Neurofeedback Therapy FAQs

What happens in a typical session?

The skin on the head is prepared. Then, several sensors are placed the scalp. The client sits still for about 30 seconds at a time while their brainwaves are recorded and a very weak signal is sent back to the brain. Other than that there is nothing the client has to do. In a few minutes the client generally feels calm and relaxed. The session is over in less than half an hour.

 

How Effective is Direct Neurofeedback?

The success rate is very impressive. Over 85% of clients benefit significantly, often dramatically, and the changes are enduring. Once enough sessions have been completed (typically 15-20), most people have completed their treatment. There is no need to receive Direct Neurofeedback on an ongoing basis.

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How weak is the signal going back to the brain?

The strength of this signal is far less than a cell phone and cannot be felt. This signal is 1000 times weaker than simply holding a AA battery against your forehead.

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Does Direct Neurofeedback affect only negative patterns? Can it change my positive qualities?

Only frozen and stuck patterns are affected by Direct Neurofeedback. Healthy brainwave patterns are flexible and resilient. When there is a tiny fluctuation in their pattern they automatically spring back to that healthy state.

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IS Direct Neurofeedback safe?

Direct Neurofeedback is extremely safe. In over 100,000 clients treated with Direct Neurofeedback there has not been a single reported case of someone being worse off. Direct Neurofeedback has been used by practitioners for over 20 years. Direct Neurofeedback is not experimental, only relatively unknown.

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What if I am on medication?

Medication does not diminish the effectiveness of Direct Neurofeedback. There is no need to stop or reduce your medication, which should only be done in conjunction with your healthcare provider.

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Is Direct Neurofeedback covered by insurance?

Direct Neurofeedback is often reimbursed as a form of “biofeedback” using CPT code 90901. You should check with your carrier. We will provide you with a “super bill” which you can submit.

 

How many sessions are required before noticing an improvement?

Most people notice an initial change within 3 sessions, occasionally a little longer. The average number of sessions for most problems is 15 to 20. Once treatment has been completed, additional sessions are usually not necessary. Occasionally someone needs a “booster”.

 

Do you work with children?

Yes. A large part of our practice is devoted to children, adolescents, and teens.

 

What if I live far away?

Clients sometimes come from out of town and stay for 1-2 weeks. They receive daily treatments and generally experience very rapid changes.

 

Disorders Treated People who have symptoms of:

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Anxiety

Direct Neurofeedback is exceptionally effective at reducing the symptoms of anxiety. Ninety percent of clients begin to experience improvement in the first or second session. Direct Neurofeedback also improves resilience, the ability to handle stress, and helps create a sense of calm in difficult situations.

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Depression

Direct Neurofeedback helps lift depression. Mood lifts, energy and motivation return and a client may once again experience a positive sense of wellbeing.

 

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

In mild and moderate TBI, clarity, concentration, memory, multi-tasking and energy often rapidly improve.

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ADD/ADHD

Direct Neurofeedback decreases impulsivity, distractibility and hyperactivity. Organization improves. The world becomes easier to navigate. Life becomes less of a struggle.

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Autism Spectrum, Aspergers

So many on the spectrum are hypersensitive to stimuli, are anxious and over-reactive, have poor impulse control and have difficulty maintaining emotional stability. Because Direct Neurofeedback is so effective at treating all the symptoms, there can be a dramatic improvement.

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

While anxiety does not cause OCD, anxiety drives it. As anxiety decreases, so does the intensity of the OCD. Clients often say that intrusive thoughts are now in the background and much more manageable.