How does Neurofeedback work? What is the evidence that it works?

All brains produce a variety of electrical wave patterns that reflect brain activity. During typical training, one or more electrodes are placed on the scalp. High-tech electronic equipment provides instant auditory and visual feedback on your brainwave activity. The electrodes allow you to measure the electrical patterns coming from your brain - much like a doctor listens to your heartbeat on the surface of your skin. No electrical current is placed in your brain. Your brain's electrical activity is relayed to the computer and recorded.

Typically, patients cannot reliably influence their brainwave patterns because they are not aware of them. However, when they can see their brain waves on the computer screen a few milliseconds after they occur, it gives them the ability to influence them and gradually change them. At first, the changes are short-lived, but the changes gradually become more lasting. With continuous feedback, coaching and practice, healthier brainwaves can be retrained in most people 75 to 80% of the time.

The process is a bit like working out or doing physical therapy with the brain, improving cognitive level, flexibility and control. Neurofeedback offers additional opportunities for rehabilitation through direct training of electrical activity patterns in the brain. One of the most positive aspects of this approach is that even when a problem is of a biological nature, there is now another treatment alternative in addition to medication. Neurofeedback is also increasingly being used to facilitate high-level performance in executives and athletes.

What kind of issues can Neurofeedback help with?

Scientific evidence clearly shows the benefits of neurofeedback applied to:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

• Cognitive dysfunction associated with aging

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

• Learning disabilities

• Stroke

• Head trauma

• Deficits after neurosurgery

• Uncontrolled epilepsy

• Autism

• Other brain-related conditions

Contact the clinic if you need clarification. To review scientific evidence visit this link.

How many sessions of Neurofeedback will I need?

Scientific evidence suggests at least 20 sessions as a minimum for lasting results. More complex cases will require longer treatments. We usually start with sessions twice a week in the first couple of months and then they can be spaced out to once a week until the training is complete.

Do I need to have an assessment before starting sessions? What type of assessments does the clinic do?

Before starting Neurofeedback a complete assessment of brain waves is done which is called QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalogram). Only after this assessment can a personalized neurofeedback training protocol be created. To train the Nervous System for relaxation, an assessment is also made to test the body's physiological responses to stress. Only then can the right psychophysiological protocol be determined for training and relieving symptoms.

Contact us to receive up-to-date assessment and training options.

How much does it cost?

Sessions start from as little as €75. A free discovery call can help our clinicians determine the best course of assessment and develop a tailored programme to suit your needs and goals.