Society for Neuroregulation & Research also offers an online directory that you can search based on your geographical location or the provider's area of specialty.

How Much Does Neurofeedback Therapy Cost?

The cost of neurofeedback therapy can vary depending on several factors, including the location of the provider, the number of sessions needed, and the type of equipment used. On average, a single session can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, with a full course of treatment typically ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of neurofeedback therapy, so it’s important to check with your provider to see if this treatment is covered under your plan. Additionally, some providers may offer sliding scale fees or payment plans to make the treatment more affordable for those who need it.

History of Neurofeedback

In 1898, Edward Thorndike formulated the law of effect. In his work, he theorized that behavior is shaped by satisfying or discomforting consequences. This set the foundation for operant conditioning.

In 1924, the German psychiatrist Hans Berger connected several electrodes to a patient's scalp and detected a small current by using a ballistic galvanometer. In his subsequent studies, Berger analyzed EEGs qualitatively, but in 1932, G. Dietsch applied Fourier analysis to seven EEG records and later became the first researcher to apply quantitative EEG (QEEG).

In 1950, Neal E. Miller of Yale University was able to train mice to regulate their heartbeat frequency. Later on, he continued his work with humans, training them through auditory feedback.

The first study to demonstrate neurofeedback was reported by Joe Kamiya in 1962. Kamiya's experiment had two parts: In the first part, a subject was asked to keep their eyes closed, and when a tone sounded, to say whether they were experiencing alpha waves. Initially, the subject would guess correctly about fifty percent of the time, but some subjects would eventually develop the ability to better distinguish between states.

M. Barry Sterman trained cats to modify their EEG patterns to exhibit more of the so-called sensorimotor rhythm (SMR). He published this research in 1967. Sterman subsequently discovered that the SMR-trained cats were much more resistant to epileptic seizures after exposure to the convulsant chemical monomethylhydrazine than non-trained cats. In 1971, he reported similar improvements with an epileptic patient whose seizures could be controlled through SMR training. Joel Lubar contributed to the research of EEG biofeedback, starting with epilepsy and later with hyperactivity and ADHD. Ming-Yang Cheng was instrumental in advancing research on EEG neurofeedback, specifically targeting enhancements in SMR power among skilled golfers.

Types of Neurofeedback Therapy

Neurofeedback therapy has proven to be useful in helping diagnose or treat a few different conditions, and each condition is associated with a slightly different type of neurofeedback therapy. For each type, the electrodes attached to the skin look for certain brain frequencies—which is the speed at which brain waves are being emitted—that can show how a person is reacting. Different types of frequencies represent different types of brain functions or reactions.

1. Frequency/Power Neurofeedback

This is the most simple and common type of therapy, and it's sometimes even referred to as "surface neurofeedback." It involves attaching two to four electrodes to the head to detect frequencies related to ADHD, anxiety, and insomnia.

2. Slow Cortical Potential Neurofeedback (SCP-NF)

This type of therapy aims to help people dealing with ADHD, epilepsy, and migraines. It has even been tested in children who have ADHD as a potential alternative to pharmacological solutions.

3. Low-Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS)

In addition to helping people with hyperactive disorders, neurofeedback can also help those with low energy. This type of therapy aims to change the patient's brainwaves while lying motionless with their eyes closed. It's been used to help people with insomnia, fibromyalgia, restless legs syndrome, anxiety, depression, and anger. This type of therapy doesn't require any conscious effort from the patient. This type works by attaching the electrodes to the head. This identifies the areas where brain activity is low. The electrodes then emit low magnetic field frequencies that, over time, can change how the brain functions.

4. Hemoencephalographic (HEG) Neurofeedback

This type of neurofeedback therapy is for people who have terrible migraines. The electrodes show where the blood flow is in the brain and work to use this information3 to increase blood flow and reduce the pain or reoccurrence of migraines.

5. Live Z-score Neurofeedback

This type of neurofeedback is for people who have insomnia. According to one case study, it even improved a group's symptoms after 15 sessions that were 20 minutes each.

6. Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORE-TA)

This therapy requires 19 electrode attachments, and that's because it monitors the brain for particular brain activities about obsessive-compulsive disorder, addiction, and depression. This type of therapy has revealed lots of intricate details about the inner workings of the brains of people with an addiction.

7. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

This is still a method of neurofeedback therapy that is the most research-based.6 It's using electrodes to map out the inner workings of the brain.

Benefits of Neurofeedback Therapy

Neurofeedback falls under the FDA guidelines for wellness and it can provide great results for managing multiple symptoms. Some of its applications include:

- Managing ADHD and behavioral disorders

- Optimizing physical and intellectual performance

- Increasing academic achievements

- Reducing anxiety and depression

- Stroke recovery

- Improving sleep

- Practicing mindfulness and relaxation

- Achieving relaxation

- Regulating emotions

What Neurofeedback Therapy Can Help With

As listed in the neurofeedback therapy section, there are several ways that neurofeedback therapy can be helpful. For example, if you're looking for help with a specific condition, you definitely need to research to make sure that the doctor that you're interested in visiting specializes in neurofeedback therapy for that condition. This therapy is also constantly being researched; however, these are the main conditions for which people tend to seek out neurofeedback therapy:

- ADHD

- Depression

- Anxiety

- Insomnia

- Migraines

- Addiction

- Obsessive-compulsive disorder

- Low energy

- Anger control

What to Expect From a Neurofeedback Therapy Session

Many medical professionals can say they offer neurofeedback therapy, but Isaac Tourgeman, a psychologist at the Design Neuroscience Center in Florida and professor at Albizu University’s Miami campus, recommends finding someone who is certified by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (formerly the Biofeedback Institute of America) or The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, Inc. These certifications ensure the person is trained and meets the requirements. Once you’ve found your certified provider, here’s how a neurofeedback therapy session may look.

1. Set the mood. Tourgeman’s practice uses neurofeedback therapy to help patients with relaxation and emotion management, so they prepare the therapy room to be as relaxing and comforting for patients as possible.

2. Connect to electrodes. Similar to electroencephalography (EEG), neurofeedback therapy sessions start by equipping you with a helmet, cap, or headband with electrodes attached. These sensors detect the electrical signals produced by the brain and transmit them to a computer. There are no needles or medications involved.

3. Participate in the stimulus activity. What you do during the session depends on the issue you’re trying to treat. For example, you could watch something on a screen, close your eyes, and listen to audio or engage in an activity like playing a video game. You may be lying down or sitting up in a chair. While you do this, your provider will be monitoring your activity and mapping your brainwaves against the ideal state you’re trying to achieve.

4. Receive feedback. Throughout the activity, you will receive cues as to how your brain is performing. The goal is to remain in tune with your reactions so you can gear your brain toward the desired state. Sessions typically last 60 minutes.

5. Repeat. Realistically, you won’t see results the moment you step out of the office. Neurofeedback therapy can often take between six and 20 sessions, says psychologist Bill Hudenko, global head of mental health at K Health, a healthcare startup, though there is not a confirmed number of sessions that guarantees lasting results, and the number of sessions will vary with each patient.

The number of sessions you might need is a conversation to have with your provider. The provider should follow symptoms and measure response from the beginning and at the end of each session and how the patient does between sessions. This will allow the practitioner to track improvement.

How to Do Neurofeedback at Home

You can do neurofeedback at home. Advances in the internet and neurofeedback equipment now allow clients to receive neurofeedback remotely from anywhere in the world. 

During your first remote neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback) session, your therapist meets with you through a remote meeting, in real-time, and guides you through the process of putting on your electro cap.

The therapist will guide you during this process to connect the cap to the amplifier and computer, and you make the first recording (EEG) of your brainwave activity showing your brain health.

This first reading of your brain scan is called a QEEG and is the baseline used by the NeuroPractors to write protocols for your neurofeedback brain training. Electrical brain activity is recorded in neural pathways from the sensors on your cap, first with eyes closed and then with eyes open, as you sit comfortably in your home or at your office.

The QEEG (brain map) is the first step, and therapists use this data as the client’s baseline for their brain training. Once you have finalized your brain training schedule with your practitioner, you prepare for your session 15 minutes before your start time. This time is when you turn on your laptop, put on your cap, and apply the gel. The therapist then joins you in Zoom to ensure your cap and connection are working correctly, and you begin your neurofeedback therapy.

The sessions are typically one hour. During the hour, you participate in thirty minutes of an eyes-open session and thirty minutes of an eyes-closed session. All equipment needed comes in your suitcase, and all sessions are run automatically by the therapist. You can easily transport your equipment with you if you need to travel or attend a session at a different location.

Neurofeedback Side Effects

Here are some side effects some patients may experience before, after, and even during a neurofeedback session.

1. Anxiety: This can occur from nervousness about electrodes being attached to the head or just because patients feel nervous before undergoing any medical procedure. Anxiety may be felt following the session, too. Once therapy is underway, these feelings should dissipate with the recognition that there’s nothing to be afraid of.

2. Brain fog: Neurofeedback generally reduces brain fog and “spacey” feelings. However if the practitioner isn’t properly trained, patients may find it difficult to focus during and after a neurofeedback session. Generally, however, brain fog will decrease and disappear as therapy continues.

3. Chattering teeth: This is a very rare reaction but some patients have reported that their teeth chattered after therapy as if they were out in very cold weather.

4. Cognitive impairment: Although neurofeedback was developed to aid and enhance cognitive function, if training is carried out incorrectly it could adversely affect cognitive performance.

5. Depersonalization: This is the feeling that you’re disconnected from your mind and body and observing yourself from the outside. It can result from changing electrical activity in the brain that heightens a patient’s overall awareness. Some people find this sensation more disconcerting and uncomfortable than others. Eventually, patients adapt to the sensation and their new level of consciousness.

6. Depression: Neurofeedback has proven to be a highly successful therapy for depression but in some cases, when the speed of slower brain waves is increased, a sense of depression may occur in patients not previously afflicted. Like anxiety, this negative reaction is usually temporary.

7. Dizziness: Patients may experience this sensation during and after the session, probably from the change in brain wave patterns.

8. Fatigue: Increasing or decreasing the speed of brain waves can cause some patients to experience fatigue for a short while.

9. Headaches: These can occur from training faster waves of higher frequencies or targeting the wrong sections for training. In some patients, they have been known to escalate into full-blown migraines.

10. Head Pressure: This is a relatively uncommon reaction but sometimes is experienced in the section of the brain undergoing training.

11. Low energy: For high-energy people who are being treated to reduce hyperactivity, neurofeedback may seem to result in low energy. The change they are experiencing is the positive effect of an adjustment from too much activity to a more normal pace.

12. Muscle tension: This may be caused when therapy isn’t properly administrated especially when training is in the higher frequencies such as beta and gamma. Neurofeedback administered correctly is unlikely to cause this reaction.

13.Social Anxiety: Sometimes those who have a history of anxiety in social situations feel a greater sense of anxiety after a neurofeedback session.

14. Tiredness: Like any other form of exercise and training, neurofeedback can be tiring, especially if too much training is attempted before the patient is ready.

15. Vocal changes: Occasionally patients seem to experience changes in their voices. This may be due to an increase in anxiety. In this case, the change should be temporary, once the stress has lessened.

16. Worsening of Symptoms: Ironically, while neurofeedback is prescribed to improve brain functioning by enhancing electrical activity, there is a possibility that these changes may cause the symptoms of depression, ADHD, anxiety, and other conditions to worsen. This effect is usually temporary but may be caused by improper training.

How to Find the Right Neurofeedback Therapy Practitioner Near Me

Now that we better understand neurofeedback therapy let’s look at how to find the right practitioner for you.

1.   Research Neurofeedback Therapy Practitioners Near You

The first step in finding the right neurofeedback therapy practitioner for you is researching practitioners in your area. You can search for “qeeg neurofeedback near me” or “neurofeedback testing near me” online. This will give you a list of practitioners in your area that offer neurofeedback therapy. Once you have a list of practitioners in your area, you can research them individually. Review previous patients’ reviews and information about the practitioner’s education and training. You can also look for information about the types of conditions that the practitioner specializes in treating.

2.   Check for Certification and Training

Neurofeedback therapy is a specialized field, so ensuring that the practitioner you choose has the proper certification and training is important. Look for a practitioner who is board-certified in neurofeedback therapy or has completed a training program. You can also check to see if the practitioner is a member of a professional organization, such as the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR). A professional organization member can be up-to-date on neurofeedback therapy research and techniques.

3.   Look for Experience Treating Your Condition

Neurofeedback therapy can treat many conditions, but not all practitioners have experience treating every condition. Consider seeking treatment from a practitioner with experience treating the condition you are seeking neurofeedback therapy for. You can ask the practitioner about their experience treating your condition and the success rates they have seen in their patients with similar conditions.

4.   Ask About the Neurofeedback Brain Map and QEEG Test

The neurofeedback brain map and QEEG test are important diagnostic tools in neurofeedback therapy. The brain map is a visual representation of the brain’s electrical activity, while the QEEG test measures the electrical activity in the brain and compares it to a database of normative data to identify any abnormalities. When choosing a neurofeedback therapy practitioner, it is important to ask if they use a neurofeedback brain map and QEEG test to guide their treatment. The practitioner can then develop a treatment plan that is unique to each patient based on the results of these tests.

5.   Inquire About the Neurofeedback Exercises

Exercises are used in neurofeedback therapy to train the patient’s brain to function more efficiently. These exercises can include visual or auditory cues and specific tasks targeting certain brain areas. When choosing a neurofeedback therapy practitioner, ask about the specific exercises they use in their treatment. You can also ask about the duration of the treatment and the expected outcomes.

6.   Consider the Cost and Insurance Coverage

The cost of neurofeedback therapy can vary depending on the practitioner and the location. Some practitioners offer packages or discounts for multiple sessions, while others offer financing options. It is also important to consider insurance coverage when choosing a neurofeedback therapy practitioner. While insurance does not always cover neurofeedback therapy, some companies may cover some. Ensure that your insurance provider covers neurofeedback therapy and what you may be responsible for out-of-pocket.

7.   Schedule a Consultation

Once you have narrowed your list of potential neurofeedback therapy practitioners, schedule a consultation with each. During the consultation, you can ask questions about their experience, training, and approach to treatment. You can also use the consultation to understand the practitioner’s personality and communication style. Select a practitioner with whom you feel comfortable and who you believe will be able to provide the highest quality care for your needs.

Sources:

Wikipedia

Forbes

Chandra MD

Very Well Mind

ISNR

NHA Health

Brain Train UK

California Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback Training

Beaverton Neurofeedback

Brain Code Centers

Healizm

Mynuerva

Chicago Mind Solutions