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Neurofeedback or EEG biofeedback is a method for retraining the brain, encouraging it to improve how it functions. This state-of-the-art tool allows you to see the frequencies produced by different parts of your brain as they are being made so you can learn to change unhealthy patterns. These patterns create problems with focus, attention, sleep, motivation, learning, and emotions, and can become ingrained over time. Neurofeedback training helps your brain get "unstuck" and teaches it healthier frequencies and better functioning. As these new patterns are learned by the brain, they become “second-nature" and in most cases, permanent. The most exciting part is that neurofeedback training puts you back in control of your life.

Most of the conditions that cause trouble are due to the brain's inability to shift easily between states. The brain is supposed to shift easily between states, from sleep to relaxation, from calm alert to high alert, when needed. Once your brain is trained, it can shift on its own as opposed to being "stuck." This lack of state flexibility causes problems seen in conditions such as sleep disturbances, bed wetting, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, as well as, attention deficits such as ADHD and ADD, impulsivity, anger, migraines, PTSD, OCD, panic attacks and anxiety disorders. It has also proven a beneficial treatment for some forms of autism, cerebral palsy, and other organic brain conditions.

As neurofeedback training increases the brain’s flexibility, it benefits individuals seeking greater levels of personal performance. Widely used by athletes, performers, executives and others, neurofeedback helps to increase memory, mood, confidence, and cognitive performance, while enhancing a more restful state during sleep.

Two computers are used, one for the client and one for the therapist. Sensors are placed on the scalp over specific areas of your brain that are suspected to be causing problems. Specifically designed software provides video-type games that reward the client through beeps and game points as he or she produces the desired brainwaves. No joystick or mouse is used – your brain plays the games directing all of the movement. As the games progress, the clinician makes adjustments to the training goals and challenge levels causing the brain to exercise and retrain.

Because neurofeedback focuses on the unconscious part of the brain, the client doesn’t need to concentrate or “work at" change. This type of therapy has an advantage for the resistant client or the adolescent because he or she can always be successful with neurofeedback.

In general, therapists report that in many conditions, results are permanent. Once the neuropathways are built and functioning optimally, they continue. However, in some cases, follow-up sessions may be necessary. Your neurofeedback provider will be able to answer your questions dependent upon the severity of the condition and life circumstances.

Yes, therapists report many clients start neurofeedback while on one or more medications. After a number of sessions, a reduction in medications is not unusual. If the client feels over medicated, this information should be given to the physician to make the appropriate decisions about the dose.

Each person’s experience with neurofeedback is different, and there are as many variations of time spent in training as there are brains. The number of sessions you need to make a lasting change depends upon a number of factors including the seriousness of your situation, how often you choose to train, other “co-existing problems" and your personal commitment to change.

Generally speaking, neurofeedback requires at least one session per week, but two or three sessions are more desirable during the early stages of training. Each session lasts from 30-45 minutes, and the cost is comparable to talk therapy.

"In my experience with EEG biofeedback and ADD, many people are able to improve their reading skills and decrease their need for medication. Also, EEG biofeedback has helped to decrease impulsivity and aggressiveness. It is a powerful tool, in part because the patient becomes part of the treatment process by taking more control over his own physiological processes."

—Daniel Amen, M.D. Change Your Brain Change Your Life

In the latest issue of the medical journal, "Clinical Electroencephalography", official journal of The EEG and Clinical Neuroscience Society, Neurologist and Associate Editor, Frank H. Duffy, M.D., writes:

"The [research] literature, which lacks any negative study of substance, suggests that EEG biofeedback therapy should play a major therapeutic role in many difficult areas. In my opinion, if any medication had demonstrated such a wide spectrum of efficacy it would be universally accepted and widely used….It is a field to be taken seriously by all."

"Neurofeedback is on the cutting edge of the mind-body revolution. I believe it is one of the treatments that will keep us moving toward and era of new approaches of naturally managing our health." (Candice B. Pert, Ph.D., former chief of Brain Biochemistry at the National Institute of Mental Health and author of Molecules of Emotion and Your Body is Your Subconscious Mind."

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