What Is Neurofeedback?

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​Neurofeedback is a  brain training exercise that serves as a mirror for the brain to see what it is doing at the moment and eventually lets go of dysregulation and then function optimally. Like every other organ in the body, the brain performs better with exercise. Neurofeedback brings about a brain that is able to correct its activity which ultimately leads to better cognitive function, reduced stress, improved mood, calmness, and overall improvement in dysregulated brain activity. Neurofeedback is not treating symptoms, fixing brain waves, or curing diseases. It is building the strength and flexibility that will allow the brain do what it is supposed to do and maintain a stable state. It is simply promoting a healthy self-regulation, resilience, and good brain function from within. 

​Neurofeedback is suitable for children, teens, adults, and the aging. It can help children with attention deficits, behavioral issues, fears, learning challenges and more. Neurofeedback can equally help teenagers struggling with hopelessness, self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, trauma and more. It can also help the aging maintain a healthy brain function as well as peak performers like executives, athletes, artists etc. who want to improve upon or perfect their skills.

To learn more visit:
https://isnr.org/neurofeedback-introduction

Neurofeedback Modality


BrainDera uses the Othmer Infra-Low Frequency (ILF) Neurofeedback method which allows for the Physiological calming and Stabilizing of the Central Nervous System (CNS). ILF Neurofeedback trains the slowest brainwaves that are necessary in regulating the way the brain responds to stress so that it becomes more resilient, flexible, and less affected by the most negligible of life’s daily challenges. Without proper regulation, the brain can become overtly activated in the face of stressors and even after the stressful event has come and gone. ILF Neurofeedback aims to allow the CNS to calm down and reset itself unto a better regulated path. Clients usually feel relaxed, mentally alert, physically and emotionally calm after training.

The ILF Neurofeedback method requires the placement of bipolar electrodes or two electrodes on the scalp in addition to a ground and reference electrode in order to pick up brain activity which is then presented to the brain in the form of visual, auditory, or tactile feedback. As these information is presented to the brain, it takes note of its activities and learns to self-regulate in order to function better. Nothing is transmitted into the brain through these electrodes. All you have to do is sit, relax, and watch movies or a serene view while you train the brain.

Typically, we use the lowest reward frequency that the client finds comfortable. It is believed that ILF frequencies impact glial cells in the brain, which help maintain, support, and protect neurons. They are more calming and more effective for many people. We currently use reward frequencies that are between 0.0001mHz to 10mHz.

The goal of ILF Neurofeedback Training is for:
  • Physiological self-regulation which moves the brain from an unstable, excitable, or aroused condition to a state of stability and calm.
  • Psychological resolution of traumatic experiences using Alpha-Theta  training
  • Improved functions
  • Reduced symptoms
  • Increased well-being and quality of life using Synchrony  training
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To learn more visit:
https://www.eeginfo.com/what-is-neurofeedback.jsp
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The Process

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The Neurofeedback process is gradual and methodically applied. The Neurofeedback process begins with:
  • An intake session to gain insight into our clients presenting concerns
 
  • A Neurofeedback assessment session to help us understand how our clients brain function. The assessment simply measures Cognitive and Wellbeing Profiles (physical, psychological, and social). It is not a psychometric or diagnostic tool. We also factor in symptoms, assessment results, and other information to identify modes of dysregulation that relate to our specific training option.
 
  •  Developing a training plan that includes how and where we expect to train over time.
 
  • Training one or both starting sites based on our clients’ history and then optimize training frequency at the starting site, and see exactly what effects are achieved with training at that site. We might also need to modify starting sites based on client feedback. Therefore, we are always open to modify our training plan based on our understanding of the client’s response to each change in training frequency or addition of a new training site. 
 
  •  After optimizing training frequency at the starting site, we add basic training sites. These basic training sites include the Temporal, Parietal, and Prefrontal Lobes of the brain. Also, the training frequency and training site is specific to the client and the presenting issue we are trying to address.
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  • Other specific sites that target the Frontal, Prefrontal, Temporal, Parietal, and Occipital lobes when needed
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  • Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback Training (helpful in the resolution of trauma from early development or in later traumatic experiences and suffering which drives addiction) or Synchrony Neurofeedback Training (helps promote a sense of calm focus and core sense of self) when appropriate.
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​Research Links:
https://isnr.org/isnr-comprehensive-bibliography
https://www.eeginfo.com/research/
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Research

Research indicates that neurofeedback can be beneficial in addressing a number of conditions resulting from brain dysregulation. These conditions include: