Neurofeedback Therapy

Neurofeedback therapy measures a patient’s brainwaves and provides the patient with real-time feedback about how the brain is responding. It’s a type of biofeedback, which is a mind-body technique that aims to help patients gain voluntary control over certain body functions. Usually, these functions are involuntary such as heart rate, muscle contraction or brainwaves. Biofeedback uses electronic instruments to convey to the patient certain physiological processes that they are typically not aware of.

When choosing a therapist it is likely you have some questions about what to expect. You may have some apprehension if seeking this or in fact, any therapy is new to you. We at Seek a Therapy want to help answer your questions and concerns surrounding the therapy in order to help you select the right practitioner for you. That is why, on this page, we have included some of the most common questions a person may have before speaking to a Neurofeedback therapy specialist.

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is direct training of brain function, by which the brain learns to function more efficiently. We observe the brain in action from moment to moment. We show that information back to the person. And we reward the brain for changing its own activity to more appropriate patterns. This is a gradual learning process. It applies to any aspect of brain function that we can measure. Neurofeedback is also called EEG Biofeedback, because it is based on electrical brain activity, the electroencephalogram, or EEG. Neurofeedback is training in self-regulation. It is simply biofeedback applied to the brain directly. Self-regulation is a necessary part of good brain function. Self-regulation training allows the system (the central nervous system) to function better.

EEGINFO

How Does Neurofeedback Work?

Neurofeedback attempts to help you to control your brainwaves consciously. To do this, it measures specific brainwaves depending upon the issues you are trying to address. For example, alpha brain waves are linked to peacefulness and being deeply relaxed are for targeting stress and anxiety. Whilst the beta waves are associated with focus and sustained attention and excitement which are useful for those looking to treat ADHD.

Neurofeedback therapy offers almost immediate feedback through visual or audio cues. An example of neurofeedback is a therapist may have you watch something on a screen whilst they measure your beta waves. When your brain creates beta waves the screen may brighten in response. If you have fewer beta waves the screen may dim. The goal is to provide enough reinforcement that you try to repeat your behaviour in order to get the reward of a brighter screen.

How Much Does A Typical Neurofeedback Session Cost?

If you are based in the UK you can’t ask your GP for this type of therapy, instead, you must seek private treatment.

We have some neurofeedback practitioners in our directory in the UK, USA, Europe, Canada and Asia where costs range from £100/$150 Sometimes costs can go upwards of £300/$450 per session. Sometimes it can cost more depending upon the therapist’s experience, speciality and location.

How Do I Know Which Practioner To Choose?

One of the most important parts of any therapy is the relationship between yourself and the therapist.

When you find the right practitioner that offers you good communication, a partnership, trust, goals and a feeling of genuine understanding then together, over time, you will be able to challenge your thoughts, beliefs and perceptions. Also, sometimes you may be able to find a practitioner with specialities in the area you want to work on whether health, relationships, business or something else.

How Long Does It Take To Have An Effect?

It is believed it can take several months before you see the desired improvement. There is no firm consensus on how long or how many sessions you need to gain control over your brainwaves.

What If It Doesn’t Work For Me?

First of all, don’t worry!

If you think Neurofeedback is the right therapy, but you have the wrong therapist then you have every right to seek a second opinion. You will not offend your therapist, they just want you to heal from your situation as best you can. All healers believe you deserve to feel the best you can. If, on the other hand, you don’t feel it is working at all then do not be disheartened. There are many, many different types of therapy and this is only one. Use our therapy directory to find a different therapy, you may find counselling works better for you or possibly some holistic treatment. The key is not to think this is your only option there are many routes to healing.