Neurofeedback is an alternative, non-medication approach to treating a wide range of mental health problems. It’s based on brainwave technology that has been demonstrated to improve memory, attention and focus, and can be used to treat anxiety and depression, as well as ADHD symptoms.
In a Neurofeedback session, you’ll wear a headset or cap with electrodes on it that detect the electrical signals that your brain sends out. These signals are then sent to a computer, which will then provide real-time feedback on how your brain is reacting to a set of stimuli.
The information from the electrodes will help your therapist or practitioner track the changes in your brain’s activity over time. The goal of the therapy is to gradually retrain your brain to a more stable, healthy state.
This type of therapy is commonly used to treat conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and ADHD. It’s a drug-free alternative to medication and has been shown to be effective in hundreds of studies.
There are many different types of neurofeedback therapies, each of which focuses on different parts of the brain and their different frequencies. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Some of these therapies have been proven to be useful in the treatment of many different mental illnesses, including anxiety, ADHD, autism and insomnia.
One of the more popular therapies is gamma oscillation neurofeedback, which has been shown to significantly improve memory and IQ in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This technique also works to reduce hyperactivity and hyperfocused behavior in children with ADHD.
Another type of Neurofeedback is beta neurofeedback, which has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions. This type of neurofeedback uses a method called operant conditioning, which involves allowing patients to inhibit certain brain wave frequencies and increase other ones.
It’s important to note that this process is not for everyone. Typically, about 70-80% of people who try it will be able to train their brains, but others may not respond.
Once your therapist determines that you’re likely to be a good candidate for this therapy, they will set up a schedule of regular sessions. Most neurofeedback treatments take between six and 20 sessions.
Each session will last 30 to 60 minutes and will include your therapist or practitioner attaching electrodes to your head. These are similar to those that monitor the brain through electroencephalography (EEG), and they’ll send readings of your brainwaves to a computer.
The therapist or practitioner will then give you a series of “stimuli” that will cause your brain to change. These are often images, words, or sounds. The goal is to gradually retrain your brain to respond more efficiently to these stimuli.
In each session, your therapist will check your progress and make adjustments if necessary. Some changes are obvious and noticeable right away, while others may not appear until after you have completed several sessions.
You might feel nervous about attending your first session, but you should know that most people find it to be a very pleasant and enjoyable experience. Some even report that they’re looking forward to their next session, which is a great sign that the process is working.