Neurofeedback Information
EEG Biofeedback (also known as Neurofeedback) is an innovative, new computer-based technique that is being adopted by healthcare professionals around the world. This technique has been found to be effective in helping to remediate a number of conditions including problems in attention, learning and behavior, as well as compulsions, addictions, and trauma & affective disorders. Neurofeedback is complimentary to existing medical treatments and mental health practices.’
- Facilitates Healing
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Chronic Fatigue
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Stroke
- Obsessive Thoughts
- Compulsions
- Other Conditions
- Rationale
It has long been recognized that there is a direct connection between the frequency components of EEG (measured electrical activity of the brain) and a person’s state of arousal, alertness, stability and flexibility. Prolonged stress, physical and psychological trauma & substance abuse can alter the set point of the central nervous system and push it out of normal range into disregulation. In many cases this results in a narrowing of available mental states. In other cases, the brain becomes unstable and may change states inappropriately and without warning.
The brain’s inability to modulate response and to access situation-appropriate mental states appears to be central to the persistence of many chronic medical and psychological problems. Luckily the brain can be retrained. Neurofeedback is a form of operant conditioning– training the brain to make voluntary changes in function and state. In the short term, this encourages a change in mental state. Over the long term it exercises and strengthens the brain’s mechanisms of state change and plays on the brain’s natural desire for balance.
How it works
Sensors are placed on the “trainee’s” scalp and ear. Brainwaves are monitored by a computer and goals are set that require the trainee to voluntarily produce more beneficial brain wave patterns. A second linked computer “coaches” the trainee by presenting visual, auditory and tactile representations of the trainee’s brainwave signals in a video game format.
This process is called “feedback” because it informs the trainee about his or her momentary success in making the desired brain changes. As the trainee exercises this ability to voluntarily change brain activity, new and beneficial response patterns are created. Practiced over an average of 20 to 40 half-hour sessions, these new modes of behavior are well learned, becoming natural responses available whenever needed.
Cost
Neurofeedback requires repeated treatments in order to be effective. In general, it is suggested that clients anticipate scheduling at least two appointments per week. Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, treatment can range from as few as 20 to as many as 200 sessions. We offer discounts for full payment at the start of treatment. We accept all major credit cards as well as HSA cards.
For information about cost of services, please contact our office.
QEEG (Quantitative EEG)
A QEEG is recommended for all Neurofeedback clients. The results of the QEEG allows us to specifically identify and address unusual or problematic patterns of brain function by comparing the eeg patterns of the individual brain to a normative database. Clients will receive a full report including Brain Maps and LORETA analysis of subcortical activity. At the clinician’s discretion, some clients may receive treatment without the QEEG. A second QEEG at the conclusion of treatment to verify changes in patterns of brain activity is recommended but not required.