What is

Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback teaches individuals how to regulate their electrical brainwave activity. Also known as EEG Biofeedback, it uses real-time EEG, brain activity, to help individuals improve emotional, behavioural and cognitive functioning by increasing certain brainwaves, whilst inhibiting others, to promote optimal brain regulation.

Neurofeedback is a proven therapeutic approach that is gentle, secure, and entirely non-intrusive. Through brain training, we aim to reduce the intensity of emotional, psychological, and physiological issues, enabling you to experience improved functioning in your daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during a Neurofeedback session?

Neurofeedback is a relaxed, comfortable training session in which the brain will do what it does all the time. It receives billions of stimuli from the senses, correlates this information to what the brain and body are doing, and communicates this information to other areas of the brain. During the session, this information is captured and via specialised computer software, with brain activity translated into audio and / or visual feedback, the brain learns to adjust this activity and function more effectively. Training is entirely benign, the electrodes are exclusively one-way – in that they relay brainwaves to the computer, but they can’t send any information (or electricity) back to the brain.

How does the brain learn with Neurofeedback?

The brain learns with Neurofeedback through a process called operant conditioning, a type of learning in which behaviours are influenced by their consequences. In the context of Neurofeedback, the brain is monitored through EEG sensors, and when it generates desirable brainwave patterns (for example, those associated with calm and focus), it’s rewarded. The reward can come in various forms, such as a pleasing sound, a positive image, or progress in a video game. On the contrary, when the brain produces undesirable or unhelpful brainwave patterns, the reward is taken away or the system gives a sign that the brain is not performing optimally. With Neurofeedback training, you become an active participant in retraining and optimizing your own brain. Our brains are incredibly adaptable. Every day, we process and learn new information creating new neural pathways. This is known as neuroplasticity. Neurofeedback harnesses the brain’s natural ability to change, to retrain your brain. The combination of operant conditioning and neuroplasticity in Neurofeedback enables the brain to learn, adapt, and improve its function over time.

How long does training take?

This is not a simple question to answer as Neurofeedback is not a treatment, but a training process. The length of Neurofeedback training can vary significantly from person to person, depending on various factors such as the individual’s specific needs, the severity and nature of the symptoms, and how quickly they respond to the training. Some people may see improvement in their symptoms after just a few sessions, while others may need many sessions over a longer period of time. As a learning process, it takes a number of sessions of practice, so that it becomes second nature. With numerous factors affecting training, each program is customised according to the needs of the trainee. It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s brain is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long Neurofeedback training should last. An experienced Neurofeedback specialist can provide guidance tailored to an individual’s specific circumstances.

How many sessions will I need?

New clients often ask this, understandably. The answer – it’s really up to you. The number of Neurofeedback sessions needed can vary significantly from person to person, depending on several factors. These can include the individual’s specific condition or needs, the severity and duration of the symptoms, and how quickly the person responds to the training. Whilst some complete their training, happy that they got what they came for after only a few sessions, others opt for a more long- term approach. A Neurofeedback specialists can provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and monitor your progress and adjust your training plan as necessary.

Is Neurofeedback backed by science?

Yes, there is scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Neurofeedback for certain conditions. Please take a look at our Resources library and outlined Efficacy to learn more.

Is Neurofeedback safe?

Neurofeedback is a safe treatment modality, which works using the body’s own physiological processes. It is non-invasive, meaning it does not involve surgery or any type of physical intrusion into the body. The sensors or electrodes used in Neurofeedback simply record the brain’s electrical activity; they do not input any electrical charges into the brain. It’s also worth noting that the quality of the Neurofeedback training can depend on the expertise and experience of the provider. It’s advisable to seek treatment from a trained, certified and experienced Neurofeedback specialist who can properly assess your needs, devise an appropriate training protocol, and monitor your progress.

What conditions does Neurofeedback help with?
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • PTSD
  • Eating Disorders
  • ADHD
  • Concussion symptoms
  • Sleep disorders
  • Headaches/migraines
  • Pain
  • Peak performance and creativity
How many sessions does it take to notice changes?

Individuals may experience the effects of training immediately or after a few sessions, but sustained effects between sessions may take longer. In the initial month, we typically suggest training twice a week, and later, sessions can be spaced out weekly. The standard course of treatment consists of 20 sessions, during which we’ll assess overall symptom improvement. Further treatment or maintenance recommendations will be provided based on the results. For more severe symptoms and trauma recovery, around 40 neurofeedback sessions may be necessary. We’ll closely monitor symptom changes over time using EEG expert, ensuring that the training is on the right track to help you feel better.

Can I take medication while doing Neurofeedback?

Certainly, you are not expected to alter your medications during neurofeedback sessions. Nonetheless, if there are changes in your symptoms, it is essential to consult your prescribing physician to determine if adjustments to your medications are necessary.

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Jennifer Gerada

MSc (Psych), BA (Hons), QEEG-DC, BCIA Didactic Certification