What is Neurofeedback?
First, let’s talk about brainwaves.
Our brains are home to millions of nerve cells called neurons, and brainwaves are electrical activity that result from these neurons communicating with each other.
We can measure brainwaves by placing small electrodes on the surface of the scalp and we know that different brainwaves correspond with different psychological states. For example, when we’re asleep or drowsy our brainwaves look different from when we are awake, alert and focused.
Different brainwaves are also associated with psychological symptoms such as anxiety, hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattentiveness, or drowsiness. Excessive fast waves tend to correspond with higher levels of anxiety or hyperactivity and too many slow waves indicate a drop in attention or alertness.
The good news is, we can use neurofeedback to regulate our brainwaves - leading to reductions in psychological symptoms and improved health, wellbeing, and functioning.
How does it work?
Neurofeedback training is a simple, non-invasive method that helps increase or reduce certain brainwaves by measuring brain activity in real-time and rewarding a desired brain state. Our brains naturally seek reward, so it motivates us to get to and stay in the desired state, which over time strengthens our neural pathways.
We’ll attach electrodes to your scalp to allow a live measurement of your brain activity—don’t worry, it’s not painful or invasive in any way. Once you’re ready to go, you’ll play a computer simulation that offers visual and auditory feedback when your brain reaches the desired state.
How can neurofeedback benefit me?
If you struggle with symptoms such as anxiety, depressed mood, poor concentration, impulsivity, hyperactivity, fatigue, or even chronic pain - neurofeedback can help. Together, we can train your brain to better regulate your brainwaves to reduce the impact of these symptoms on your life.