Neurofeedback therapy, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a type of biofeedback that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation of brain function.

The goal is to help individuals normalize irregular brain wave patterns associated with symptoms of various disorders.

During a neurofeedback session, small sensors are painlessly attached to the scalp to measure the electrical activity from the brain in the form of brainwaves.

This activity is displayed on a computer screen, often in the form of a video game that responds to the feedback from the client's brain waves.

When brain wave patterns shift in the direction that promotes more regulated brain function and desirable states, the video games proceed smoothly.

This real-time feedback from the brain allows clients to see the immediate results of their efforts to shift their brain wave patterns. Over multiple training sessions, clients can learn to exercise control over these patterns of activity in the brain.

Applications of Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback has been explored as a treatment option for a variety of mental and behavioral disorders that are characterized by dysfunctional neural activity or connectivity. Some of the conditions neurofeedback has been studied for include:

ADHD - Neurofeedback is one of the most widely used biofeedback approaches for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Studies show neurofeedback can help normalize abnormal EEG patterns and improve inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Anxiety - Research indicates EEG biofeedback can significantly reduce anxiety levels by helping clients achieve a more relaxed yet focused mental state through the regulation of brain waves.
Depression - Depressed individuals often exhibit brain wave irregularities. Neurofeedback aims to help clients normalize EEG patterns associated with healthy moods and emotions.
Epilepsy - By training the brain to inhibit and control seizure-related neural firing, some research shows neurofeedback can reduce seizure occurrence in patients with epilepsy.
Chronic Pain - Neurofeedback may alter brain activity in ways that help raise pain thresholds and alleviate discomfort from chronic pain conditions.
Sleep Disorders - Refining slow wave activity during sleep is one neurofeedback approach used to treat sleep conditions like insomnia.
Autism Spectrum Disorders - Neurofeedback has been used to decrease EEG abnormalities in autistic patients and improve communication, sociability, and behavior.
Peak Performance Training - Fine-tuning brain waves can help achieve exceptional states of body and mind, explaining the use of neurofeedback in high-performance contexts like sports or the performing arts.

How Neurofeedback Training Works

Neurofeedback technology works by providing micro moment-to-micro moment feedback to teach clients how to shape and normalize brain wave frequencies associated with symptoms of their condition.

Some of the basic brain wave patterns measured and fed back to patients include:

Delta waves – Indicative of deep sleep. Neurofeedback may reinforce enhanced delta production to address sleep disorders.
Theta waves – Associated with REM sleep and creativity. Neurofeedback could strengthen theta waves to reduce anxiety or improve mental flexibility.
Alpha waves – Correlated to being awake but relaxed and less distractible. Alpha reinforcement is used for pain management and improved learning or focus.
Beta waves – Related to active concentration, cognition, and alertness. Increased beta waves may boost attention while inhibiting beta reduces anxiety.
Gamma waves – Associated with memory, perception, and problem-solving. Gamma-based neurofeedback is explored for memory enhancement.
The process usually involves multiple 30-60 minute sessions of watching real-time video or listening to audio feedback on brain wave activity while learning to control those patterns at will. With practice, normalized brain states start to become more automatic outside of sessions as well.

Who Can Provide Neurofeedback Therapy

Neurofeedback therapy requires specialized training and certification beyond a standard psychology, counseling, or healthcare license.

There are a few different backgrounds that provide the proper training for neurofeedback practitioners.

These include psychiatrists, neurologists, neuropsychologists, physicians, nurse practitioners, or other master's level clinicians who pursue additional education in the theory and clinical skills of neurofeedback.&

They must complete extensive coursework, and supervised practice sessions, pass exams, and fulfill minimum training requirements through accredited biofeedback or neurofeedback certification programs.

Some of the most well-recognized certification bodies include the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) and the EEG & Clinical Neuroscience Society (ECNS). These certifying organizations uphold rigorous standards, ethics policies, and continuing education for credentialed neurofeedback practitioners.

Having one or more of these neurofeedback-specific certifications signifies extensive, up-to-date expertise in utilizing EEG biofeedback equipment, reading brainwave assessments, determining appropriate neurofeedback protocols, and skillfully guiding clients through effective training sessions tailored to diagnose and treat a variety of mental health or neurological conditions.

When Should Someone Start Neurofeedback Therapy

Neurofeedback therapy should be considered when someone is struggling with a disorder that research shows could be helped by normalizing dysfunctional brain patterns. Typically medications, therapy, or other interventions are tried first.

But if symptoms like inattention, anxiety, chronic pain, poor sleep, or depression persist despite conventional treatment, then neurofeedback becomes a viable next option. Getting a QEEG brain map can help determine if abnormal brain waves underlie one's stubborn symptoms.

If irregular activity is revealed, starting neurofeedback therapy makes sense to recalibrate wave patterns for symptom relief. It's most effective to start training brainwaves earlier in life rather than waiting until faulty neural functioning becomes an entrenched issue. Committing to regular neurofeedback early on offers efficient skills for self-managing one's brain and mental health.

Final Thoughts

As brainwave feedback and regulation skills improve, many clients feel labile emotions stabilize, pain ease, focus and sleep quality sharpen, or mood lift, depending on their condition. Research indicates effects can be long-lasting, especially when maintenance sessions are pursued.