Neurofeedback and Brain Mapping at Renew Neurotherapy

What is Neurofeedback?

The brain generates electrical signals when neurons fire. The electrical signals are interpreted as brain waves. Brain waves are associated with specific brain functions and states of mind. For the purposes of this explanation, four dominant wave shapes will be reviewed. These include:

Delta: sleep, repair, complex problem solving
Theta: creativity, insight
Alpha: alertness, peacefulness, readiness, meditation
Beta: thinking, focus, sustained attention

Different combinations of waves (involving frequency (Hertz) and strength (amplitude)) can make the brain work more slowly (decreased processing speed) or more quickly (increased processing speed). As may be imagined, both ends of the spectrum can have a negative impact on function. A brain that processes too slowly may result in foggy thoughts, dementia or depression. A brain that processes too quickly may result in anxiety, racing thoughts or poor attention

Neurofeedback is an intervention tool that teaches self-regulation. The process of neurofeedback training teaches what ‘normal’ feels like for you, and helps you learn how to keep your brain running on your ‘normal.’

For example, if you struggle to pay attention, can’t shut off your brain, or fight depression, neurofeedback can teach you what it feels like to focus, to turn off your thoughts, or to overcome feelings of depression. Once your brain learns that ‘feeling,’ additional sessions allow you to practice in order to reinforce and retain the knowledge and to learn to apply it in your daily life.

Brain Map

Brain mapping A brain map (also called Quantitative Electroencephalography, QEEG) is a picture of how your brain works. We know what an average, healthy, functioning brain looks like. This knowledge allows us to measure your brain and compare it to the norms.

Brain Mapping uses a cap with sensors. Electrical signals are recorded and processed by a complex software program and are compared to a database of ‘normal’ brain signatures (a statistical measurement of ‘average’ brain function). If electrical activity is outside normal limits in a specific part of the brain, this suggests that the area may contribute to the presented problem. The pertinent location is compared to the client’s reported symptoms. If there is a match between neuroanatomy and symptom, intervention is indicated.

Your clinician will process the recorded information and compare it to a normative database.

How do I do Neurofeedback?

Cap with sensors used for brainmapping and neurofeedback The same cap used during the brain mapping session is placed on your head. The sensors measure your brain activity in real time. A computer program is set up to read your brain activity and to ‘reward’ your brain when the activity falls into the target range. For example, an individual struggling with anxiety, insomnia and racing thoughts may have a brain that is running too fast in some areas. To combat this, a reward (such as a Pac-Man moving on a video game, a movie that fades in and out, or a tone sounding) is provided every time your brain slows down in the target area. As sessions progress, you will learn how to slow your brain down, even without the ‘reward.’

A re-assessment takes place approximately every fifteen sessions to ensure that recovery is progressing. During each session, your clinician will speak with you to evaluate your progress. The intervention plan will be modified as appropriate to maximize recovery and support your concurrent therapies. If there is no progress, it will be recommended that intervention be discontinued.

Renew Neurotherapy Assessment and Intervention Process

Renew Neurotherapy offers both brain mapping and neurofeedback. We do not begin neurofeedback training unless we have completed both a psychosocial evaluation and a brain map. If at all possible, we wish to collaborate with your current health care team.

Neurofeedback is a partnership

Neurofeedback is a partnership. Your clinician can provide the tools and teach you what your ‘normal’ feels like, but it is your responsibility to set yourself up for success and to apply the knowledge. We know that poor diet, lack of sleep, inconsistent routine and a chaotic environment can impact the way we think and function. As with every other intervention, this translates directly into the effectiveness of neurofeedback sessions.

Where does Neurofeedback take place?

Neurofeedback is typically completed in a clinical setting, as environmental variables are more easily controlled. The equipment, however, is portable and in some cases may be appropriately utilized in the home, school or work environment.

Is Neurofeedback permanent?

Given that neurofeedback is a learning process (the brain learns how to function in alternate patterns), learning appears to be retained once it has been repeated enough times to consolidate into new patterns of function.

What diagnostic groups can neurofeedback help?

Evidence supports the use of neurofeedback to promote symptom improvement in a variety of diagnostic groups. These include:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Brain Injury
Learning Disorders