| Neurofeedback is an alternative approach to medication for common conditions ranging from Attention Deficit Disorder, to Anxiety & Depression, sleep disturbances, and even substance abuse/addictions. Similar to Biofeedback, which provides insight to one's physiology, Neurofeedback/EEG Biofeedback, helps one balance his/her brain's activity safe and naturally. Imbalances in brainwave activity can lead to common symptoms such as decreased energy & happiness, poor focus & concentration, less sleep per night, the inability to relax, and even how one engages in communication and relationships!
The Neurofeedback Process:
It should include the most comprehensive intake/assessment available in your area, which is the qEEG brain map in most cases. Having a qEEG brain map assessment will outline areas of your brain that are under or over-activated, and provides laser targeted focus for how to set up the Neurofeedback program for training. This is something an online test can't predict with great accuracy based upon subjective reporting symptoms! ****
If your clinician is not offering the qEEG brain map assessment, seek out your own qEEG brain map assessment, and bring them the results, or find a provider that does offer the qEEG brain map assessment, or works with a provider of the qEEG brain map assessment.
Neurofeedback utilizes tiny sensors placed upon one's head to gather brainwave activity below the scalp's surface. This data is converted by the EEG amplifier, and sends data to the computer with the Neurofeedback program. The settings for training are the "protocols" or training parameters based off the qEEG brain mapping assessment. The client sits in front of a computer screen/TV, and when their brain, which is hooked up to the EEG machine and computer does what the Neurofeedback protocol/computer program asks of the user, it "rewards" the client with a sound or animation on the screen. This "feedback" is Operant Conditioning; remember back to Psych 101, where you desire to repeat the action which brought about the reward in this case balancing the brain!
A Word of Caution...
Sadly, there are companies online who are shipping their magical units to your house, and they "ATTEMPT" to teach YOU how to do all this yourself! I don't know about you, but I prefer to have a professional behind the knife for surgery, the drill for dentistry, and a professional clinician behind the computer desk for my Neurofeedback training...
Neurofeedback can be expensive, but there are some insurance companies and flex spending plans now covering the brainwave training and the qEEG brain mapping assessment services. While it may seem like medications may be easier, offering simple co-pays each month, Neurofeedback can be lasting, and offer the individual a sense of accomplishment having "balanced their brain!" I provided Neurofeedback treatment/training/regulation services for several years and found great success with my clients. However, there is one crucial component that some providers are missing the boat on.
The Essential Component of ANY Neurofeedback...
Most clinicians, who also practice Neurofeedback, provide some sort of counseling or therapeutic service. While we are balancing the brain, we need to address the imbalances in the mind as well. Some people don't like to hear this, and ignore the warning signs of stress, burnout, decreased focus, poor sleep, and think that Neurofeedback is going to cure everything. I used to tell my clients that Neurofeedback can be like a tow truck as it can pull you out of the ditch, but if you don't change the way you think, act, and feel on a daily basis, the Neurofeedback training will become useless. Thus, getting back to the questionable online companies offering "train at home" options, how are they accounting for the psychological component to the overall Neurofeedback process? Answer - they aren't, because Neurofeedback costs a great deal of money, and they have figured out a way to capture an audience that is willing to spend great chunks of money (usually $5,000-10,000 big ones) to have the ability to stay home.
To recap: Find a provider that you trust, hopefully certified, or credentialed in the field of healthcare. Second, make sure to have a qEEG brain map assessment completed BEFORE starting any training. If your provider doesn't know about qEEG brain mapping, send them here, or to www.qeegwisconsin.com, and you or them can learn about the qEEG mapping process, what it looks like, and what you and your provider can learn from the assessment. Lastly, be aware of those offering "too good to be true" offers online to you. Being a doctor doesn't mean anything if they aren't helping you personally. Some spokesperson behind the wheel of a corporation isn't on the phone with you personally, nor are you most likely sitting in his/her office during your sessions. You get what you pay for these days, and in healthcare, that can be a lot or a little depending on many factors.
We hope this has helped you understand the importance of using the qEEG brain mapping assessment for Neurofeedback as well as anybody looking to understand their brain function.
If you are looking for more information on qEEG brain mapping or finding a provider in Wisconsin, feel free to contact us. We can offer you trusted names of qualified professionals in your area if they exist! |
