Neurofeedback therapy measures the brainwaves of a patient in order to help re-train their brain and alleviate symptoms related to mental and neurological illness. Administered using sound and visuals to stimulate brain activity, neurofeedback sends signals to create desirable and positive brainwave activity. This technology has been used to help patients with a variety of mental and neurological illnesses improve mental wellness and overall wellbeing.
Neurofeedback therapy has been observed to be effective in the relieving of secondary symptoms associated with certain mental and neurological illnesses. Conditions that have been and can be treated using neurofeedback therapy include:
Although a large variety of conditions can be treated using neurofeedback therapy, it is not a cure. It can train the brain for positive frequencies and brainwave activity but cannot eliminate a condition. Any brain regardless of its condition can be trained to function better, however, and where self-regulation is the solution, neurofeedback therapy can offer relief.
When a patient receives neurofeedback therapy, they are having biofeedback applied to their brain for the purpose of training a specific brain function. Neurofeedback utilizes visual and audible elements in conjunction with continuous biofeedback to help inform the individual and reward the brain for appropriate and desirable brainwave patterns. Put simply, neurofeedback therapy teaches the brain to self-regulate.
The process of receiving neurofeedback therapy is fairly simple but does take concentration and time. Electrodes are attached to the scalp of the patient and are used to monitor and measure brainwave activity. Neurofeedback therapists will analyze the observed brainwave activity, identifying positive and negative frequencies. The patient is then shown their brain activity and asked to try to change it.
In order to change brain activity, patients are given something similar to a video game. Continued "playing" will eventually reshape and retrain the brain toward more positive and consistent frequencies. Depending on the condition being treated and the unique needs of each patient, this process may vary slightly, but retraining is the ultimate goal in every case.
A large variety of mental health professionals may be trained and experienced in neurofeedback, including psychologists, counselors, nurses, clinical social workers, medical doctors, rehab specialists and more. Many mental health facilities employ neurofeedback-trained staff whose sole purpose is to administer this specific therapy to patients.
When selecting a neurofeedback therapist, it is important to be sure that they are reputable. A good neurofeedback therapist will be a licensed medical professional, trained in the specific use of neurofeedback tools. Beyond their education, a good neurofeedback therapist will make their patients feel comfortable and be able to explain the process and effects of neurofeedback therapy in a way that their patients can understand.
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