what is neurofeedback?
.Neurofeedback’s foundation is rooted in basic and applied neuroscience, as well as evidence-based clinical practice.
Neurofeedback is a noninvasive approach in which it monitors the brainwave activity in real time. This is done by using sensors, (the same type used for electroencephalogram) to detect and measure the electrical activity in the brain. The brain is a vastly interconnected network of incredible and distributed functions. Because of this, there is a dynamic range of variability within different regions of the brain that determines the optimal balance for each individual. This range also varies dynamically moment to moment depending on the processes that are active in at the time. This makes each individual very unique in their activity.
Throughout this process, the sensors are able to recognize the activity within the individual’s brain activity, but also all activity that falls outside of optimal range. These ranges that fall outside of range are much more common than you think, and are also very common with many conditions whether they have a physiological, mental, or emotional basis. Each time the brain sends a signal, it is not only communicating with the CNS and autonomic nervous system, but has a direct line of contact with all the systems in the body. Each time a signal goes outside of range, it is sending a disorganized form of communication to the many systems it is communicating with. What neurofeedback does is not only identify when the activity goes outside of range, but more importantly it creates an interruption each time it does so that the brain can learn to redirect the signal, This constant reinforcement helps signal the brain that it is in fact outside of range, while correcting it at the same time, which in turn helps regulate the Central Nervous System, Parasympathetic Nervous System, Sympathetic Nervous System, Immune Function, Endocrine System, and Autonomic System. This allows the body to be able to activate it’s abilities to self regulate. Throughout this process the brain and nervous system begin to recognize the state of dysfunction it has been operating in. Through repetition of training the brain and redirecting the signals correlated with dysfunction, the brain and nervous system begin to come back into balance and communicate in a more organized way.
This approach can be very helpful with many different conditions, such as trauma, Complex PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Chronic Illnesses, Autoimmune Dysfunction and many others. See below for a few others.
Trauma/Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Complex Trauma & Dissociation
Physical, Emotional, or Sexual Abuse/Assault
ADHD (American Pediatric Academy (APA) has endorsed Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback as a “Level 1/Best Support” treatment for children with ADHD).
Childhood Abuse
Self-Esteem Difficulties
Panic Attacks, Stress, & Anxiety
Mood Disruptions/Depression/Postpartum
Grief & Loss
Explosiveness, Anger, or Rage
Family or Relationship Challenges
Attention Challenges or Developmental Disorders
Addiction, Substance Use, or Compulsive Behaviours
Phobias
Relationship Breakdown
Supporting Your Child’s Development
Mental Performance Enhancement
Chronic Pain or Nerve Pain
Seizures or Motor & Coordination Issues
Problems of Inflammation or Autoimmune Diseases
Gut Health/Food Sensitivities/Irritable Bowel
Fibromyalgia & Circulatory Disorders
Migraines/Cluster Headaches
Concussion/TBI Treatment
Chronic Fatigue/Sleep Disturbances
Memory/Attention Difficulties/Brain FogAthletic Performance
Neurofeedback is a buildable progressive approach in which results are often noticed when sessions are consistent. One to three neurofeedback sessions per week is recommended. Consistent sessions are best with little gap in between. The average number of sessions for anxiety is 20 with maintenance every 3-4 weeks. Conditions like ADHD tend to have optimal results with 40 sessions with maintenance monthly. Each individual is unique therefore number of sessions and frequency cary vary.
neurofeedback and trauma?
Neurofeedback can be highly effective as well for people who have experienced complex trauma, or a difficult past.
Neurofeedback can be highly effective as well for people who have experienced complex trauma, or a difficult past. Many who have experienced a traumatic or abusive past often find it difficult to express themselves surrounding the details of their past because they find they get swung back into it each time they do, or sometimes can’t recall the details at all even though they know something is there, leaving them feeling stuck despite trying many different approaches.
With trauma specifically, especially in early years, the Nervous system becomes heightened in order for it to anticipate its environment so that it can have a sense of safety, and stay away from what it is threatened by. What this does over time is create a highly active limbic system setting the entire system, as well as connected systems into a constant state of fight or flight. Over time the body learns to live with this adapted trauma response, often resulting in making a person feel stuck, shut down, depressed, or overwhelmed by the experiences. What Neurofeedback does is help create a scaffold around where these responses originated while simultaneously processing the subconscious without having to go to the memory itself. This allows the body to go into a deep state of healing, while building a neural net, and training the body and mind to regulate itself into an optimal state.
neurofeedback and athletic/high performance?
Neurofeedback can be highly advantageous if you are looking to enhance your athletic performance and or skills associated with Peak performance in sport, or in the business world.
Peak Performers from Olympians to leaders of Fortune 500 business’s use Neurofeddback to improve their performance and ability to manage stress. This additional tool in training provides a crucial edge which allows the individual to perform beyond the best of their abilities. Not only has it been documented to improve performance, but also the ability to optimize their internal states related to reaction and ‘flow’ states, but also increases focus, energy efficiency, clarity and much more. This form of training is used by many olympic coaches, as well as coaches in the NFL, NHL, NBA, PGA and many more.
neurofeedback and cognitive performance?
Neurofeedback is often used to assist in optimizing the brain's functioning resulting in not only better academic performance, but also improvement in test scores.
Many students, academics, and professionals have experienced an an enhancement in their cognitive abilities which has resulted in an ability to perform in a more efficient and optimized way. This approach is known to have an effect on one’s cognitive functioning such as the ability to reason, short term memory recall, ability to process and retain information, as well as the ability to integrate sensory or information input resulting in an overall feeling of efficiency and organization.