What Is Neurofeedback?

Transform Your Brain Function with Advanced Neurofeedback Training

Are you struggling with focus, anxiety, or emotional regulation? Finding it difficult to perform at your best? Your brain might simply need training to function more optimally. Just as physical exercise strengthens your body, neurofeedback trains your brain to work more efficiently, helping you overcome challenges and reach peak mental performance.

At Mindstate Psychology, we use advanced neurofeedback technology combined with comprehensive brain assessment to help Perth residents optimize their brain function naturally, without medication or invasive procedures.

What Is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a scientifically-proven form of brain training that teaches your brain to regulate itself more effectively. Also known as EEG biofeedback, this therapy monitors your brain's electrical activity in real-time and provides immediate feedback to help your brain learn healthier patterns of functioning.

The Science Behind Brain Training: The human brain contains more neural connections than there are planets in the universe, creating an incredibly complex but trainable system. Over the past fifty years, neuroscience research has revealed that our brains can be trained to work at optimal speeds for different tasks. Through a process called neuroplasticity—the brain's natural ability to reorganise and adapt—neurofeedback creates positive changes in behaviour, emotion, cognition, and overall performance.

Key Benefits of Neurofeedback:

  • Drug-free: No medications or chemicals involved
  • Painless: Completely comfortable and non-invasive
  • Natural: Works with your brain's innate ability to change
  • Lasting: Promotes enduring improvements through neuroplasticity
  • Safe: Suitable for all ages with no significant side effects

How Neurofeedback Training Works

The Neurofeedback Process

  1. ‍Brain Activity Monitoring: During a neurofeedback session, small sensors are placed on your scalp to measure your brain's electrical activity. These sensors only record electrical signals—nothing is ever transmitted into your brain, and you won't feel any sensations from the equipment.
  2. ‍Real-Time Feedback: Your brainwave activity is displayed on a computer screen and monitored by a trained technician. You'll engage in an activity like watching a movie or playing a simple game while your brain patterns are being recorded.
  3. ‍Brain Training Through Rewards: The movie or game is programmed to respond to your brainwave patterns. When your brain produces desired frequencies, the display becomes clear and engaging. When your brain operates at less optimal frequencies, the display becomes dim or unclear.
  4. ‍Learning and Adaptation: Your brain naturally seeks the "reward" of a clear display, gradually learning to maintain more optimal patterns. Over time, these healthier brainwave patterns become automatic, leading to improvements in focus, mood, behaviour, and cognitive performance.

The Technology Behind Success

At Mindstate Psychology, we use professional-grade EEGer neurofeedback systems that allow our practitioners to make real-time adjustments during every session. Unlike automated systems that treat everyone as "average," our advanced technology enables completely personalised training protocols tailored to your unique brain patterns and therapeutic goals.

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Conditions We Help Through Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback can be a powerful tool in improving the quality of life for individuals struggling with various conditions, such as:

Neurofeedback isn't just limited to treating mental health conditions - it can also improve brain performance, allowing executives and athletes to unlock peak performance.

Our QEEG-Guided Approach: The Mindstate Advantage

Why Brain Assessment Matters

Many neurofeedback providers rely on guesswork based on symptoms alone. We believe this approach is inappropriate for something as complex as the human brain. At Mindstate Psychology, we use a comprehensive brain assessment to understand exactly how your brain currently functions before beginning any training.

Our Advanced Assessment Process:

Quantitative EEG (QEEG) Brain Scanning

  • Measures your brain's electrical activity across multiple regions
  • Creates detailed "brain maps" showing areas of optimal and suboptimal function
  • Compares your patterns to normative databases for precise analysis

Evoked Response Potential (ERP) Testing

  • Measures how your brain responds to cognitive tasks
  • Reveals processing speed, attention networks, and working memory efficiency
  • Identifies specific cognitive strengths and challenges

Personalised Protocol Development: Using your QEEG and ERP results, we create neurofeedback training protocols specifically designed for your brain's unique patterns. This precision approach leads to faster, more effective results compared to generic training methods.

The Car Analogy

Telling a mechanic about your car's symptoms is helpful, but connecting your engine to diagnostic equipment provides precise information about what needs repair. Similarly, while describing your symptoms helps us understand your concerns, brain assessments give us the detailed information needed to optimise your training for maximum effectiveness.

Don't compromise your brain—choose assessment-guided neurofeedback.

What to Expect During Neurofeedback Training

Generally, two small sensors are attached to your head over the area of the brain we will be training and comparison sensors are placed on different reference points, including the ear. The sensors are held in place with a pea-sized blob of paste. Using the sensor and specialised software, we measure your brainwave activity. Nothing is ever transmitted into the brain, which will not shock you. We measure the electrical signals (electrical activity) in your brain so you can have feedback about what your brain is doing in real-time. This allows you to learn to adjust your brain to optimal functioning (biofeedback of the brain's electrical activity is called neurofeedback). ​

The electrical activity is displayed on a screen and will be monitored by a technician. During the session, you will be doing an activity. You may be playing a game or watching a movie. The movie display is set up to appear 'snowy' or dark when your brain is working at an undesirable frequency and to be clear and look normal when your brain is working at the desired frequency. Your brain is trained to stay at the desired frequency as it is rewarded by making a clear picture of the movie or the game in action. When we allow the brain to see its own activity, it can then adjust itself for better overall performance and function.

Treatment Timeline & Expectations

Initial Improvements (8-12 sessions): Many people notice subtle changes in sleep, mood, or attention within the first few sessions as their brain begins to regulate more effectively.

Significant Changes (10-20 sessions): More substantial improvements typically become apparent as new neural pathways strengthen and automatic patterns begin to shift.

Lasting Results (20-40 sessions): Most clients complete 20-40 sessions for sustained changes, though individual needs vary based on your specific condition and goals. Some people may need fewer sessions, while others benefit from more extensive training.

Ongoing Benefits: Neurofeedback promotes lasting changes through neuroplasticity. While maintenance sessions may be beneficial during times of stress or life changes, the improvements you achieve are designed to be enduring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What evidence exists for 'brain training'?

Over the last fifty years, there has been a significant research in brain functioning and the use of neurofeedback. Overwhelmingly, research suggests that Neurofeedback can be a powerful tool for improving brain function. Discover more about the research supporting neurofeedback in specific conditions.

How do  I find the right Neurofeedback Practitioner in Perth?

There are several key things to consider when choosing a neurofeedback practitioner in Perth. At a minimum, they should be experienced in the use of neurofeedback and hold independent training qualifications.

At Mindstate Psychology, our team is led by Dr Phil Watts, an experienced psychologist with over 10 years of involvement in Neurofeedback. Dr. Watts has completed advanced training and certification in Neurofeedback and is an active member of the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA-A) and the QEEG Certification Board.

How many sessions of Neurofeedback are required?

The number of sessions required may vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being addressed. Typically, a course of neurofeedback treatment consists of 20-40 sessions, with each session lasting around 30 minutes. Some individuals may start to see improvements after just a few sessions, while others may require more sessions for optimal results. Your neurofeedback practitioner will assess your progress and make recommendations based on individual needs.

Is neurofeedback safe?

Neurofeedback in Perth is considered to be a safe and non-invasive therapy. It does not involve any medication or external intervention. The process simply involves measuring brainwave activity and providing feedback to the brain, allowing it to self-regulate and optimize its functioning. Neurofeedback is suitable for people of all ages, including children (aged 8+), adolescents, and adults.

However, consulting with a qualified practitioner to discuss any concerns or specific conditions is always recommended before starting neurofeedback treatment. Before starting at Mindstate Psychology, you will meet with our team lead, Dr Phil Watts, to discuss your circumstances and any specific concerns you may have.

How much does Neurofeedback in Perth typically cost?

Neurofeedback training sessions cost $110 per session - more information about fees here.

Before commencing neurofeedback, you will need to undergo an initial consult and receive a comprehensive brain scan. You can find out more about the Neurofeedback process in Perth here, or contact our reception team to discuss your specific circumstances.

What brain training system does Mindstate Psychology Use?

Mindstate Psychology uses advanced neurofeedback technology that allows our neurofeedback practitioners to make real-time adjustments during every session. We do not use brain training systems like NeuroOptimal, which use proprietary algorithms and treat individuals as an "average". At Mindstate Psychology, all neurofeedback training is tailored to your unique needs!

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