Neurofeedback
What is neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback (also known as EEG Biofeedback) is an innovative, computer based technique that is being adopted by healthcare professionals around the world. This technique is effective in helping to remedy a number of conditions including problems in attention, learning and behavior, as well as low frustration tolerance, anxiety and depression. There is also increasing evidence that neurofeedback may be helpful in the treatment of childhood autism.
It has long been known that there is a direct correlation between the frequency components of the EEG (electro-encephalogram) and a person's state of arousal, alertness, stability and flexibility. It is thought that prolonged stress, physical and psychological trauma and substance abuse can alter the "set point" of the central nervous system and push it out of normal range into disregulation. In many cases, this results in a narrowing of available mental states. In other cases, the brain becomes unstable and may change states inappropriately and without warning.
Neurofeedback is the direct training of brain function through operant conditioning. It is based on the finding that once a brain learns to regulate itself appropriately it will continue to do so. The person being trained by neurofeedback "plays" a videogame that is driven by that individual's EEG, with rewards given in response to the frequency and intensity of his or her brain activity. The psychologist determines the reward levels, with the goal of maximizing desired brain response.
Why is neurofeedback controversial?
Over the past 25 years, the benefits of neurofeedback training have been confirmed by thousands of clinical outcomes and a number of research studies. However, neurofeedback is still considered controversial because of a paucity of controlled studies of the kind used to determine the efficacy of psychoactive drugs such as Ritalin or Prozac.
When did you begin offering neurofeedback to your clients?
I first learned about neurofeedback in 1998 from the mother of a boy whom I was treating for attentional and anxiety problems. Although initially skeptical, I consulted with colleagues who were either familiar with or were using neurofeedback in their practice and was sufficiently impressed that I subsequently undertook training and supervision. Since then I have been able to help my clients in ways that I had not been able to before. Neurofeedback complements other treatments I offer such as cognitive behavioral therapy and for some it provides an alternative to medication.
What happens in a session?
From the client's perspective, neurofeedback involves "playing" a computer game but without hand-held controls. Clients, who can be as young as three, sit in a comfortable chair in front of a computer screen with small electrodes placed on their head. The electrodes connect to an amplifier which, in turn, is connected to the "game" computer via the therapist's computer. The child is told just to sit quietly and watch his/her brain figure out how to make the game work. Most children enjoy doing neurofeedback.
How many sessions are required?
Neurofeedback clients typically train once or twice a week for an average of 30 sessions, total. Each session lasts approximately 50 minutes. Parents are allowed to be in the room during their child's training provided they are not a distraction.
Do you take insurance?
Neurofeedback is considered experimental by most insurance companies. Therefore, insurance coverage is limited.
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