Our Therapy

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What is neurofeedback? This is a form of biofeedback, one that focuses on the brainwaves and works to normalize brain activity in ways that optimize function. General biofeedback involves providing feedback to patients about something they may not normally have awareness of, to encourage control and improvement.   Similarly, if we can train a person to calm overly active neurons of the brain, or to speed up brain activity that has slowed more than is healthy, we can improve function. By applying electrodes to the head (externally, there is no invasive aspect to this procedure) and providing feedback on the person’s brain activity, we can train the brainwaves as well.  There are a few different approaches to neurofeedback; in our practice we utilize any one of 5 different methods, or systems, to bring improvement to our patients. The acquisition of all these systems has occurred over time due to our recognition of the fact that individuals respond to neurofeedback methodologies very differently, and it is difficult to predict any one person’s response to each approach. As such, we prefer to have many options, and to find the right match for every patient; there can be a trial-and-error process in this, sometimes.  Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience at some point in our lives. Through counseling and treatment, we are able to help you recover motivation, perspective, and joy that you once had in your life. 

Neuroguide:  The database and programs created by Dr. Robert Thatcher in Neuroguide serve as excellent basis for brain mapping, and also facilitate a masterful program that trains the brain against the means of the peer group, steering the brain away from excessive deviances (whether exceedingly high or low). This brings about improvement in many different areas of function, reduction of anxiety and depression, and enhanced attention. Brainmaster Avatar:  This system can likewise train either against the database, or as “Region of Interest” (ROI) targeting. With the ROI approach, we simply enhance one particular speed of brainwave, perhaps suppressing another, in a particular region of interest. For example, for the patient suffering high anxiety and autonomic activation (“fight-flight” reactions), we can enhance alpha waves (soothing states) in the ROI of the limbic lobe – responsible for emotional and autonomic reactions – and inhibit beta, the faster brainwave. This will usually reduce the autonomic reaction and bring about calming.    

EEG Spectrum: (also referred to as EEGer)  This is a simpler approach, using a maximum of 2 electrodes at a time, targeting only that one region within a particular training session, and boosting amplitude of the bandwidth we wish, while inhibiting the ‘disturbing’ bandwidth. This is similar to the ROI approach in Brainmaster, described above, in that we are not training according to the database, but rather boosting what the patient needs, based on the brain map. Because it is much simpler, this approach tends to be easier on the brain, and we find it particularly effective with children.  

High Performance Neurofeedback (HPN):  This newcomer to the neurofeedback scene was created by Corey Snook, an engineer, to treat seizure conditions by improving the efficacy of neurofeedback. Thus, his system is also very effective at stabilizing brain activity and improving emotional and intellectual thinking. The system has proven itself, and is now widely used in treatment of former NFL players, to treat multiple concussion conditions. It is quick, dynamic, and powerful, but usually not the only NF modality used, since we can get more results with other systems, that might be implemented after HPN.

Hemoencephalographic (HEG):  This retraining of the frontal lobe was developed by Dr. Jeffrey Carmen of Australia. By training on the forehead only through near infrared feedback, this device increases cortical activity and blood flow to the frontal lobes of the brain, causing increase in power of attention and focus. Dr. Carmen's studies also support effectiveness of this approach in the treatment of migraines. When treating attention deficit, it is important we know whether the problem derives from reduced cortical activity in the frontal lobe, or excessive. Both conditions would cause attention deficit and possibly impulsivity, but the treatment approach should address the nature of the problem, at the correct cortical site. For these reasons, obtaining a brain map before we start is always a good idea. Kids will love this treatment since it is gel-free, and usually uses movies as the reward modality.