Neurofeedback

About Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback) is a training process based on the Law of Operant Conditioning. As with all forms of biofeedback, Neurofeedback provides an individual with direct, real-time information about their brainwave activity. The person then uses this brainwave feedback to learn how to alter their brainwaves, helping the brain function more efficiently. This learning process could be thought of as an exercise program for the brain or like a dancer using a mirror to learn new choreography.

Our brains are organized as networks of neural connections which create and control our physical and cognitive functioning. From this neural network perspective, we can view mental and emotional disorders from a physiological standpoint, and understand them as problems of communication within the neural networks. Neurofeedback helps you train your brain to help you improve your ability to better regulate these networks that are critical for healing and optimal functioning.

 

Resilient and Flexible Brain Functioning

Neurofeedback can assist you in developing a more resilient Central Nervous System (CNS). This is accomplished through monitoring the brain’s electrical activity and communicating it to the CNS in ‘real time’ to improve its own functioning. This typically helps a person learn to live in a relaxed, but alert state without being swamped by agitation and nervousness, or stuck in a foggy, distractible, and ruminating mind. Resiliency helps one cope better with emotional storms, physical pain, sleep impairment, learning challenges, and the demands of living. Neurofeedback can also help you become more flexible in responding to the ever changing challenges of life. You can become relaxed and focused under pressure, concentrate better in the midst of distraction, change your plans to fit changing circumstances, and generally feel calm and present.

 

The Neurofeedback Process

The Neurofeedback process is painless, and in fact, can be quite comfortable. Sensors (electrodes) are connected to the scalp with water-soluble paste. These sensors, like antennas, pick up the neuro-electrical output of the brain. This brainwave activity is transmitted to a computer-based neurofeedback program. The neurofeedback client may sit with eyes closed listening to changing audio tones or may watch a display on a computer screen. The audio and visual feedback occurs when the brain wave activity is in a desirable pattern, providing reinforcement when target thresholds are met. Through observing feedback, the brain begins to recognize its healthier patterns. The brain learns to adapt to and store this information about efficient self-regulation. Over time, the CNS learns how to operate with greater efficiency and effectiveness. Neurofeedback takes advantage of the brain’s built-in capacity to monitor and orient to change, as well as recognize patterns and regulate its own functioning. Through this process, the brain learns to reduce unnecessary or undesired activity, and increase healthy patterns.

 

Will Neurofeedback have long-lasting effects?

Contrary to pharmaceutical therapies, the positive effects of neurofeedback endure long after the client stops the neurofeedback training process- because a skill has been learned. The brain has served its own needs better by learning an efficient pattern of functioning. This way of functioning becomes the new baseline. Literally, you will have “changed your mind”.

 

To learn more information on Neurofeedback and brain plasticity we recommend the following:

• The Brain That Changes Itself  by Norman Doidge

• A Symphony in the Brain by Jim Robbins

• Visiting ISNR (International Society for Neuroregulation and Research)