Will neurofeedback last forever?
Neurofeedback is like teaching someone to read. You can never NOT know how to read again unless some drastic situation arises (i.e., stroke or traumatic brain injury).
You may want to take some additional refresher courses if you are not consciously using the techniques you have learned.
Does it work for everyone?
The majority of the individuals using NF do find benefit
in this training technique. The degree of benefit changes depending
on the presenting problems, the expectations of the individual or
family and the environment in which the person lives.
Can I eliminate my medication?
With the assistance of your physician it is possible to decrease
medication. Many times for depression, SSRI's can be eliminated entirely.
It has been found that blood pressure medication may also be decreased
however with all medication it is only under the supervision of a
medical doctor that any changes in medication should occur.
Should I continue to see my psychologist?
Many people find comfort in continuing to see their clinical psychologist,
counselor or therapist through out the feedback protocol, this is
preferable to our office. We can recommend a counselor for the
family to assist in developing new family patterns as the individual
learns new cognitive strategies if you do not currently have a psychologist.
Is it dangerous to change someone's brain?
In a healthy brain, cortical activity is always present
at all times. It is the intensity or strength of the activity at specific
frequency levels that are what create behaviors that are called abnormal
or are disrupting to an individual. Therefore, helping someone control
the intensity of specific frequencies within the brain is not harmful.
It is recommended that the participant does NF training under the
supervision of a trained technician.
Does electrical activity go into the brain during NF?
No, the EEG sensors are placed on the scalp with the conductive paste to “read” the activity under the
scalp. It is then processed through a device called a “ProComp”© and mathematical calculations are computed to develop a picture of this activity.
This is then processed again through specific software to create feedback in both a visual and auditory format for the brain to respond to during a session.
Can Anyone become a NF technician?
Although it is possible for anyone to learn the process of neurofeedback
training it is mainly the healthcare professionals that are the trained
technicians. This includes Psychologists, Nurses, Occupational
Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Medical
Doctors and Special Education Teachers.
