Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A NEUROFEEDBACK SESSION?
During a neurofeedback session, you sit in a comfortable reclining chair facing a computer screen. Sensors that look like buttons are put on your head to sense the electrical output from your brain.
The computer is set to reward a selection of brainwaves that, based on your intake and your QEEG Brain Map, are chosen to help improve your functioning. For every 1/4 of a second that your brain is doing what it is asked, there is a sound and change on the computer screen. This rewards your brain for making good brainwaves.
When you look at the computer screen, you watch pieces of a puzzle come together into an appealing picture. You get to choose your favorite themes and there are more than 300 files of images that appeal to all ages and interests.
If you prefer, there is also the option of watching your own brain waves at work. Some people find this very intriguing. When a set of brain waves reaches the assigned goal, a disc lights up to show you that you have achieved the result needed.
WHAT DOES NEUROFEEDBACK FEEL LIKE?
Most people do not feel anything. Some people feel drowsy during a neurofeedback session, especially in the beginning. For some, this can be hard work for the brain. You might feel a slight tingling around the area of your head where the sensors are located due to an increase in blood flow.
A neurofeedback session is similar to a workout for your brain. You may experience an increase in alertness, awareness, and feel more upbeat. Many people feel more relaxed after a session.
WHAT IMPROVEMENTS WILL I SEE AS A RESULT OF THE TRAINING?
Neurofeedback improves brain function.
Whatever challenges you are experiencing that are based in the brain are likely to improve.
For example, tantrums may begin to diminish, school performance may begin to improve, or speech problems may decrease.
HOW SOON WILL I SEE IMPROVEMENTS?
People report they begin to experience improvements between session one and session 10.
At first, improvements maybe subtle, but as you continue in the training process, the improvements become more obvious and may be dramatic. These improvements positively affect more parts of your life and ultimately become permanent.
HOW LONG DO THE IMPROVEMENTS LAST?
The improvements add up over time. At first, it may seem like they wear off in a day or two, but the effects are cumulative.
The more neurofeedback sessions over time, the greater the improvement and the longer they will last.
With few exceptions, once training is completed, the results are virtually permanent. In the field of neurofeedback, there is three-year follow-up research and ten-year clinical data, which show that the results of neurofeedback are lasting. Some people find it useful to come from time to time for booster sessions.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
A course of treatment is typically 40 sessions. It is best to be consistent, training at least once per week. You may prefer to come more frequently in order to see improvements more quickly.
Neurofeedback is like learning a skill; the more you practice, the better you get and the faster you are able to improve the skill. With neurofeedback, you are using your brain every day, continually practicing the skills learned from your neurofeedback session.
IS NEUROFEEDBACK SAFE AND WILL IT HURT? IS IT HARD TO DO?
Neurofeedback is easy, comfortable and safe. Neurofeedback is the easiest learning you will ever do. Your brain does the learning and you watch the show and feel satisfaction with each reward. According to neurofeedback expert Dr. Frank Duffy, a neurologist of Children’s Hospital Boston, there are no known significant side effects from neurofeedback.
IS NEUROFEEDBACK JUST FOR CHILDREN?
Neurofeedback is for people of all ages. It works effectively with people in their early to mid 80’s on memory loss, stroke and cognitive decline of aging.
IS MY CHILD TOO YOUNG FOR NEUROFEEDBACK?
No. Children under 3 years of age have participated in neurofeedback with us and have responded well.
WILL NEUROFEEDBACK WORK IF I AM TAKING MEDICATIONS?
The majority of the time, medications do not significantly interfere with neurofeedback.
WILL MY HEALTH INSURANCE COVER THIS TRAINING?
Several health insurance companies reimburse biofeedback as a treatment modality and cover it under behavioral health medical benefits. We will provide you with the questions you need to ask your health provider to determine coverage.