BY DR. DENISE A. FLEURANT, PSYD, MFT
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is brain exercise,
or “training your brain.” It
challenges the brain to better function.
We observe your brain in
action from moment to moment |
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Good self regulation is ecessary
for optimal brain function.
Self-regulation training
enhances the function of the central
nervous system, which
improves mental performance,
emotional control and physiological
stability. Individuals of
any age can benefit from Neurofeedback training. |
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| A computer processes the
brain waves and extracts certain
information from them. We show you the flow of your brain
waves and the specific information
we obtain from them in the
form of a video game. We
instruct you how to play the
video game using only your
brain waves. The specific brain |
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With successful Neurofeedback
training, medications targeting
brain function may no longer be
needed, or then may be needed
at lower dosages, as the brain
takes on the role of regulating
itself. It is important for clients to
communicate with their prescribing
physician regarding
Neurofeedback and medications.
Why haven’t I heard
about Neurofeedback before?
Neurofeedback is a specialized
field where professionals take specific
classes to learn how to
administer Neurofeedback. Many
professionals are unaware of the
power of this technique. However
there are some professionals
doing Neurofeedback with
patients who are seeing results
within the first ten sessions. The
process begins with a phone call! |
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by monitoring your brain waves.
We show you your brain activity
and we help you change it by
rewarding shifts toward a more
appropriate and stable brain state.It is a gradual learning process.
Neurofeedback can also be
referred to as EEG biofeedback
because it is simply biofeedback applied to the brain directly. The electroencephalogram (EEG) is another name for the brain wave recordings and biofeedback refers to the process by which you learn to change your brain waves and gain better control over your brain
states.
What can
Neurofeedback help?
Neurofeedback can be used for
a wide variety of things because
it is training in self-regulation. |
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| Neurofeedback can be used for
psychological problems such as
anxiety, depression, attention
deficit disorder, suicidal behavior,
and post traumatic stress disorder.
It can also be used for
operational defiant disorder, bedwetting, sleepwalking, and nightmares with children. In addition,
it can also be used for physical
problems such as headaches,
backaches, or substance abuse.
Some adults use Neurofeedback
for peak performance, for example
athletes, artists, and businessmen
or women.
How is Neurofeedback done?
Sensors are attached to the scalp
with EEG paste which then picks
up brain waves. It is painless and
does not involve the application of
any voltage or current to the brain,
so it is entirely non-invasive. |
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wave frequencies we reward and
the sensor location on the scalp
are unique to each individual.
Does Neurofeedback
really work?
In order for Neurofeedback to
be most effective, an average of
30 sessions should be completed.
Therefore, using this strategy
becomes a commitment by
the patient. However, many
patients report that they start to
see results within the first few
sessions and this motivates
them to continue with the training.
Any brain, regardless of its
level of functioning, can be
trained to function better. The
brain will learn new capabilities
and continue to use them.
Therefore, this training lasts for
a long time after the sessions
are completed. |
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