What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a technology-assisted therapeutic process that utilizes an electroencephalogram (EEG) to monitor the brain's electrical activity, otherwise known as brain waves. We can see this electrical activity by attaching sensors with a conductive paste or gel to specific sites on the head. A computer program picks up the brain's energy patterns through the electroencephalogram and processes the signal to provide information about various brainwave frequencies. The brain's electrical impulses are called frequency bands (alpha, beta, delta, theta, and gamma). These frequency bands indicate which parts of the brain are active and used during a given task, activity, or state of mind.
Research has demonstrated that Neurofeedback effectively treats many conditions. Many may include ADHD and ADD, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress disorders, panic attacks, migraines, concussions, some forms of memory concerns, and sleeping issues. Neurofeedback aims to improve the brain's ability to shift between states of relaxation and arousal smoothly. This is done by enhancing self-regulation and mental flexibility. The brain is responsible for controlling attention, affect, and emotional regulation. In simple terms, Neurofeedback training helps decrease brainwave activity, allowing the entire central nervous system to resume normal functioning.
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Why Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback training is a reward-based training system for your brain. The actual brain training process utilizes EEG sensors that monitor your brain waves and a computer to send feedback back to you. A computer program picks up the brain's energy through the electroencephalogram. It processes the signal to provide information about various brainwave frequencies. The program then directs brain wave activity towards more desirable and controlled patterns based on your specific goals. Clients receive immediate feedback from the program when brainwave patterns improve. Various feedback methods include watching a video, listening to music or tones, or playing a game. The stimuli (video, music, games) only operate smoothly when your brain waves perform within a specific desired range. Your brain wants to experience the stimuli smoothly, which is a reward for your brain. When your brain waves fire at a rate that's not optimal, you'll receive negative feedback (the movie pauses, the music stops). This interruption tells your brain that something has caused an imbalance, and your brain wants to "figure out "how to return to a seamless game, movie, or music.
Throughout a Neurofeedback training program, your brain learns from this feedback, promoting lasting structural changes within your brain. We call this neuroplasticity. Between sessions, clients can often notice stress, sleep patterns, and mental clarity changes. Throughout the treatment, the brain learns to consistently operate with a more optimal range outside training sessions, alleviating symptoms.
Neurofeedback is essentially about enhancing and improving performance. There are many well-researched applications for mental health-related issues, and professional athletes and business professionals also use Neurofeedback to enhance their performance through improved focus and stress management. Many individuals experience supplemental benefits to Neurofeedback training, like improved sleep quality, less anxiety, more remarkable ability to adapt and tackle daily challenges.
Our Process
At Connect Clinical Services, we offer a tailored Neurofeedback process designed to suit your unique brain and treatment goals. Here's an overview of how it works:
- Initial Consultation: Understanding Your Needs
We begin with an initial consultation to better understand your specific concerns and objectives. This individualized approach ensures that your Neurofeedback experience aligns with your goals for practical and effective results. - Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG): Mapping Your Brain
Following the consultation, we gather brainwave data through a quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG), sometimes called a "brain map." This technology utilizes specialized analysis of EEG data that involves quantitative measures and employs sophisticated algorithms and statistical methods to process and extract meaningful patterns from the EEG signals regarding the brain’s electrical activity. The outcome is a detailed map of your brainwave patterns, including the distribution of various frequency bands. Each of these frequency bands is associated with different cognitive and functional states of the brain. This information provides insights into your brain's performance, helping us tailor a customized Neurofeedback training plan. - Personalized Neurofeedback Training: Empowering Your Brain
With the data from the qEEG, we create a personalized neurofeedback training plan designed to address your specific needs.
Phase 2: Neurofeedback Brain Training
Neurofeedback is a process that trains your brain to operate more efficiently. Here's how it works in simpler terms:
- Real-Time Monitoring: We use EEG sensors to continuously monitor your brainwave activity.
- Immediate Feedback: A computer program processes the EEG data and provides instant feedback, rewarding your brain for more efficient patterns.
- Customized Feedback Methods: You experience the feedback through activities like watching videos, listening to musical tones, or engaging in interactive games.
Throughout your Neurofeedback program, your brain learns from this feedback, promoting lasting changes—a concept known as neuroplasticity. Clients often notice improvements in areas like emotional regulation, stress management, sleep quality, and mental clarity between sessions. This helps alleviate symptoms associated with various mental health conditions.
Conditions We Can Assist With
Research has demonstrated that Neurofeedback is effective in addressing conditions such as ADD, ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, PTSD, autism spectrum disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and addiction disorders and sleep disorders. Our approach is supported by research conducted at respected institutions including:
Harvard University which has a history of conducting research in the field of neurofeedback, particularly in areas related to mental health, cognition, and brain function.
Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons which has been involved in neurofeedback research, primarily focused on understanding the neurobiology of various psychological and neurological conditions.
The Cleveland Clinic which has conducted research on neurofeedback, primarily in the context of neurological and psychiatric conditions. They have explored its potential for improving cognitive function and addressing various disorders.
Cynthia Kerson Neurofeedback Bibliography
Contact Connect Clinical Services to start your journey towards improved mental well-being.
Neurofeedback Applications:
- ADHD and Related Learning Disabilities
- Anxiety, PTSD, and Panic Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Cognitive, Sport, and Peak Performance
- Depression and Bipolar Disorder
- Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
- Sleep Disorders
- Others
- QEEG
Neurofeedback Research
Click here to see more research articles on Neurofeedback.
Contact Us For More Information
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