Neurofeedback
What is neurofeedback and how does it work?
Our brains are a complex system of neurons providing a symphony of electrochemical activity that constantly exchanges information across neurosynaptic boundaries creating many types of brain waves. Sometimes our brain gets “stuck” in a wave pattern that causes us mental discomfort. This discomfort can come from and cause a variety of issues, such as: trauma, anxiety, irritability, stress, depression, difficulty paying attention, headaches, difficulty sleeping, etc.
Neurofeedback training for the brain is similar to physical training for the body. Neurofeedback prompts the brain to draw from its existing resources and pull itself out of these mental “ruts.” The result is a more open and positive mindset in which obstacles are more manageable and problems more resolvable.
Instead of providing specific “direction,” Dynamical Neurofeedback® by NeurOptimal® is designed to take advantage of the brain’s natural learning processes by encouraging it to function as originally designed. Much like a mirror that promotes self-correction, NeurOptimal®’s proprietary neurofeedback program monitors your brain waves and then provides “feedback” to your central nervous system about what it has just done. When the software detects a tremor in your brain wave pattern, it sends an audible signal that encourages the brain to “reset” and self-correct. NeurOptimal®’s neurofeedback trainers then simply promote and facilitate the brain’s natural tendency toward self-regulation, resilience, and flexibility.
Biofeedback has been around for almost 40 years, but its practical use was inhibited by the scarcity of a practical delivery system. In the past, a neurofeedback interface would require a room full of computers and technicians. Today, Zengar Institute, Inc. has created a simple, interactive software that harnesses this powerful technology in an easy-to-use program called NeurOptimal® that loads onto a laptop computer. Because neurofeedback has been time-tested, it is also very safe. Respected institutions such as the U.S. FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics have endorsed neurofeedback.
Why should I use neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback training provides a multitude of benefits for the brain and body, including: improved sleep, heightened mental clarity, and enhanced cognitive performance. Trainers and clients have used the NeurOptimal® system to address a number of physical, emotional, and cognitive complaints with great success. These fall into a few general categories.
Physical, Cognitive, & Emotional Challenges:
Adults, as well as children, have used NeurOptimal® neurofeedback to address the negative effects arising from depression, anxiety, PTSD, Alzheimer’s, autism, sleep disorders, misophonia (selective sound sensitivity syndrome), and other complaints. The FDA has even approved neurofeedback as effective for stress reduction.
General Wellness:
NeurOptimal® neurofeedback encourages an overall positive mental outlook and a deeper understanding of the mind/body connection. For those looking to enhance their daily health and wellness, neurofeedback training can be an excellent supplement to a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Brain Fitness / Age Remediation:
Along with healthy lifestyle choices, NeurOptimal® neurofeedback can be a powerful tool to mediate cognitive decline that naturally occurs as we age. Just as physical exercise benefits the body, NeurOptimal® keeps the brain fit and resilient. Neurofeedback can help improve memory, recall, and increase overall cognitive dexterity in older individuals.
Improved Academic Performance:
Because neurofeedback training enhances concentration and mental focus, students use NeurOptimal® as a critical tool to improve their performance in school. Unlike so-called “smart drugs” or neuro enhancing pharmaceuticals, NeurOptimal® is 100% drug-free and has no known side effects (apart from improved sleep!).
What happens in a session?
A certified NeurOptimal® trainer may have you fill out a survey listing the complaints and/or challenges that have brought you into his/her office. You will next be placed in a quiet space and in a comfortable position. The trainer will attach special sensors to your head that will feed your brain wave patterns into the NeurOptimal® program’s software. A neurofeedback training session is relaxing, enjoyable, and typically lasts about 30 minutes. As the session starts, you will hear music play though headphones and perhaps watch relaxing geometric images gently morph across a computer screen. You will hear occasional “skips” or interruptions in the music – this is the signal that prompts your brain to “reset” and optimize itself. At the end of a session, you will most likely feel less stressed and more mentally clear. It is unlikely you will experience any negative after-effects as NeurOptimal® does not artificially “push” the brain in any specific direction. Many users experience deeper sleep and vivid dreams after their very first session.
How is NeurOptimal® different from other systems?
There are a few key factors that distinguish NeurOptimal® from other neurofeedback systems:
1. NeurOptimal® is effective because it is designed to work best with your individual brain. It does not attempt to “fix” predetermined conditions or pin down specific problems. This was a limitation in many earlier neurofeedback systems. Often, resolving one problem in one area could cause problems elsewhere. The heart of the NeurOptimal® system -Dynamical Neurofeedback®- is a proprietary technology based in neuroscience and specifically designed with the naturally non-linear function of the human brain in mind. NeurOptimal® is built to harness the incredibly dynamic nature of your brain in a way other systems simply cannot match. As a result, this neurofeedback system can be used effectively to address a wide array of complaints without specifically “targeting” them from the outset of the training.
2. NeurOptimal® neurofeedback is extremely safe. Research shows your own brain “knows best” and therefore the NeurOptimal® brain training system does not force or “push” the brain in any one direction. Basically, Dynamical Neurofeedback® provides your brain with the information it needs to correct itself and function at its most optimal. NeurOptimal® simply enables your own brain’s natural process of self-correction.
3. NeurOptimal® requires no effort on the user’s part. Some brain training systems require the user to “interact” by playing games or solve puzzles during sessions. This additional level of interaction is unnecessary with the NeurOptimal® neurofeedback system. During a training session, you can simply relax and enjoy!
How long are training sessions?
Session length is about 50 minutes, so you will typically be in and out within the hour. It is not a problem if you arrive late, but the session will need to finish at its appointed time. We will work with you to provide the maximum training time we can in the time we have.
Does my insurance cover this? How much does this cost?
At this time, insurance does not cover your trainings, therefore we will not submit to your insurance or to other third parties. Fees are paid at each session or in advance with the cost being $90 per session or 10 trainings for $600. We can provide a receipt upon request so you can seek reimbursement as you see fit.
Information provided by: Dynamical Neurofeedback® by NeurOptimal®
