Overview of Neurofeedback
Our brain determines everything we feel and do on a daily basis. It’s very important that we care for and challenge our brain to stay healthy and stimulated. While most individuals have normal brain function, the brain may begin to malfunction for many different reasons, including genetic abnormalities, chronic stress, emotional challenges or illness. Biochemical damage caused by substance abuse or some medications can be a factor. Brain injury from head trauma or stroke may also have a significant impact on how the brain is functioning. Neurofeedback can be an effective tool to help people reach a higher quality of living by training the brain to improve functioning.
Neurofeedback is sometimes referred to as neurotherapy, EEG biofeedback, or brainwave training. This type of biofeedback is used to improve the brain’s ability to operate more efficiently and therefore more successfully. Like other forms of biofeedback, neurofeedback uses monitoring devices to provide real time information to individuals on the state of their brain’s physiological functioning. The characteristic that distinguishes neurofeedback from other forms of biofeedback is its focus on the central nervous system and the brain.
Neurofeedback addresses issues at the root of the problem; it doesn’t mask symptoms, but instead teaches self-regulation. It is noninvasive, painless, and it can be fun! This form of training can assist individuals of all ages struggling with a variety of challenges. Think of neurofeedback as an exercise regime for the brain. Symptoms appear because our brains aren’t functioning properly. More precisely, our brainwaves aren’t regulated. The more we exercise the brain, the healthier we become.
Prior to beginning neurofeedback, a “brain map” or QEEG is typically conducted to understand how the brain is functioning. It is a great tool that provides a wealth of information and allows the practitioner to understand global aspects of brain activity as well as learn more about the functioning of local areas of the brain. Once the brain map is completed, your practitioner decides where to train the brain to increase functionality. Then neurofeedback is then used to teach you how to regulate different areas depending on brain map results and reported symptoms.
The goal of neurofeedback training is to teach the brain to regulate itself, thereby reducing problematic symptoms and, often times, the need for medications. Training occurs while listening to relaxing music or watching your favorite movie. If someone is training while watching a movie, they receive visual “feedback” in the form of a brighter, more visible picture when they are approaching the targeted brainwave pattern. Likewise, auditory “feedback” may be received when a person’s brain activity is demonstrating improved regulation. Consistent training establishes more regulation leading to a decrease in problematic symptoms.
Neurofeedback is an evidence-based practice backed by decades of research in the field of neuroscience and applied psychophysiology. Clinical practice has made great strides in the past decade. Published research has demonstrated the effectiveness of neurofeedback in the treatment of a variety of disorders including ADD/ADHD, addictions, anxiety, chronic pain, cognitive dysfunction, depression, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, learning disabilities, PTSD, sleep problems and stress. Studies have shown neurotherapy to be helpful for both children and adults.
EEG biofeedback also has demonstrated clinical effectiveness for many disorders including autism, bipolar disorder, brain injury (TBI), cognitive decline, headache, migraines, obsessive compulsive disorder, stroke and Tourette’s Syndrome. In addition, it has been shown to be useful in treating anger, asthma, autoimmune disorder, cerebral palsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, coma,
developmental disorder, dissociative disorder, hypertension, Parkinson’s Disease, premenstrual syndrome, spasticity, tinnitus and TMJ.
Neurofeedback has been successfully applied in the field of peak performance, supporting optimal functioning in athletic endeavors and academic achievement. This form of training has also been shown to be effective in enhancing creativity and performance in the arts and business world. Whether a person is looking to reduce stress and unwanted symptoms or hoping to enhance functioning in their chosen endeavors, optimizing the functioning of our brains can go a long way toward achieving a sense of satisfaction and wellbeing in life.
Many clients want to know if the training effects for neurofeedback last and about the success rate. If the main problem being addressed is dysregulation, then the training effects last. Neurofeedback is a learning process that allows the brain to retrain itself to function better and it will continue to use those new learned capabilities after training is completed. Some individuals will continue to notice positive gains even after training has been completed. Allergies, food intolerances, poor nutrition, emotionally or physically toxic environments and poor digestive function can make it more difficult to hold the gains made with neurofeedback. People with autism, degenerative issues or individuals who have ongoing assaults to the brain’s wellbeing may need continued training at some level. Most people respond to neurofeedback; however, if an individual is struggling to make positive gains, the issues listed above may need to be explored, or an ongoing emotional situation may need to be addressed.
Clients who begin neurofeedback training are often taking some kind of medication. As training progresses, we frequently find that medications can be reduced or sometimes even stopped altogether. This decision is made on an individual basis by consulting your medical doctor.
In the management of attention issues such as ADD/ADHD, medications are effective only when they are in the bloodstream. Medications can assist with short-term control of attentional issues and disruptive behaviors, but they have not been shown to have long-term positive effects on academic achievement or social adjustments. Neurofeedback takes longer to produce positive behavioral changes, but it tends to be long-lasting. In addition, neurofeedback helps the client develop the ability to regulate themselves resulting in better focus and attention without dependence on drugs.
Results from neurofeedback training are seen gradually, over time. Training is cumulative and it’s important to be consistent and regular with sessions at the beginning of training. Most people see progress within 15 sessions for most conditions, some in as little as 6 sessions. A typical treatment program consists of between 20 to 45 sessions. Depending on the conditions being addressed, the average number of sessions is 30 to 35. A minimum of 20 sessions is needed for learning to be consolidated so the client can maintain the gains that have been made.
Typically, neurofeedback is provided by mental health professionals such as psychologists and licensed professional counselors or social workers. These professionals will work one-on-one with clients to assist in reaching their goals. This form of biofeedback training may also be provided by nurses, rehabilitation specialists and educators. A small number of medical doctors provide this service but will usually have a trained staff person to assist. Some clinicians have chosen to meet certain educational standards and are Board Certified in Neurofeedback from the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) located in Denver, Colorado.
Neurofeedback is not a quick fix or a cure all. It can, however, be a powerful springboard to helping us live a full and rewarding life. Although neurotherapy can be effective in and of itself, some conditions may respond best when coupled with other services such as counseling, physical therapy or a broader, multidisciplinary approach. It is also important to remember that neurofeedback works best when we take good care of ourselves. Embracing positive self-care strategies regarding nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene and stress management play a big role as well in optimizing our brain function and wellbeing.
Tiffany Cagle-Schrift is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is Board Certified in Neurofeedback. She enjoys working with both children and adults who are looking for a better quality of life through non-drug therapies. Tiffany offers services at A Brighter Mind in Winston-Salem. Call 336-682-5836 for more information.