• Anxiety

• ADD

• ADHDSleep Issues

• Headaches/Migraines

• Anger

• Overall Mood

• Concussion Recovery

• Depression

• PTSD

• Bipolar

• Sensory Integration

• Low Motivation

• Peak Performance

• Lack of Energy

• Addiction

Neurofeedback is a technique that strengthens, calms, and restores the brain. Similar to how your muscles need training, your brain benefits from it too. The goal is to improve neurological flexibility, allowing your brain to shift easily between different states like sleep, relaxation, calm alertness, and high alert. Once trained, your brain can shift on its own, helping to alleviate conditions like anxiety, anger, and depression. Dr. Daniel Amen, a renowned psychiatrist, recommends neurofeedback as an ideal treatment for brain health and healing. A healthy brain is focused, happy, relaxed, loving, and effective, while an unhealthy brain tends to be distracted, sad, anxious, angry, and less effective.

In 1968, Dr. Barry Sterman, a neuroscientist at UCLA medical school, proved that cats in his lab could be trained to make more EEG activity at 12-15 Hz frequencies. Sterman used the same cats for a NASA contract to investigate whether rocket fuel could cause seizure activity. The cats were exposed to a volatile fuel called hydrazine. Half of the cats seized in a predictable dose response curve. The other half of the cats (those who had increased 12-15Hz brainwaves in the last experiment) had no seizures. It was an unexpected outcome. After additional research, neurofeedback was tried on a woman working in Sterman’s lab, who suffered from uncontrollable seizures. She was trained at 12-15 Hz along the sensory motor strip. The training had the same inhibitory effect that it did on the cats and the woman subsequently qualified for a California driver’s license.

These events launched the field of neurofeedback.

Electroencephalography (EEG) is the measurement of electrical patterns at the surface of the scalp which reflect cortical activity (brainwaves). A Quantitative EEG (qEEG) is the analysis of the digitized EEG, also referred to as “Brain Mapping.” A 19-channel cap is placed onto the head of the client and electrode gel is placed into each one of the holes for accurate and concise frequencies to be obtained. The client then relaxes for 20 minutes (10 minutes with eyes open and 10 minutes with eyes closed) while EEG data is collected and recorded. This data is then processed into visual images that reflect the clients unique patterns of cortical activity and can be used by experts as a clinical tool to evaluate brain function, identify areas of the brain where there is too little or too much activity, and areas that are not coordinating their activity the best they could. This brain map helps us choose where to go and what to do first. We also take a comprehensive assessment of reported symptoms. With this quantitative and qualitative information, treatment protocols are determined.

A Special EEG monitor and software are installed on two computers. As the client watches a game or movie, they will get visual and/or auditory feedback based on their brain’s activity and whether they are meeting the parameters set in their specific protocol. It is a research proven operant conditioning reward based system. Neurofeedback provides an opportunity for people to practice and reinforce healthy brain patterns and create new neuropathways so the brain can function optimally.

In general, the results are permanent. Once the brain has been properly trained, brainwaves like to stay where they are. After a client’s brain has gone through our neuro-conditioning program, results seem to stick. Should there be a head injury, extreme stress, a serious disease, etc., occasionally an additional 5-10 “booster sessions” might be recommended in order to remind the brain where its sweet spot is.

Yes, we start many clients while on medication. After a number of sessions, a reduction in medication dosage is usually implemented (under the supervision of your physician). Our clients on medication begin to have symptoms of overmedication, therefore as their brain gets healthy they are no longer in need of the same amount of medication. For example: A 42 year old mom had been on four medications for years to treat depression. After 40 sessions of neuro-conditioing, she was only using one medication at the lowest dose.

Neurofeedback is recognized as a Level 1, Best Supported Treatment for ADHD by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“In my 38 years of practice, I have never seen any treatment that comes close to producing the results that Neurofeedback offers…I have seen results achieved in days and weeks that previously took months and years to achieve, using the best methods previously known to us.” – Jack Woodward, MD, Psychiatrist, North Carolina

“It is wonderful to see children and adults learn to regulate their brainwaves using neurofeedback. This is the most exciting thing I have done in my career as a psychologist. Neurofeedback empowers people to make changes and achieve things that were just not possible for them before.” – Lynda Thompson, PHD, The A.D.D. Book, Canada

“If any medication had demonstrated such a wide spectrum of efficacy (as neurofeedback), it would be universally accepted and widely used.” – Frank Duffy, MD, Neurologist, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School

The first step towards an accurate “brain map” (QEEG) is to record your brainwaves (EEG) with as little interference from artifacts (eye movements, jaw movements, muscle tension, drowsiness, etc.) as possible. Consider doing the following to help ensure that your session will go smoothly.

1. Schedule your QEEG Brain Map at a time when you are most likely to be alert. Most people do best in the morning rather than following school or work. This seems to be especially true of adolescents and teenagers.

2. Arrive to your QEEG Brain Map appointment 15 minutes early to complete necessary paperwork. Please note that arriving for your recording late may result in the need to reschedule your recording and a resulting $125.00 charge. Please be on time.

3. Do your best to get a good night’s sleep before your QEEG Brain Map. Please know that over the counter sleep aids and prescription sleeping medications can affect your EEG.

4. Do your best to eat a balanced meal or snack a little while (1-3 hours) before your QEEG Brain Map. Being overly hungry can impact alertness and focus and the ability to sit still. This is especially true of children and teenagers.

5. Consult with our clinic about any medications you are taking that may affect your brainwave patterns. Do not discontinue your medications without your Doctors supervision. However, know that some medications affect your EEG activity.

6. If possible, wash and rinse your hair and avoid using styling gels, etc. on the day of your QEEG Brain Map. Gels and conditioners can at times make it more difficult for the EEG sensors to make good contact with your scalp.

7. If you wear contact lenses, be prepared to remove them during your session (these can cause excess eye blinks / movements). Bring any contact lens solution and containers that you will need if you remove your contacts.

8. Be prepared for messy hair following your session. Your QEEG Brain Map session will leave some left-over gel in your hair (this is water soluble gel similar in consistency to hair styling gel). Bring whatever supplies (towels, combs, hats, etc.) you will need to restyle or cover your hair to your appointment or plan time to return home to shower.

9. Go to the bathroom immediately prior to your session. Once you are hooked up for your recording it is somewhat difficult to unhook you so that you can use the restroom. Please use the restroom prior to your session.

10. Turn off your cell phone and any other electronic devices during your recording. It is best if you leave your phone and any other electronic devices turned off.

11. Be relaxed but alert. The QEEG Brain Map is a non-invasive process that takes about an hour. You will sit in a comfortable chair, wear a cap on your head (similar to a swim cap) with ear clips (similar to clip-on ear rings) attached gently to each ear lobe, and a sensor taped to your forearm. Once you are set-up, we will record up to 20 minutes of your EEG activity. During half of the recording your eyes will be closed and during the other half of the recording your eyes will be open. Your main job during the recording is to sit still, keep your body and face relaxed, and be as awake and alert as possible. Your technician will assist you throughout this process.

12. Take responsibility for making your QEEG Brain Mapping session a success. Your technician will make every effort to help you obtain the best recording possible. However, in some cases, the EEG may still need to be rerecorded or rescheduled. Please note that there will be an additional charge of $125.00 for …

• Repeating a recording due to excess artifact (eye blinks / movement, muscle tension, drowsiness)

• Repeating a recording due to a lack of willingness or ability to perform the basics of the recording, (such as when a child is unable to leave the electrodes or recording cap in place)

• Rescheduling a recording due to late cancellation (cancelling less than 48 hours prior to your appointment)

• Failing to show up for your scheduled recording appointment without canceling

• Rescheduling a recording due to your late arrival for your recording appointment.

This is a quick guide that explains how Neurofeedback Therapy and neurotherapy brainwave imaging works, and the benefits of using it for mental health and addiction recovery. When it comes to the treatment of illness, chronic disease, and even injuries, one of the most effective ways for health care professionals to diagnose conditions is to look at images of the specific organ or areas of the body that might be suffering or functioning improperly. With the right imaging data, creating a plan for treatment can be far more effective for healing and recovery than guessing without any data. This is even true of the brain. Neurofeedback Therapy is a noninvasive method of measuring brainwave activity, along with utilizing images of the brain, to identify potential imbalances that can drive conditions like depression, anxiety, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction. This innovative therapy, sometimes referred to as Neurotherapy, actually trains the brain to function better by helping to normalize and manage neural activity that is out of balance. Neurofeedback Cheat Sheet Data from a 2017 study from the International Society for Neurochemistry found that the human brain is incredibly adaptive and malleable, meaning it has the ability “…to adapt continually to changes in the environment,” as researchers noted in the Journal of Neurochemistry. The human brain is neuroplastic and changeable, which means it will respond to conditioning, essentially learning how to self-regulate through a series of neurofeedback sessions. It is very similar to the idea of physical conditioning, where a person’s body grows healthier and stronger with repeated exercise. The brain is the center of every human emotion, from sadness and happiness to anxiety and fear, in addition to intense cravings or feelings of overwhelming love. Behind every single human emotion and action is brainwave activity. Neurofeedback Cheat Sheet There are a number of different brainwave types that include the following (from slowest to fastest): 1. Delta Waves Delta waves are seen in the deepest, most restful stages of when a person is sleeping. 2. Theta Waves Theta waves are present when the brain is seemingly distant from the present reality, like in the midst of a daydream. 3. Alpha Waves Alpha waves are measurable when a person is in a very relaxed or meditative state of mind. 4. Beta Waves Beta waves are experienced when the mind is actively engaged, which are present during a problem-solving situation, such as trying to complete a puzzle quickly. 5. Gamma Waves Gamma waves are the fastest brain waves and are involved in a high level of mental consciousness or problem solving. Of course there are subsets of these, such as the Sensorimotor Rhythm (SMR) and several others, but for the most part, these are the five common groupings of brainwaves. Brain activity is the interaction of all these different brainwave types throughout a typical day, and is connected to mental health and wellbeing. Measuring brain activity with neurofeedback therapy allows health care workers to identify any areas of the brain that may be overactive. For instance, too much activity in the amygdala, which is located deep in the center of the brain and associated with emotions, can be an indication of anxiety issues, like panic disorder or social anxiety disorder. Understanding brainwave activity is vital for addressing mental health issues, such as depression, addiction, toxic stress, and even physical conditions like traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and chronic pain. What is Neurofeedback Therapy? A neurofeedback therapy session, is when a certified technician uses sensors, which are arranged comfortably on the head to measure brain activity created through a variety of different activities, like watching a video clip, working on a puzzle, or even simply listening to music. While engaged in a particular activity, the sensors feed brainwave activity into a computer that is measuring the person’s neural output. If an imbalance is identified, neurofeedback therapy essentially helps to train the brain to regulate itself by using conditioning, such as rewarding positive brain feedback with points in a game or taking points away in the case of negative brainwave activity. It sounds like an over simplification, but the truth is that the human brain can actually learn from its own mistakes through repeated neurofeedback sessions. Some of the Benefits of Neurofeedback Therapy Can Include:

• Increased ability to stabilize and improve mood

• Greater sense of calm and peace of mind

• Improved concentration and focus

• Feelings of being better emotionally connected to others

• Greater ability to be objective in stressful matters

Neurofeedback therapy is especially useful for people struggling with substance abuse and the disease of addiction, which is known to disrupt the overall functional balance and even structure of the brain. Not only does neurofeedback therapy help return brainwave activity to normal over time, it can also help identify any undiagnosed mental health conditions, such as depression or PTSD, that can worsen the symptoms of addiction. The presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder is referred to as a co-occurring disorder requiring dual diagnosis treatment. Research has shown that neurofeedback training can improve outcomes for patients receiving addiction treatment. According to a study at the University of California Los Angeles, nearly 80 percent of the patients in rehab that received neurofeedback training maintained their recovery for longer than those patients that did not receive this treatment. Hopefully this short Neurofeedback cheat sheet offers a better understanding of how Neurofeedback Therapy works, and ways that it can be used to overcome mental health and addiction issues.