Neurofeedback, or EEG biofeedback, is a non-drug treatment that can assist adults and children to make positive, voluntary changes in their brainwave activity. The field has been around for approximately 40 years. There is a link on my home page so you can explore current literature and efficacy studies (ISNR.org).

During a session, sensors are placed on specific scalp locations. Brainwaves are then monitored on the therapist’s computer in the form of an EEG (much like monitoring a heartbeat on an EKG). The client is asked to progress through one of a variety of “video games” which reward brainwave patterns that may be increasingly beneficial to the client. The client essentially “learns” how to access situationally appropriate brainwave frequencies that can create new and beneficial response patterns.

For example, clients with ADD/ADHD often make brainwaves in the delta/theta range. Imagine trying to pay attention when your brain is on the verge of falling asleep—learning information would be frustrating, and encoding new information into memory would be difficult. Hence, some “behavior problems” are indeed a person’s way of trying to self-stimulate in an attempt to stay awake. Stimulant medications work by this philosophy…stimulating brain activity.

With neurofeedback, we often train clients with ADD/ADHD to produce faster brainwaves in certain areas of the brain, in effect improving concentration, academic performance, and often self-esteem.

When to ask about Neurofeedback:

• If you are looking for a cost effective option for change that lasts after treatment has stopped
• If you are taking or have tried medications and still have symptoms of your problem
• If you have developed side effects from medications
• If you are looking for a therapy that approaches brain change from a learning perspective
• If you are pregnant and your doctor advised you to limit your medication intake but you still require some form of treatment for mental health issues