Neurofeedback

   The Brain governs the Nervous System state we are in at any given moment: what’s your baseline or “home screen” state? Are you generally high strung, easily agitated, numbed out, anxious, or even dissociative? OR Are you calm, focused, resilient, engaged in the here and now and quickly responsive?

As Dr. Daniel Amen has so eloquently stated, we don’t have to live with the brain we were born with, and neurofeedback proves that long lasting change is possible. 

 

Neurofeedback (NF) for humans was originally pioneered by Dr. Barry Sterman as he worked with NASA to overcome a problem they encountered with astronauts and exposure to noxious chemicals. Neurofeedback’s technical name is electroencephalograph (EEG) neurofeedback. It is not a psychotherapy, but brain training for self regulation and optimal performance. The brain loves learning, and when presented with a challenge, the human brain desires to win. This applies practically in the neurofeedback realm as brains are challenged to play video games with their minds, or watch movies and control the movie quality with their brains. For instance, while watching a movie, the client’s brain controls the the size and color of the screen as well as volume to hear the dialogue clearly. Additionally, we use a tactile form of feedback as another positive reinforcer for the client. 

 

We can thank neuroplasticity and the process of interoception (the ability of the brain to look at itself in any given moment) to answer the “why” behind the question of “why does NF work?”. 

 

Neurofeedback advances over the years have been refined. While much research shows the benefits and efficacy of this intervention using the traditional EEG frequency band of training brainwaves (Delta, Alpha, Theta, Beta, High Beta, etc,) neurofeedback technology and research now allows us to train stronger and faster than this. Using ILF Neurofeedback (Infra-low Frequency Neurofeedback), pioneered by the research of Sue & Siegfried Othmer from the EEG Institute, clients can obtain stronger, faster results compared to only training the traditional EEG Bands. 

 

This ILF form of neurofeedback is highly nuanced and specific to each client. It is not a one size fits all approach. Client and clinician work closely to monitor symptoms, progress, and areas for continued work in order to provide the most expeditious results for each person. 

While the brain is a supercomputer, it still takes time for it to learn new ways of existing. Generally, most NF treatment plans are written with an eye towards 20-30 sessions so the gains of the learning to become habitual for the brain. Some clients experience positive changes very quickly, but the research for longevity of results are based on the longer treatment plan. Think of neurofeedback like taking your body to the gym. Most of us “feel” something after a few visits, but long term change doesn’t occur until weeks of faithful workouts. 

 

Additionally, ILF Neurofeedback doesn’t add any information or signal to the brain. Some forms of neurofeedback add a frequency to the brain and Jade has chosen not to be trained in these types of neurofeedback. ILF Neurofeedback doesn’t do that. Instead, it offers a gentle invitation to the brain to “walk this way” as training is happening. And as it turns out, the gentle invitation yields powerful results and a faster route to calming and self regulation. What’s more, it is completely natural and chemical free.