Neurofeedback Frequently Asked Questions

Many neurological and mental health issues are caused by irregular brainwave patterns. Neurofeedback works because it does not directly target specific conditions or symptoms: it corrects irregular brainwaves and modifies timing patterns in the brain. Through multiple training sessions, the brain is re-trained to make normal, balanced patterns, leading to overall improvement in brain self-regulation which positively impacts a wide variety of symptoms.

Absolutely not! Neurofeedback is safe because it is non-invasive, requires no drugs, and does not produce any radiation or electric current into your brain. The goal of neurofeedback is simply to identify irregular brainwave patterns and provide subtle visual and auditory feedback. With multiple sessions, the brain learns to self-regulate naturally.

No. Neurofeedback does not require anything more than your active engagement for 30 minutes per session. In fact, as your brain learns to self-regulate across successful sessions, many patients work with their physician to gradually reduce or eliminate medications.

Absolutely not! A QEEG brain map is simply a surface reading of electrical activity on your scalp. We fit a comfortable cap with 19 passive sensors using water-soluble conductive paste. There are no shocks, no pain, and no discomfort. All you do is sit comfortably while data is recorded for 6 minutes with eyes open and 6 minutes with eyes closed.

Neurofeedback has been researched and utilized since the 1950s. However, it is only in recent years with advancements in digital computing and quantitative EEG technology that neurofeedback moved from specialized university laboratories into clinical practice.

Your brain produces four primary types of brainwaves: Beta, Alpha, Theta, and Delta. Beta is active during alert awake states. Alpha dominates relaxed states when your eyes are closed. Theta is present during deep relaxation or just before falling asleep. Delta is primary during deep sleep. Neurological symptoms occur when brainwaves become unbalanced—for instance, producing excessive slow Theta activity when trying to focus, or excessive fast Beta activity when trying to sleep. Retraining these patterns restores balance.

Each individual training session usually lasts 30 minutes.

During a session, you sit comfortably while watching a video or movie of your choice while sensors monitor your scalp signals. When your brain produces target healthy frequencies, the video plays smoothly and bright. If your brainwaves drift into dysregulation, the screen dims slightly. This subtle visual and auditory feedback guides your brain back into optimal ranges. Over repeated sessions, your brain creates permanent new neural pathways.

Results vary based on individual factors such as overall health, stress levels, diet, and the duration or severity of the condition. Some patients notice subtle improvements in sleep or mood within a few sessions, while more complex conditions require 20 to 30 sessions for noticeable, lasting changes. Stay focused on the long-term goal of total brain self-regulation.

The changes achieved through neurofeedback are long-lasting because the brain physically builds new neural connections through neuroplasticity. Follow-up studies by researchers such as Dr. Joel Lubar at the University of Tennessee showed that ADD patients sustained their neurofeedback improvements for 10 to 20+ years post-training.

Yes. You can safely start neurofeedback while taking your prescribed medications. As your brain function improves and becomes more efficient, your prescribing physician may evaluate whether to gradually taper or adjust your medication dosages.

Because neurofeedback makes subtle adjustments to brainwave activity, temporary fatigue or mild headaches can occasionally occur if a protocol is unsuited to your state. However, because sessions are carefully monitored by our board-certified clinical team, protocols are immediately adjusted to ensure safe, comfortable progress.

Yes! Individuals with ADD/ADHD frequently display elevated slow Theta brainwaves and reduced fast Beta activity in frontal focus networks. Neurofeedback trains the brain to lower Theta and boost Beta activity, significantly reducing ADHD symptoms and improving executive focus naturally.

Neurofeedback is backed by decades of scientific literature and thousands of peer-reviewed published studies. Organizations like the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) and the AAPB maintain extensive bibliographies supporting neurofeedback for ADHD, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and trauma.