Frequently Asked Questions
Is Neurofeedback safe and do the results last?
The process of Neurofeedback involves reading your brainwave activity and then presenting it back to your brain to show it how it’s performing in real time. What this communication loop allows for is your brain to improve its functioning on its own. In the beginning of training, you may experience some ebbs and flows of symptoms until we find your own unique training frequency; however, the process itself is quite safe.
Generally speaking, Neurofeedback is a learning program for your brain! As your brain learns what it needs to function better, you will see symptoms decrease. Many symptoms are often eliminated entirely and permanently! For some individuals, after training has completed, they may require occasional "tune-up" sessions to help maintain results.
When will I see changes and how long do I have to train for?
Because everyone's brains are so uniquely different, it is impossible to predict ahead of time how quickly your brain will respond to training. On average, training takes approximately 40-60 sessions depending upon the person and their goals/severity of symptoms. Frequency of training is usually one to two times per week and can taper once goals have been reached. Sessions are 45 minutes long and clients generally receive approximately 30 minutes of actual training with 15 minutes spent discussing symptoms and experiences.
However, an important critical component to Neurofeedback is tracking behavioral and symptoms change (as reported to me by you) during and throughout the training process. Noticing progress depends on the flexibility of your individual brain as well as your ability to self report. Some clients feel immediate results and some can take anywhere from ten to twenty training sessions before any changes are noted.
What happens during a session?
During our initial session, I will discuss with you in detail the goals and symptoms you are wanting to address with Neurofeedback. You may also be asked to engage in an intial performance assessment called the Qik Test which helps to provide a baseline measure of your variable attention. After a treatment protocol has been created and discussed with you, you are then ready to start Neurofeedback training!
During an actual Neurofeedback session, I will attach tiny sensors/electrodes to your scalp with a conductive paste. While sitting in a comfortable chair, you then are asked to watch visual content (i.e., movies, Netflix, nature scenes, etc.) of your choosing while your brain observes its own pattern changes. While you are watching the screen, you will notice subtle changes occurring to both the visual picture and the sounds. This is how your brain is learning about itself! I will also check in with you frequently during the session to ask you about your experience and to help track your symptoms.
Is there research about Neurofeedback?
Simple answer...YES! Quite a lot actually! Click here ------------>
Will my insurance plan cover Neurofeedback?
I am not in network with any insurance providers, but I am happy to provide a superbill for you to submit for reimbursement if it is covered under your plan. Coverage varies by providers and plans - unfortunately, Neurofeedback is often not a covered modality. Please check with your carrier to learn more about your specific plan.
What if I am currently taking medication?
Medications can be very useful for some people and symptoms but for others, it can cause other drawbacks and side effects. One of the benefits of Neurofeedback is that it can teach your brain self-management techniques that optimize your functioning in a natural way without the side effects. However, if you are currently on medication, we can still do Neurofeedback. It is just important that you refrain from medication changes while we are optimizing your protocol for you so as not to complicate the results.