Neurofeedback Therapy
What is Neurofeedback brain training?
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive form of brain training designed to help the brain develop more flexible and regulated patterns of activity. During a neurofeedback session, small sensors are placed on the scalp to measure brainwave activity using EEG technology. The sensors only measure brain activity—they do not send electricity or stimulation into the brain.
Specialized software monitors this activity in real time and provides feedback through a movie, video, game, or music. Over time and with repeated practice, this feedback helps the brain learn and reinforce more adaptive patterns of activity.
Please note: Neurofeedback is currently offered as a cash-pay service and is not available for insurance billing. The initial assessment, including a review of your results, is $225. Ongoing neurofeedback training sessions are $125 for 45 minutes or $90 for 30 minutes.
What Can Neurofeedback Help With?
Neurofeedback may be used to support improved self-regulation and functioning in a variety of areas. Depending on the individual, training may focus on symptoms such as:
Difficulty with attention and concentration
Racing or anxious thoughts
Difficulty relaxing or feeling “on edge”
Sleep difficulties
Low energy or fatigue
Mood and emotional regulation
Impulsivity
Stress and hyperarousal
Because every brain and every person is different, the goals of neurofeedback are individualized based on the symptoms and areas of functioning that are most important to you.
Neurofeedback is not a diagnostic tool and is not intended to diagnose or cure a mental health condition. Instead, training focuses on supporting regulation and reducing symptoms that may interfere with everyday functioning and well-being.
Brain Waves 101: The Science Behind Neurofeedback
Your brain is constantly active. Billions of neurons communicate with one another, creating patterns of electrical activity that can be measured as brain waves. Different patterns of brain activity are associated with different states, such as sleeping, relaxing, focusing, problem-solving, and being highly alert.
For example, slower brainwave activity is more commonly associated with relaxed or drowsy states, while faster activity is generally associated with alertness, concentration, and active thinking. Healthy brain functioning isn't about having more or less of one particular brain wave—it involves being able to shift efficiently between different states depending on what you're doing.
Think about trying to fall asleep while your mind is racing. You may feel exhausted but still unable to “shut your brain off.” On the other hand, you might be trying to study, work, or complete a task and find that your mind continually wanders despite your best efforts to concentrate.
Neurofeedback provides the brain with real-time information about its activity. Through repeated training, the goal is to help the brain become more flexible and effective at regulating its activity in response to different situations.
How Does Neurofeedback Training Work?
Neurofeedback uses a learning process based on the principles of operant conditioning. In simple terms, the brain receives immediate feedback when its activity moves toward the patterns being encouraged during training.
During a session, sensors placed on your scalp measure your brainwave activity in real time. Again, nothing is being electrically transmitted into your brain—the equipment is simply measuring activity.
You may watch a movie or video, listen to music, or participate in another form of feedback while you train. For example, when your brain activity moves in the desired direction, the movie may remain bright and clear. When activity moves outside of the training parameters, the screen may temporarily dim.
You don't have to consciously figure out how to make this happen. Your brain receives the feedback repeatedly throughout the session and gradually learns which patterns produce the desired response. This is similar to how we learn many other skills through practice, repetition, and feedback.
What Happens During a Session?
At the beginning of treatment, we will discuss the symptoms or areas of functioning you would most like to improve. Your training will then be individualized based on your goals, symptoms, response to training, and progress over time.
During each session, sensors are placed on specific areas of the scalp to measure EEG activity while you participate in the training activity. Sessions are comfortable and non-invasive, and we will regularly check in about how you are responding to training.
Your training plan may be adjusted over time based on your experience and progress. Neurofeedback is a collaborative process, and your feedback is an important part of determining what is working best for you.
How Long Do I Need to Train?
Every person responds differently to neurofeedback, so the number of sessions needed can vary. In many cases, a course of approximately 20–40 sessions may be recommended.
Consistency is important. Training is often scheduled more frequently at the beginning and gradually reduced as progress is made. A typical schedule may include twice-weekly sessions initially, followed by once-weekly sessions and eventually sessions spaced farther apart.
Think of neurofeedback much like learning or strengthening any other skill: repetition gives the brain opportunities to practice and reinforce what it is learning. Changes may occur gradually, and we will monitor your response throughout the process rather than assuming that every person needs the same number of sessions.
Interested in Neurofeedback?
You don't need to understand neuroscience or brain waves before getting started. Part of our role is to make neurofeedback understandable, answer your questions, and help you determine whether it may be a good fit for your goals.
Neurofeedback is currently offered as a cash-pay service and is not available for insurance billing. The initial assessment, including a review of your results, is $225. Ongoing training sessions are $125 for 45 minutes or $90 for 30 minutes
Client Testimonials
“Prior to starting neurofeedback with Elisha, I felt scattered-brained, overwhelmed, had a hard time focusing on tasks and if I was woken up for any reason overnight, I had a hard time falling back to sleep. Now, my mood is calmer, my focus is better, and I easily fall back asleep after nighttime awakenings. Also, Elisha has been great to work with! She took time to explain the neurofeedback process, answered my questions, checked in consistently on how things were going for me, and tailored the process to fit my unique needs. I highly recommend neurofeedback; it has made a huge improvement in my life.”
“I am so glad that I found Elisha and FCCW! As a parent, we always want to do what’s best for our kids and at times, we are unsure of what that may be. My son struggled with focus, impulsivity, hyperactivity, emotional dysregulation, and anxiety. We had done the medication and therapy route and just were not getting the results we had hoped. His symptoms were creating difficulty at school, which created depression. I was unwilling to allow my son to just be another ‘label.’ Since starting neurofeedback a couple months ago, his school scores have increased three-fold, he has gained control of his emotions and impulsivity. This has allowed him to utilize the skills he has learned in therapy as he was able to slow down enough to think. Neurofeedback has helped my son immensely. ”