Neurofeedback Training
Neurofeedback (NFB) training provides the opportunity for people to get regulated. We use NFB to help you get regulated so you can do meditation. To use our gym metaphor, this is like doing stretching and supporting your maintenance work.
Get familiar with the equipment: Equipment (5 min)
NFB Course of workout: From what we have seen, people get regulated btw 6-12 months who follow the suggested path. A lot depends on your lifestyle and stress patterns.
Based on qEEG scan, we explore your psychological needs and wants.
Typical workout schedule: 2x-3x a week for 5 weeks, 1x a week for 6 months, 2x a month for 6 months, monthly for 6 months, then as needed. (All depending on needs, progress, physiological response, your feedback when stepping down, and qEEG readings).
If this process is confusing or uncertain for you, please reach out and let us know your questions and we will let you know if we should schedule another session to discuss our answers.
*Brain scan do not show personality traits because those are socially constructed concepts that do not account for trauma, dissociation, or addictive processes. The scans show how regulated you are or how regulated you are not and where.
Neurofeedback is both used for treatment/diagnostic purposes and training like working out at a gym (e.g., conditioning/learning/deconditioning). For example, we training the brain to learn new things (conditioning) (or forget old things (deconditioning)) AND we are reducing stress in the body which helps reduce symptoms in other areas of their health.
Can I still smoke/vape/drink/use weed/drink coffee with this? As the body gets more regulated, it may be more efficient in the way it processes things. We see this in increased sensitivity to the effects of substances like alcohol, caffeine, or sugar in some clients. We are sensitive creators of habit but we cannot take a coping skill away without giving you a new one. NFB is the new one.
What about the medications I’m prescribed? You will work with your prescriber regarding the specifics, but generally, antidepressants/SSRIs/mood stabilizers are fine. Clients often train while on these and often use NFB to come off of their medications. They provide regulation via chemicals; the Neurofeedback allows the body to find it’s own regulation again. So, if you’re noticing an increase in side effects from the medication (whether familiar or new-to-you side effects), talk to your doctor. Your system may be metabolizing more efficiently, meaning your body has different needs.
*Benzodiazepines and/or opiates (or any medication that dampens the central nervous system (CNS)) do dampen outcomes but usually more time doing the NFB (80+ sessions) the effects become established. These can mask or confuse training effects, as they have strong effects and side effects. Depending on the quantity, length of time on, and why you’re taking them, Neurofeedback may be helpful now, or not yet. You’ll want to stay in close contact (after every 5-10 sessions or so) with your doctor to frequently evaluate the effects and what your body needs.
Can I do other therapies with NFB like EMDR/Brainspotting and Psychedelic Care? Yes, our approach integrates this fully into your care. Trauma resolution therapies like EMDR and Brainspotting (and other experiential therapies like working with psychedelic medicines). We do these in a retreat format. These have the best outcome once your Neurofeedback training is well established. If you are working with another therapist, we recommend continuing to work with your current therapist. Neurofeedback is likely to both stir up new “content” to work with, and create greater ease in moving through issues you may have been working with in therapy for a while.
Can I use the qEEG as evidence of my disorder? qEEG informs your NFB treatment and over all care, See Neurologist for a complete and full evaluation of your needs. If you are looking for this specifically for court, we would suggest that you schedule a consultation with us.
Is Neurofeedback evidence-based? The International Society for Neuro-regulation & Research lists hundreds of articles about the efficacy of Neurofeedback, including for conditions we support: developmental trauma, C-PTSD, PTSD, ADHD, addictive disorders, anxiety, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME, depression, dissociative disorders, OCD, pain, migraine, insomnia, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s, peak performance.
How often are sessions offered? One or two sessions per week is pretty standard. We suggest 2x a week for the first 3-6 week, depending on progress, then transitioning down to 1x a week. Clients who come once a week notice significant effect and improvements but it can take longer for the effects to reach a level of permanency.