Are you curious about neurofeedback therapy? At Mindstate Psychology, we understand that you might have questions about this innovative approach to brain training. We've compiled this comprehensive guide to answer the most common questions we receive about neurofeedback therapy in Perth.
Basic Understanding of Neurofeedback
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback, sometimes called EEG Biofeedback, is a non-invasive training method designed to help individuals improve their brain function through self-regulation. It operates on the principle of neuroplasticity – the brain's natural ability to change and adapt.
The human brain is an astonishing organ with more neural connections than there are planets in the universe. Despite its complexity, we now understand that the brain can be trained to work at optimal speeds for various tasks. Brain training allows for changes in the frequency with which your brain currently functions, leading to positive changes in behaviour, emotion, and cognition.
At Mindstate Psychology, we provide neurofeedback therapy that is:
- Drug-free
- Painless
- Non-invasive
How does Neurofeedback work?
During neurofeedback, small sensors are attached to your head over the area of the brain we'll be training, with comparison sensors placed on reference points including your ears. These sensors, held in place with a small amount of paste, measure your brainwave activity—they don't shock you or transmit anything into your brain.
The electrical activity is displayed on a screen and monitored by a technician. During the session, you'll typically be doing an activity like playing a game or watching a movie. The display is set up to appear 'snowy' or unclear when your brain is working at an undesirable frequency and to be clear when your brain is working at the desired frequency.
Your brain is trained to stay at the desired frequency as it's rewarded with clear visuals. When we allow the brain to see its own activity, it can adjust itself for better overall performance and function.
What happens during a Neurofeedback session at Mindstate Psychology?
A typical session at Mindstate Psychology involves:
- A brief check-in about your progress since the last session
- Placement of small sensors on your scalp and ears
- Approximately 30 minutes of brain training, where you'll watch a movie or play a game that responds to your brain activity
- The movie or game provides real-time feedback—appearing clearer when your brain produces more desirable patterns
- Our technician monitors your brain activity throughout the session and makes adjustments as needed
- A brief discussion after the training to review progress and plan for the next session
Each session lasts approximately 45-60 minutes in total, with about 30 minutes dedicated to the actual neurofeedback training.
Assessment and Treatment Process
How do you know what to treat?
At Mindstate Psychology, we believe in taking a scientific approach to neurofeedback. Some practitioners use guesswork based on symptoms, but we find this inappropriate for an organism as advanced as the human brain.
Before commencing treatment, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of your brain functioning through:
- Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG): Measures resting brain states
- Evoked Response Potential (ERP) analysis: Captures brain activity while doing a task
These assessments provide stable markers of brain processing and can serve as neuro-markers for specific mental health conditions. Using the car analogy, telling a mechanic about symptoms is helpful, but hooking the engine up to electronic monitoring provides more precise results.
Even if you decide not to pursue neurofeedback with us, we strongly recommend not settling for treatment without a QEEG-guided assessment.
What is the difference between a medical EEG and the qEEG used in neurofeedback?
A medical EEG assesses brain dysfunctions in real-time, while the qEEG works on averages. Medical EEGs are typically used by neurologists to diagnose conditions like epilepsy, whereas qEEGs are used to guide neurofeedback training by comparing your brain activity to normative databases.
If you suspect you may have epilepsy, you will need to see a neurologist before commencing neurofeedback therapy.
What is the full treatment process at Mindstate Psychology?
Our neurofeedback process includes three main steps:
- Initial Brain Assessment: We conduct a QEEG and ERP assessment to understand your brain's current functioning
- Feedback Session: You'll meet with an experienced practitioner to discuss the assessment findings and what they mean for you
- Neurofeedback Training: Regular sessions begin, with the number varying based on your specific condition and how your brain responds
Effectiveness and Applications
What conditions can Neurofeedback help with?
Neurofeedback can be a powerful tool in improving quality of life for individuals struggling with various conditions:
- ADHD and attention issues
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood disorders
- Trauma and PTSD
- Sleep disorders
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Learning difficulties
- Memory and cognitive performance
Neurofeedback isn't just limited to treating mental health conditions—it can also improve brain performance, allowing executives and athletes to unlock peak performance.
Is Neurofeedback effective for ADHD?
Yes, neurofeedback has shown significant effectiveness for managing ADHD symptoms. At Mindstate Psychology, we use neurofeedback to help individuals with ADHD live more focused lives.
During each session, sensors are placed on specific areas identified as likely causing ADHD symptoms. The real-time feedback encourages the brain to adjust to a healthier way of operating. Through consistent practice, individuals can optimize their brainwave activity patterns, shifting from an "ADHD" state to a "focus" state.
Recent research indicates that neurofeedback can be as effective as medication for ADHD, with longer-lasting effects. The World Health Organisation and the American Academy of Pediatrics recognize neurofeedback as an effective treatment option.
Does Neurofeedback replace medication?
Neurofeedback is not necessarily a direct replacement for medication, but rather a different approach focusing on retraining brain function rather than chemically managing symptoms.
For ADHD specifically, there are various treatment options including stimulants, other medications, and psychological therapy. Depending on your circumstances, we may recommend additional treatment options to pursue in conjunction with neurofeedback.
Medication can offer quicker results, while neurofeedback may have longer-term benefits. The early research suggests that neurofeedback can be an effective alternative to medication-based treatments. However, further research is required to fully understand the strengths and weaknesses of neurofeedback compared to other established treatments.
It's important to note that neurofeedback does not work for everyone, and like medication, the benefit varies depending on the individual.
Duration and Results
How many sessions will I need?
It's difficult to determine exactly how many neurofeedback sessions you'll need until you've had the initial consultation and begin treatment. We need to understand how your brain is functioning and see how you respond to treatment.
Some clients report improvements after the first session, and many experience significant improvement after completing between ten and twenty sessions. However:
- 20-40 sessions are often needed for sustained improvement
- 60-80 sessions may be needed for complex conditions such as autism
Neurofeedback therapy is not a quick fix. It's similar to orthodontic treatment—it takes time to create lasting changes in the brain.
Are the improvements from Neurofeedback permanent?
While the affects of neurofeedback can take time to appear, they are typically long-lasting, especially when compared to medication-based approaches. Because neurofeedback works by training the brain to self-regulate, the improvements tend to persist after the training is complete.
While neurofeedback promotes lasting changes through neuroplasticity, maintenance sessions or follow-up treatments may be beneficial, especially if you experience significant life changes or stressors after completing the initial course of therapy.
When might I start seeing results?
The timeline for results varies significantly between individuals. Some people notice subtle changes after just a few sessions, while others may require 15-20 sessions before experiencing noticeable improvements.
Factors that can influence your response time include:
- The specific condition being addressed
- The severity and duration of your symptoms
- Your brain's unique neuroplasticity
- Consistency of training sessions
- Whether you're combining neurofeedback with other therapies
We recommend committing to at least 20 sessions before evaluating the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
Safety and Side Effects
Is Neurofeedback safe?
Yes, neurofeedback is a safe and non-invasive therapy. It does not involve any medication or external electrical stimulation. The process simply provides real-time feedback to help the brain self-regulate.
There is extensive research documenting neurofeedback, showing it can be highly effective for many individuals with very low rates of adverse reactions.
Are there any side effects?
Neurofeedback conducted by qualified practitioners is usually a safe and effective process. While some side effects can occasionally occur, they are generally mild and temporary. Some individuals might experience:
- Mild fatigue after sessions
- Temporary headaches
- Feeling slightly "spacey" or "wired" briefly after training
These effects usually indicate that the training protocol needs minor adjustment and typically resolve quickly. Reporting any such experiences to your provider is important for optimizing the training.
Practical Considerations
Who can benefit from Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is suitable for people of all ages, though at Mindstate Psychology, we work with clients aged 8 years and older. Because neurofeedback is a self-regulation technique, children need to be able to manage their emotions and behavior and sit still for 30-minute blocks. Both research and our experience suggest that children only begin to develop this capacity after 8 years old.
How much does Neurofeedback cost at Mindstate Psychology?
The most up-to-date neurofeedback pricing is available on our fees for neurofeedback page, however, the current pricing is as follows:
- Initial QEEG/ERP assessment: $1199.00 AUD (includes EEG, QEEG, ERP, report, and feedback session)
- Regular neurofeedback training sessions: $110 per session
- Progress review consultation (outside standard sessions): $350.00 AUD
While neurofeedback therapy is not inexpensive, the positive, long-term outcomes it provides make it a worthwhile investment in your brain health and overall well-being.
Is Neurofeedback covered by insurance or Medicare?
Unfortunately, neurofeedback training sessions are not eligible for rebates from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or Medicare. Some private health insurers like HBF will provide a partial rebate for the initial assessment, depending on your level of coverage. The initial consultation may be eligible for Medicare rebates if you have a valid referral from a GP.
Why choose Mindstate Psychology for Neurofeedback in Perth?
There are several neurofeedback therapy providers in Perth, and it can be difficult to know who to choose. At Mindstate Psychology, we distinguish ourselves through:
- Comprehensive assessment: We believe the only way to provide effective neurofeedback therapy is through an assessment of brain function via QEEG and ERP assessment
- Qualified practitioners: All our practitioners have appropriate qualifications and extensive experience in conducting neurofeedback
- Customized treatment: We use highly advanced and customizable neurofeedback brain training systems, allowing our experienced practitioners to ensure each training session is optimized to your treatment plan
- Evidence-informed approach: Our treatments are based on the latest scientific research and best practices
How do I get started with Neurofeedback at Mindstate Psychology?
Getting started with neurofeedback at Mindstate Psychology is simple:
- Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation
- Complete the QEEG/ERP assessment
- Attend your feedback session to discuss the findings
- Begin your personalized neurofeedback training sessions
Discover the process to getting started with neurofeedback in Perth.
Conclusion
Neurofeedback offers a drug-free, non-invasive approach to improving brain function and addressing a wide range of conditions. At Mindstate Psychology, we're committed to providing the highest quality neurofeedback therapy in Perth, using comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plans to help you achieve lasting improvements in brain function and quality of life.
If you have additional questions about neurofeedback or would like to schedule an assessment, please contact us or visit our neurofeedback page.
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