Frequently Asked Questions
What is the financial investment?
Neurofeedback appears costly at first glance, and the total financial commitment varies from client to client depending on each client's needs. However, any investment in neurofeedback is a bargain in health and well-being compared with most other options, and the outcomes have been documented to be life changing for many. Neurofeedback is not something that you can “do once and see how it goes.” The power of neurofeedback is in the repetitive nature of training your brain. In light of this, we strive to offer neurofeedback training for the same or less than the cost of typical counseling sessions, so you don't have to pay more for utilizing an alternative method. The following link discusses the lifelong costs associated with AD/HD (AD/HD is just one example) which puts the Neurofeedback investment into prospective. Check out the Investment page for additional information.
We are pleased to partner with Advance Care—a reputable company who specializes in financing healthcare needs like Neurofeedback. Please follow the link for additional information.
Does insurance cover Neurofeedback?
At this time, Neurofeedback is not covered by insurance companies. We are pleased to partner with Advance Care—a reputable company who specializes in financing healthcare needs like Neurofeedback. Please follow the link for additional information.
Why does Neurofeedback work?
The brain is amazing and capable of learning new skills. Some refer to this concept as "plasticity". When given cues, or feedback, the brain can learn to improve its own performance. Everything we learn, at home, school or work, depends on feedback, and our brain is the most critical part of all learning. By providing information to the brain about its functioning and asking it to make changes, it is capable of learning. When the brain is learning to regulate itself, the client will feel calm, alert and attentive. Each Neurofeedback session challenges the client to maintain this "high-performance" state. Over time, the brain learns, just like it learns everything else, and with consistent training, the client's brain is able to remain in this more regulated state.
How long is a Neurofeedback session?
A Neurofeedback session is typically 30 minutes long, depending on the age of the client and the condition being addressed. After the client has checked in with the neurotherapist and gotten prepped for the session, they are usually in the office for about one hour. One session per week is the minimum frequency recommended to see improvement. Additional weekly sessions will help individuals see improvement faster. Neurofeedback teaches clients self regulation skills and consistent practice is the key to success.
What is the difference between Neurofeedback and Counseling?
Counseling heals the mind, and Neurofeedback heals the brain. Neurofeedback improves brain function so you can engage in the counseling process more fully, allowing you to make more conscious, healthy decisions in your every day life.
How many sessions are required to see results?
The path to results is as unique as the individual we are treating. There is no one answer that fits all. We customize our approach to the specific needs of those we work with, and many begin to see results after a few visits. Results from Neurofeedback training are seen gradually, over time. Most people see progress within 15 sessions for most conditions. The average total number of sessions is 25-35 for most individuals. A minimum of 20 sessions is needed for learning to be consolidated so the client can maintain the gains that have been made.
Can medication and Neurofeedback be used together?
Often times, clients who begin Neurofeedback training are taking some kind of medication. As training progresses, clients and their medical doctors often find medication can be reduced or sometimes even stopped altogether. This decision is made on an individual basis by consulting your medical doctor. Neurofeedback takes longer to produce positive behavioral changes, but it tends to be long-lasting. In addition, Neurofeedback helps the client develop self-regulation skills resulting in better focus and attention.
How long does improvement last?
This varies upon your reasons for seeking treatment/training. One of the most important elements in the process is your commitment to maintaining a course of treatment. Much like nutrition or physical fitness, the sustained success of Neurofeedback depends on adjusting behavior over the long term to reduce symptoms.
Does Neurofeedback change an individual's personality?
No. Neurofeedback does not change personality. When adverse behaviors decrease, a individual's personality will be more evident. For example, at first, it may be difficult to dissociate irritability, being quick-tempered, or being cruel from an individual's personality. After these behaviors disappear, it is easy to understand that it was never a part of the individual's intrinsic personality.
My doctor is skeptical about Neurofeedback. What should I do?
Your doctor may not be aware of this specific type of biofeedback. Maintaining healthy skepticism about any new approach claiming these kinds of benefits across disorders is normal. Ask your doctor to review recent research on the effectiveness of Neurofeedback. Research is most readily available at ISNR and sites listed below:
www.isnr.org/isnr-comprehensive-bibliography
PubMed at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/
American Academy of Pediatrics Research regarding ADHD
How can I succeed at Neurofeedback?
No one can force their brainwaves to change. In fact, trying too hard or worrying about your performance can make it worse. Brainwaves naturally and constantly change. The computer monitors when the brain creates the desired pattern and rewards it with visual and auditory feedback. This feedback encourages the brain to produce that pattern more often. Everyone's brain is wired to want to succeed and it will figure out what needs to happen to be successful. Just relax, set the intention to learn, and let your brain do all the work. In addition, good nutrition, regular sleep, exercise, and other stress-reducing techniques enhance results.
What does natural and non invasive mean?
A natural treatment works with the body's ability to heal itself. In other words, Neurofeedback helps the brain do what it’s already programmed to do, only better. Nothing is put into the body at any time. Brainwaves are active all the time whether asleep or awake. During a Neurofeedback training, brainwaves are being observed and reflected back to your brain in real time, via auditory and visual feedback.
If Neurofeedback is so successful, why haven't I heard of it before?
This technology has showcased in such popular media as The Oprah Winfrey Show, Dr. Phil, & 20/20. It has been written about in Time Magazine and called “the most effective solution for ADHD” by the journal Opinions in Pediatrics. Most recently the journal “Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America” has devoted its entire issue to the use of neurofeedback in psychiatric disorders affecting children and adolescents.
Who uses Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback Therapy is used by professionals around the world to teach children with ADHD to increase focus and remain calm. It is rated Level 1 ‘best practice’ intervention for ADHD by the American Pediatric Association. Children with learning challenges are seeing positive improvements in behavior and performance as they learn healthier, more efficient brain wave patterns. NASA uses neurofeedback to train astronauts. The US military uses it to train their Special Forces and have adopted neurofeedback as a new intervention for PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI). It improves focus, productivity, and stress so many peak performers in all fields are now using and endorsing neurofeedback. Tony Robbins, multi-millionaire business man, musicians at the Royal Conservatory in London, the Women’s Olympic volleyball team (Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May Trainor), NBA player Chris Kaman, and the entire Vancouver Canucks hockey team are just a few worth mentioning. Neurofeedback helps them stay calm under pressure, tap into their creativity, and implement the necessary strategies for success.