What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that is targeted training of specific neuronal systems aimed at physiological rehabilitation. This type of biofeedback is typically provided by trained health professionals such as: doctors, psychologists, family therapists, or counselors. Such practitioners observe the brain in action from moment to moment and utilize that data to bring 'feedback' to the person by way of electrodes or sensors, which are placed directly onto the skin or scalp. Neurofeedback is also called EEG Biofeedback, because it is based on electrical brain activity or impulses, the electroencephalogram, or EEG.
Traditional EEG Neurofeedback provides training in augmenting or diminishing specific brain frequencies, such as beta, alpha, theta, etc. This involves operant conditioning and focus and participation on the side of the client. The average number of sessions for best results is 40+. This can also be combined with other types of stimulation technology such as LENS, Pulsed Electromagnetic Frequency (pEMF), Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS), Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), Pulsed Infra-red Stimulation (Photobiomodulation), and Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE).
The Low-Energy Neurofeedback system or LENS is a specific kind of stimulation technology that operates much more rapidly than traditional Neurofeedback and has qualities that make it much easier to use with people who can’t sit still for long periods of time. It directs the dominant frequency back to the brain, which has an overall calming effect on the central nervous system. With the LENS, the client doesn’t need to “do” anything, and there is nothing to learn.
Emotional Self-regulation is a necessary part of optimal brain performance and function. Self-regulation allows the nervous system to function better and allows the brain to optimize its overall performance and activities. Increased self-awareness and self-regulation are typical positive side-effects of LENS Neurofeedback.
A typical session with the LENS lasts 15-30 minutes, including setup and cleanup time. The remaining time is spent discussing observations both prior to and after administering LENS. LENS works well for people who either cannot or will not pay attention to a computer screen for longer periods of time or who would have trouble with a cognitive therapy process due to issues with inattention or other issues pertaining to the central nervous system such as irritability, chronic pain or spastic movements. Children may need the support of a parent during sessions. This usually gets easier with exposure for fidgety types.
Additionally, LENS works much faster than traditional Neurofeedback with the number of sessions ranging from as few as 1 to an overall average number of 20 sessions. Within 5-10 sessions or less it is determinable whether it is an effective modality, and Bonnie will recommend continuing or changing modalities at this time to make sure your money is well spent.
How does the LENS work?
I apply electrode sensors to the scalp to listen in on brainwave activity. This is non-invasive and the electrodes attach with a gel that washes off. The signal provided is then processed by the sensors. The computer application extracts information about certain key brainwave frequencies through a patented process and brings this information back to the client through the same sensor wires to the person’s skin as a form of "feedback." It could be compared to holding a mirror up to the brain so it can see its own maladaptive patterns. Recognition of these patterns allows the brain to decide, whether it is operating in an efficient manner or not, making its own necessary adjustments. This is due to the neuroplasticity of the brain itself, i.e. the brain's innate ability to adapt, grow and change. Maladaptive behaviors may wane as the brain begins to optimize ~ the brain does all the work!
What conditions does the LENS help with?
Cognition - Problems with sequencing, memory, providing and maintaining attention, concentration, clarity and organization. More specifically:
*Continue Reading (Below) - For more information on Neurofeedback and key terms that will help you to understand this process better. Come back as many times as you need to re-read, take notes, or dive deeper into some of the links provided to Professional Associations, Research, Products, or methods that interest you.
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that is targeted training of specific neuronal systems aimed at physiological rehabilitation. This type of biofeedback is typically provided by trained health professionals such as: doctors, psychologists, family therapists, or counselors. Such practitioners observe the brain in action from moment to moment and utilize that data to bring 'feedback' to the person by way of electrodes or sensors, which are placed directly onto the skin or scalp. Neurofeedback is also called EEG Biofeedback, because it is based on electrical brain activity or impulses, the electroencephalogram, or EEG.
Traditional EEG Neurofeedback provides training in augmenting or diminishing specific brain frequencies, such as beta, alpha, theta, etc. This involves operant conditioning and focus and participation on the side of the client. The average number of sessions for best results is 40+. This can also be combined with other types of stimulation technology such as LENS, Pulsed Electromagnetic Frequency (pEMF), Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS), Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), Pulsed Infra-red Stimulation (Photobiomodulation), and Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE).
The Low-Energy Neurofeedback system or LENS is a specific kind of stimulation technology that operates much more rapidly than traditional Neurofeedback and has qualities that make it much easier to use with people who can’t sit still for long periods of time. It directs the dominant frequency back to the brain, which has an overall calming effect on the central nervous system. With the LENS, the client doesn’t need to “do” anything, and there is nothing to learn.
Emotional Self-regulation is a necessary part of optimal brain performance and function. Self-regulation allows the nervous system to function better and allows the brain to optimize its overall performance and activities. Increased self-awareness and self-regulation are typical positive side-effects of LENS Neurofeedback.
A typical session with the LENS lasts 15-30 minutes, including setup and cleanup time. The remaining time is spent discussing observations both prior to and after administering LENS. LENS works well for people who either cannot or will not pay attention to a computer screen for longer periods of time or who would have trouble with a cognitive therapy process due to issues with inattention or other issues pertaining to the central nervous system such as irritability, chronic pain or spastic movements. Children may need the support of a parent during sessions. This usually gets easier with exposure for fidgety types.
Additionally, LENS works much faster than traditional Neurofeedback with the number of sessions ranging from as few as 1 to an overall average number of 20 sessions. Within 5-10 sessions or less it is determinable whether it is an effective modality, and Bonnie will recommend continuing or changing modalities at this time to make sure your money is well spent.
How does the LENS work?
I apply electrode sensors to the scalp to listen in on brainwave activity. This is non-invasive and the electrodes attach with a gel that washes off. The signal provided is then processed by the sensors. The computer application extracts information about certain key brainwave frequencies through a patented process and brings this information back to the client through the same sensor wires to the person’s skin as a form of "feedback." It could be compared to holding a mirror up to the brain so it can see its own maladaptive patterns. Recognition of these patterns allows the brain to decide, whether it is operating in an efficient manner or not, making its own necessary adjustments. This is due to the neuroplasticity of the brain itself, i.e. the brain's innate ability to adapt, grow and change. Maladaptive behaviors may wane as the brain begins to optimize ~ the brain does all the work!
What conditions does the LENS help with?
Cognition - Problems with sequencing, memory, providing and maintaining attention, concentration, clarity and organization. More specifically:
- Mood - Anger, sadness, explosiveness.
- Motor - Lack of grace, problems of eye-hand coordination, balance, increased muscle tone (from spasticity) and tremor.
- Motivation - Problems initiating tasks, shifting from one activity to another, and/or completing tasks.
- Anxiety - Problems of anxiety system activity (too much uncomfortably-contained energy), persistent "anxiety", restlessness, rumination, agitation, distractibility, difficulty breathing, palpitations, tremor exacerbation, and sleep interruption.
- Reactivity – Hyper-reactivity, hypersensitivity, multiple chemical sensitivities.
- Pain - Brain-generated pain (mis-mapping the origins and qualities of signals), and vascular pain.
- Addictions/Dependencies - Lack of clarity about emotions and self-comforting, defensiveness, argumentativeness and cynicism.
- Fatigue - Fatigue; or fatigue as a phenomenon secondary to the effort of trying to overcome the pain and/or the above impediment to functioning more easily.
- Performance Optimization - Increases in functioning in the above areas in absence of any diagnosis.
- Maintaining good brain function as people age.
*Continue Reading (Below) - For more information on Neurofeedback and key terms that will help you to understand this process better. Come back as many times as you need to re-read, take notes, or dive deeper into some of the links provided to Professional Associations, Research, Products, or methods that interest you.
Resources:
VIDEO: What is Neurofeedback?
Does Neurofeedback Help Reduce Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? Jaclyn M. Williams BS, MSW a a College of Social Work , Florida State University Published online: 25 Nov 2010: click below
Meta-analysis confirms sustained effects of neurofeedback: 2018: click below
The ISNR Comprehensive Bibliography of Neurofeedback Research
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LENS software can map brain frequencies one electrode at a time and each successive session is compared to the first and the last and indicates relative improvement or areas which need continued intervention. QEEG which is generally a 19-channel mapping of the brain in real-time is used to understand the brain's baseline of functioning and determine areas for improvement. QEEG and LENS are compatible but are two different modalities for mapping the brain. |
Would like to explore how LENS might help you or a family member or client?
Call to set up a free 30 minute consultation or click on the brain below to make appointment. Publications: click on each logo for peer reviewed research and links to professional journals
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WHAT exactly IS A Quantitative Electro Encephalogram (QEEG)?
Quantitative EEG (qEEG):
also known as brain mapping, is a diagnostic tool that measures electrical activity in the brain
in the form of brain wave patterns. The analysis of these patterns can help identify quantitative patterns that may indicate cognitive deficits or diagnostic information. Traditional Neurofeedback (brain training) utilizes QEEG brain mapping to determine appropriate protocols via Neuromodulation or Neurofeedback to address the symptoms or concerns a person is having according to brain frequency observations and brain network connectivity.
qEEG brain mapping is a non-invasive procedure that doesn't involve stimulating the brain or administering drugs. It measures "coherence" between different areas of the brain, which indicates how well they communicate with each other to perform complex tasks. The findings of the assessment are usually presented in a written report with recommendations. A QEEG is indicated if there are any medical or underlying concerns, even suspicions that Neuromodulation could be counter-indicated. The QEEG can often point to systemic problems that would need to be addressed first. It can also provide excellent information for any Neuromodulation or feedback protocols and is necessary for brain training, which can only occur after viewing the brain frequencies through this model. Thereby outlining which frequencies to inhibit or reward and what networks to target for optimal improvements.
qEEG brain mapping can be used to help diagnose a number of conditions, including:
Another form of mapping utilizes event related potentials (ERP), which is also a valid method for brain training. ERP measures tiny events in the brain or responses to stimuli and can give us information around process timing and delay, and can be utilized as a form of training to speed up processing or strengthen the firing of neurons which are not currently efficiently communicating. The field of Neurofeedback is vast, but there are some key elements such as named here on this page for your reference. Ask your practitioner or several to learn what might be the best approach for your symptoms/conditions. Don't be afraid to consult your doctor or Neurologist. They may not have the answers, but they may be able to provide excellent collateral information so that your Neurofeedback provider can best address what you are coming in for. It is common - depending on the tools a practitioner has at their disposal - recommendations will vary, but may achieve the same goal.
The brain is adaptable and the word plasticity describes its ability to change and grow in response to its environment. Areas of the brain can become dormant or shut down during traumatic events, which is why Neurofeedback is very helpful for persons suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or concussion, and emotional trauma. This is a normal part of the healing process to encapsulate trauma and protect it so the brain can function when survival is dependent upon it. This is an evolutionary response. As a result, the brain's previous functions can become stuck or diminished and the brain can overcompensate for these encapsulated trauma's by developing pathways that are less efficient or even maladaptive responses to stimuli. This is one reason incorporating mindful breathing practices is important, it help to increase brain-heart coherance, which is key to emotional regulation and healthy response. Science has learned there is a brain in the heart, and a brain in the gut, and the vagal pathway connects them all to the degree we may think of them as one united brain.
One common comment from people after receiving Neurofeeback of any kind is that they feel they are operating more at their capacity - either remembered from before an injury, or simply more optimally. Persons can tell the difference within 1-10 sessions, often incrementally as their day to day brain functioning begins to shift. Sometimes the immediate effects are experienced as negative as the brain unravels what it has previously encapsulated or starts to utilize different pathways. A person can feel awkward or emotionally sensitive and headaches can be a minor but short lived side effect, even when headaches are the symptom one came in to relieve. My experience as a practitioner is that headaches usually decrease in both frequency and duration until they disappear. Hydration is key. Depending on the type of headache for which there are many, it may warrant relaxation techniques or muscle tension Biofeedback, and may be subsequently connected to negative thought patterns or loops. Every situation is unique and requires full evaluation. This is just an example, not intended to be the experience of every person undergoing Neurofeedback or Biofeedback. It is helpful to give realistic expectations through these examples to help a person make the right decisions for them self. The healing process can unravel toxins, as stuck tissues unravel for example, just as the creation of new or reinstatement of existing neuro pathways can evoke a variety of psychophysiological responses before reaching the goal of optimal functioning. Overall the trajectory should feel like a progression, even if one experiences minor setbacks.
also known as brain mapping, is a diagnostic tool that measures electrical activity in the brain
in the form of brain wave patterns. The analysis of these patterns can help identify quantitative patterns that may indicate cognitive deficits or diagnostic information. Traditional Neurofeedback (brain training) utilizes QEEG brain mapping to determine appropriate protocols via Neuromodulation or Neurofeedback to address the symptoms or concerns a person is having according to brain frequency observations and brain network connectivity.
qEEG brain mapping is a non-invasive procedure that doesn't involve stimulating the brain or administering drugs. It measures "coherence" between different areas of the brain, which indicates how well they communicate with each other to perform complex tasks. The findings of the assessment are usually presented in a written report with recommendations. A QEEG is indicated if there are any medical or underlying concerns, even suspicions that Neuromodulation could be counter-indicated. The QEEG can often point to systemic problems that would need to be addressed first. It can also provide excellent information for any Neuromodulation or feedback protocols and is necessary for brain training, which can only occur after viewing the brain frequencies through this model. Thereby outlining which frequencies to inhibit or reward and what networks to target for optimal improvements.
qEEG brain mapping can be used to help diagnose a number of conditions, including:
- Neuropsychiatric disorders
- Epilepsy
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Encephalopathy
- Learning and attention disorders
- Depression
Another form of mapping utilizes event related potentials (ERP), which is also a valid method for brain training. ERP measures tiny events in the brain or responses to stimuli and can give us information around process timing and delay, and can be utilized as a form of training to speed up processing or strengthen the firing of neurons which are not currently efficiently communicating. The field of Neurofeedback is vast, but there are some key elements such as named here on this page for your reference. Ask your practitioner or several to learn what might be the best approach for your symptoms/conditions. Don't be afraid to consult your doctor or Neurologist. They may not have the answers, but they may be able to provide excellent collateral information so that your Neurofeedback provider can best address what you are coming in for. It is common - depending on the tools a practitioner has at their disposal - recommendations will vary, but may achieve the same goal.
The brain is adaptable and the word plasticity describes its ability to change and grow in response to its environment. Areas of the brain can become dormant or shut down during traumatic events, which is why Neurofeedback is very helpful for persons suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or concussion, and emotional trauma. This is a normal part of the healing process to encapsulate trauma and protect it so the brain can function when survival is dependent upon it. This is an evolutionary response. As a result, the brain's previous functions can become stuck or diminished and the brain can overcompensate for these encapsulated trauma's by developing pathways that are less efficient or even maladaptive responses to stimuli. This is one reason incorporating mindful breathing practices is important, it help to increase brain-heart coherance, which is key to emotional regulation and healthy response. Science has learned there is a brain in the heart, and a brain in the gut, and the vagal pathway connects them all to the degree we may think of them as one united brain.
One common comment from people after receiving Neurofeeback of any kind is that they feel they are operating more at their capacity - either remembered from before an injury, or simply more optimally. Persons can tell the difference within 1-10 sessions, often incrementally as their day to day brain functioning begins to shift. Sometimes the immediate effects are experienced as negative as the brain unravels what it has previously encapsulated or starts to utilize different pathways. A person can feel awkward or emotionally sensitive and headaches can be a minor but short lived side effect, even when headaches are the symptom one came in to relieve. My experience as a practitioner is that headaches usually decrease in both frequency and duration until they disappear. Hydration is key. Depending on the type of headache for which there are many, it may warrant relaxation techniques or muscle tension Biofeedback, and may be subsequently connected to negative thought patterns or loops. Every situation is unique and requires full evaluation. This is just an example, not intended to be the experience of every person undergoing Neurofeedback or Biofeedback. It is helpful to give realistic expectations through these examples to help a person make the right decisions for them self. The healing process can unravel toxins, as stuck tissues unravel for example, just as the creation of new or reinstatement of existing neuro pathways can evoke a variety of psychophysiological responses before reaching the goal of optimal functioning. Overall the trajectory should feel like a progression, even if one experiences minor setbacks.
