Neurofeedback
Mindstate Psychology offers clinical psychology, neurofeedback therapy and forensic psychology in Perth, Western Australia.
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Neurofeedback therapy
What is neurofeedback?
The human brain is an astonishing device with more connections than the number of planets in the universe!
Despite its complexity, we have been learning more about the brain over the last fifty years. We now understand that the brain can be trained to work at optimal speeds for the task at hand. Brain training changes the way the brain functions, which also leads to positive changes in behaviour. Neurofeedback therapy trains the brain to self-regulate. Brain functioning improves as a result.
Neurofeedback therapy is:
If your brain was a car engine...
Neurofeedback therapy tunes your brain to run more efficiently. If your brain is revving up when it is parked at the traffic lights it is running inefficiently (anxiety conditions cause the brain to rev constantly). If the light turns green and the car will not rev up at all, it is not working properly either (some types of ADHD cause the brain to be stuck in idle mode).
Despite its complexity, we have been learning more about the brain over the last fifty years. We now understand that the brain can be trained to work at optimal speeds for the task at hand. Brain training changes the way the brain functions, which also leads to positive changes in behaviour. Neurofeedback therapy trains the brain to self-regulate. Brain functioning improves as a result.
Neurofeedback therapy is:
- Drug-free
- Painless and
- Non-invasive
If your brain was a car engine...
Neurofeedback therapy tunes your brain to run more efficiently. If your brain is revving up when it is parked at the traffic lights it is running inefficiently (anxiety conditions cause the brain to rev constantly). If the light turns green and the car will not rev up at all, it is not working properly either (some types of ADHD cause the brain to be stuck in idle mode).
How do we know what to treat?
Neurofeedback therapy can be conducted in a number of ways. The most effective way is to gain an understanding of your current brain function before commencing treatment, preferably with a Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG). If you would prefer not to have a qEEG we can do our best to understand your brain function with symptom questionnaires, but a qEEG is strongly recommended. Using the car analogy, telling a mechanic about the symptoms is helpful, but hooking the engine up to an electronic monitoring device provides more precise results.
Note: A qEEG is not the same as Electroencephalography (EEG). EEG is used to assess brain dysfunctions. If you suspect you may have epilepsy, you will need to see a neurologist before you commence neurofeedback therapy.
Note: A qEEG is not the same as Electroencephalography (EEG). EEG is used to assess brain dysfunctions. If you suspect you may have epilepsy, you will need to see a neurologist before you commence neurofeedback therapy.
What happens in a session?
Small sensors are attached to your head over the area of the brain we will be training. The sensors are held in place with pea-sized blob of paste. We also place sensors on your ears as reference point. These sensors measure your brain activity--they don’t shock you!
Neurofeedback provides a real-time display of your brainwave activity. This display is shown on a screen and will be monitored by a technician. During the session you will doing an activity. You may be playing a game or watching a movie. The movie display is set up to appear 'snowy' when your brain is working at an undesirable frequency, and to show normally when it is working at the desired frequency. Your brain is trained to stay at the desired frequency as it is rewarded with a clear picture for doing so. You will also be able to see measurements of your brainwave activity through simplified visual and audio displays during treatment.
Neurofeedback provides a real-time display of your brainwave activity. This display is shown on a screen and will be monitored by a technician. During the session you will doing an activity. You may be playing a game or watching a movie. The movie display is set up to appear 'snowy' when your brain is working at an undesirable frequency, and to show normally when it is working at the desired frequency. Your brain is trained to stay at the desired frequency as it is rewarded with a clear picture for doing so. You will also be able to see measurements of your brainwave activity through simplified visual and audio displays during treatment.
How many sessions will I need?
It is difficult to determine how many neurofeedback sessions you will need until you have had the initial consult and begin treatment. We need to understand how your brain is functioning and see how you respond to treatment. Some clients have reported improvements after the first session, and many have experienced significant improvement after completing between ten and twenty sessions. Twenty to forty sessions are often needed for sustained improvement. Sixty to eighty sessions may be needed to address complex conditions like autism. Neurofeedback therapy is not a quick fix, but it is similar to visiting an orthodontist: their goal is to straighten teeth, and it takes a year or more for treatment to have a lasting impact. Neurofeedback therapy is not cheap, but the positive, long-term outcomes it provides makes it a worthwhile investment.
What conditions can be treated?
There is mounting evidence that neurofeedback can be used to effectively treat a range of conditions. The American Academy of Pediatrics listed neurofeedback as their preferred evidence-based treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Neurofeedback therapy is being used to treat conditions like autism, learning difficulties and other developmental problems. It has been effectively used to treat anxiety, depression and addictions, and has been found to help stabilise some people with epilepsy. There is evidence that neurofeedback therapy can speed recovery after concussion, and may help damaged, reactive areas of brain. Interestingly, neurofeedback therapy has also been used to help athletes and business executives achieve peak performance.
qEEG set up and display videos
Why is it important to use certified neurofeedback practitioners?
Neurofeedback is being conducted by practitioners with a range of qualifications and experience. It is important to entrust your brain treatment to experienced, certified practitioners. Mindstate Psychology neurotherapy practitioners are certified with both the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA-A) and the QEEG Certification Board.
Learn more about neurofeedback
You may like to read the following articles to learn more about neurofeedback therapy: