All About Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive form of biofeedback utilizing Operant Conditioning to help client's brains REWIRE themselves and get back to using optimal patterns of brain functioning. 

Hold, on, lets back up for a second. Our brains utilize brain waves, (specific electrical frequencies produced as our brain cells communicate with each other),  to help us function at optimal levels. Now, life is hard and things happen sometimes, like trauma, brain injuries, addiction, etc.. These experiences can all impact and WIRE how our brain functions, most often, in not so helpful ways. We can see things like inattention, insomnia, emotional reactivity, depression, anxiety, and even headaches. Neurofeedback is a method of brain training that teaches the brain to regulate and function at optimal levels. Basically, we teach the brain how to create more "good" brain waves and less "bad" brain waves and then, reward the brain when it creates the "good" ones. Over time, the brain GETS REWIRED and learns how to function in ideal states using the "good" brain waves. This can significantly decrease and sometimes even eliminate challenging symptoms. 

There are many different forms of neurofeedback, but the kind we use at Resilience Rewired Therapy and Neurofeedback, LLC is called the Othmer Method. 

In a neurofeedback session, we place EEG leads on the scalp to monitor and track specific brain wave activity. This activity is then sent to our computer to be amplified and measured. From there, we can see what activity looks like in whatever specific area of the brain we are working on. This allows us to teach the brain what brain waves it should be producing in that area to decrease negative symptoms. 

The only "job" clients have to do in a neurofeedback session is play a video game. Yes, that's right, a video game. The goal is for clients to keep the video game screen clear, with a full picture.  The video game serves as the reward for a person's brain when their brain produces the optimal brain wave frequency in that part of the brain. When the screen stays clear, your brain is producing the "good" brain waves we want to see. When the screen is not clear, that means your brain is producing "bad" brain waves, or simply, not the optimal brain waves for that area of the brain. 

This method teaches the brain what brain waves to use in that area, and how to produce them! Pretty cool huh? 

Alpha-Theta training in neurofeedback refers to "deep states training." In other words, this is a specific neurofeedback protocol that is used to process trauma, reduce symptoms related to PTSD and substance use disorder concerns, as well as helps clients increase peak performance. 

Alpha-Theta training looks a little different than standard neurofeedback sessions. In an Alpha-Theta session, clients are guided into a deep meditative state and listen to auditory feedback such as a guided meditation, or soothing background noises like falling water etc...Alpha-Theta training is similar to EMDR in that Alpha-Theta training also uses bi-lateral stimulation of both hemispheres of the brain to process trauma, similar to an EMDR session. What's the difference you might be asking? Well, Alpha-Theta is a non-active form of trauma processing whereas EMDR is an active form of trauma processing. Some clients prefer the simplicity of Alpha-Theta vs EMDR. 

Neurofeedback is FDA approved to treat ADHD. It is also used to treat a multitude of other symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, lack of focus, impulsivity, emotional reactivity, anxiety, depression, substance abuse disorders,  trauma, and even more! Neurofeedback is also used to help clients increase peak performance in sports! Neurofeedback gives people the opportunity to manage tricky symptoms without the use of medication. Although, if you are on medications, you can still utilize Neurofeedback. 

Neurofeedback is helpful for people of all ages and backgrounds! Here at Resilience Rewired Therapy and Neurofeedback, LLC we are extremely passionate about offering this service to our clients because we have personally seen the impacts it can have on peoples' ability to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. 

People are unique and everyone's brain is different, so we can't guarantee when you will start seeing improvement. However, most people see improvements within the first three sessions. Some people even notice changes after session one. It is recommended that clients engage in a minimum of twenty sessions to experience the best results. 

Initially, it is recommended clients participate in weekly sessions. However, clients can participate in a maximum of three sessions per week, or they can participate in every other week sessions as well. As time goes on, the goal is to reduce symptoms so much that people no longer suffer with challenging symptoms as often as they used to. But as we all know, life happens and sometimes we need a tune up. Clients are encouraged to come back for a tune up session if they ever feel they need it.