F.A.Q.

What is neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a computer-aided training method which allows a person’s brain to monitor its own activity. The brain has an incredible, inherent ability to self-correct. Neurofeedback using NeurOptimal® simply provides your brain with information about itself, allowing your brain – and you – to become more flexible and resilient. You can learn more about neurofeedback training here.

How does neurofeedback work?

Neurofeedback brain training works as a “detection and monitoring” system of the changes in electrical patterns emanating from the scalp. You can think of neurofeedback training as holding up a mirror to the brain. The system gives your brain information about itself. During a training session, the NeurOptimal® training system monitors your brain for sudden changes in electrical activity. When an irregularity is detected, the system will inform your brain with a brief pause in the music. This interruption invites your brain to return its attention to the present moment. This allows your brain to naturally self-correct. You can read more about how neurofeedback training works here.

What are the side effects of neurofeedback training?

Neurofeedback training with NeurOptimal® only displays information about your brain activity, allowing your brain to self-correct. It is non-invasive, and does not include any medication or any preparation of any kind. As such, there are no known side effects to neurofeedback training using NeurOptimal®. Other approaches to neurofeedback training can cause side effects. See this chart to compare linear and non-linear approaches to neurofeedback.

Is neurofeedback training safe?

Neurofeedback training is non-invasive, and does not have any known side effects. Because of this, neurofeedback training is safe for anyone.

What conditions is neurofeedback training suitable for?

Nonlinear neurofeedback does not “treat” any illness or particular diagnosis. Neurofeedback training works to optimize overall brain functioning. Therefore, we believe anyone can benefit from neurofeedback training. It can be helpful for kids who are struggling. It can be beneficial for business professionals trying to get an “edge.” It can even be used by athletes to help promote discipline and focus in their activity.

How long does each session take?

Each neurofeedback training session lasts 33.5 minutes. If you are planning on coming into one of our offices for a training session, make sure you account for setup time. Our in-office sessions rarely last longer than 45 minutes total.

What is the minimum age for neurofeedback training?

Nonlinear neurofeedback training is a safe and natural way to train one’s brain. As such, people of all ages can participate in neurofeedback training.

How much does neurofeedback training cost?

It’s true…genuine neurofeedback training isn’t cheap. But I like what one mom said to me recently. She said it was costing her family more to not do neurofeedback than to do it. From what my family and I have experienced, I agree. We have done our best to put together flexible options or packages for various needs.  Be sure to check out our Pricing page to see more details about the different plans and pricing we offer. And don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll work with you if we can.

Can I still be on medication while doing neurofeedback training?

Currently over half of people who start neurofeedback training are on medication, so there is no problem with that. However, you must talk with your doctor to assess your ongoing improvements and any changes you with to make.

Will the improvements last?

The changes that neurofeedback training brings about are long-lasting. Brain training is like athletic training in the sense that we can’t just go to the gym once or twice or for a month or two and then never go back and expect to maintain the same level of fitness. Neurofeedback training is most effective when continued as part of your total fitness regimen. For some, this is monthly. For others, this is annually. And for still others, this is right before exams or a big presentation. It’s all up to you and what you want to achieve. Lifestyle including diet and exercise as well as stress levels have an impact on how you do as well. It is important to take good care of one’s self and one’s relationships after your initial trainings. The great part about that is, the benefits NeurOptimal® brain training brings (greater calm, better sleep, better focus, etc.) can make these tasks a bit easier.

How many sessions do I need?

There are no prescribed number of sessions for individuals as everyone’s brain is different. For some, life-changing shifts occur after 3 sessions. For many others, we see significant shifts in 8-10. Sometimes a person feels solidly better after 40 or more. The NeurOptimal system gives the brain feedback about its own activity 256 times per second, so change is happening from the first moment training begins. While individual results vary, you can be sure that the brain is reorganizing itself into a more optimal working system. Zengar Institute conducted a survey in 2014 of NeurOptimal trainers asking what degree of improvements they saw with their clients, for what issues, and with how many sessions. Send us an email if you are interested, and we’ll get it to you right away! 

My kid fidgets a lot! I don’t think I’ll be able to get them to sit through the 33-minute sessions.

All of our NeurOptimal® systems come loaded with a large selection of movies for your child to watch. They are still getting the full impact of neurofeedback while getting to watch their favorite movies! In addition, even partial sessions are helpful in the beginning. If they can sit still for 5-10 minutes, you’ll find that that time lengthens with each subsequent session. Even 10 minutes of brain training can be impactful! You can also call me and we can walk through strategies to help you help them if you’d like. I’m happy to help.