How many training sessions does it take?
This depends on the individual, the issue being addressed, and the length of time the issue has persisted. However, we recommend committing to a minimum of 20 training sessions for at least twice weekly.  Some presenting concerns may require more than 20 sessions. Although some clients achieve their goal after few sessions, some may require multiple sessions before they begin to notice changes. The same way people learn at different rates, so does the brain. It will take multiple sessions for the new ways of working to be fully learned by the brain and transferred to daily activities.

What are some of the potential benefits of Neurofeedback training?
Neurofeedback promotes self regulation by calming and stabilizing the Central Nervous System. Some of the benefits are:
  • Increased attention​
  •  Stress reduction
  • Better focus and concentration
  • Decreased feelings of anxiety and hopelessness
  • Resolution of physiological consequences of traumatic experiences such as hyper-vigilance, emotional reactivity, agitation and more.
  • Maintaining good brain function which counters the loss of function with normal aging or disease
  • Improved self esteem and social interactions
  • Good impulse control
  • Improved cognitive function
  • Better executive function such as time management and organizational skills
  • Better sleep quality
  • Decreased hyperactivity 
  • Improved motor skills
  • Improved mood and irritability
  • Improved physical and emotional calming
  • Pain management
  • Peak performance

Is Neurofeedback invasive?
No, Neurofeedback is not invasive. It is 100% non-invasive, safe, drug free, and painless. It is simply an exercise for the brain that tasks the brain to form conduits in the nervous system that are essential in building resiliency and good brain function. At no time is anything transmitted into your brain or body. 

What is Frequency?
The brain produces tons of frequency signals, so we select some of those frequency signals and show it back to the brain to determine which frequency choice it responds to. Our goal is to find the optimum frequency for training. Frequency is optimized when the training frequency results in a state of relaxed alertness. This is why a client’s feedback experience is the most useful information in guiding the choice of optimal training frequency.

Are there side effects?
With Neurofeedback, side effects are not typical. Also, the phrase side effect is not used in a similar way as in medication. Neurofeedback is basically a defined workout for the brain where nothing is transmitted into your brain or body. The electrodes that are placed on the scalp only pick up brainwave activities and present it back to the brain so it can see its own brain activities and self-correct. However, some people experience a headache, feel exhausted and tensed after training. However these effects don’t last long, they usually go away within few hours.
However, our goal during training is always for our clients to feel relaxed yet alert. That is why the trainer constantly checks on you during training. Also, the trainer will give you a checklist of observable changes containing a list of symptoms for you to complete 24 hours after the training session in order to understand any positive or negative effect you may have experienced since the last session. It is imperative that you honestly communicate to the trainer how you are feeling during training, complete the checklist of changes 24 hours after training, and give honest feedback of your experience after the session. This is vital to the success of Neurofeedback.

How effective is it?
Neurofeedback is a learning intervention for the brain to begin to self-regulate and function better. However, as with all learning specifically learning new skills, it requires patience, consistent practice, and repetition for the new skill to be mastered and become part of daily living. Neurofeedback is effective in most cases, but very few report no effect.
It may also interest you to know that the “American Academy of Pediatrics “reached the conclusion that Neurofeedback is a Level 1 Evidence-Based Practice for Attention and Hyperactivity.  
Do the effects of Neurofeedback training really last?
Yes, the effects of Neurofeedback training last if the issue being addressed is related to brain dysregulation. Neurofeedback involves learning. So, when the brain learns to self-regulate, the brain will continue to use the newly acquired skills, and therefore become more resilient, flexible, and better performing. 
However, when the presenting issue is a degenerative condition such as Alzheimer and organic brain conditions like autism, In such cases the training needs to be continued at some level over time.
Other conditions like, poor nutrition and living in a physically/emotionally toxic environment will make it difficult to maintain the gains from training thereby inhibiting the ability to retain good function. The implication for families then becomes a willingness to change the family dynamics for the gains made from training to be maintained in the long run.
 
Should I discontinue my medication?
Please, do not discontinue your medication without express authorization from the prescribing physician.
Neurofeedback leads to regulation of the central nervous system which causes the central nervous system to become more regulated and causes symptoms to subside. Therefore, we often see a reduction in the amount of medication required to manage those symptoms. However, do not discontinue your medication or lower/increase medication dosage without the authorization of the prescribing doctor.
 
Is Neurofeedback considered a cure or treatment for any condition?
No, it is neither a cure nor treatment. Neurofeedback trains the brain to self-regulation and helps the body to find efficient conduits so the body is well equipped to thrive and heal itself. Neurofeedback is not a treatment, but it helps the nervous system function better. In the case of organic brain conditions, it is only a matter of getting the brain to function better rather than of curing the condition. The same is true with problems of dysregulation, self-regulation is the answer. The word cure is not applicable. 
At BrainDera, the Neurofeedback trainer and coach can only provide training and coaching services. The trainer cannot treat or cure any listed conditions or any other unlisted conditions. BrainDera uses Neurofeedback as a wellness intervention. So, consult your medical doctor or licensed mental health care provider regarding diagnosis or treatment of any underlying condition.
 
Is Neurofeedback covered by insurance?
No, BrainDera does not bill insurance.  Neurofeedback is a self-pay service. Additionally, we are happy to provide you with a receipt that you can submit to insurance for direct reimbursement. The code for Neurofeedback is 90901.

What forms of payment do you accept?
Payments accepted are cash, HSA/FSA accounts, check, and credit card.
 
What is the typical cost of a treatment session?
BrainDera offers discounts for Seniors, Veterans, and Active Military. We also have Sliding scale for need based clients. For more details complete the "contact us" form and we will get back to you.

​How long is a session?
Each session lasts for about 45 minutes with 30 minutes of actual Neurofeedback training. A typical session begins with your trainer asking you about how you are feeling and feedback from the last session. The provider assesses your  sleep patterns, cognition, mood, physical symptoms, and any new symptoms since the last training session in order to ascertain the effectiveness of the training in meeting the clients goals. The trainer then proceeds to place the electrodes onto the scalp by cleaning the scalp with an alcohol solution or Nuprep cleaning solution and then attaches the electrodes with a special paste while the client is comfortably seated to watch the movie of your choice. During the training session, the trainer will check to see how you are feeling and will make necessary adjustments to the training frequency or placement site if needed. At the end of the session the electrodes are removed and your scalp is cleaned with a mixture of alcohol and water. The trainer then proceeds to give you a checklist of observable changes to complete 24 hours after the training session, assess your physical and mental state, and that brings the session to an end.