Neurotherapy and Neurofeedback Training | Brainwaves Psychology & Nuerotherapy Services

Neurotherapy &
Neurofeedback Training

Neurotherapy refers to many different and related methods
for improving brainwave activity.  At Brainwaves we offer
neurofeedback training (also known as EEG biofeedback).

WHY NEUROFEEDBACK?

Engaging Neuronal Activity 

Neurofeedback works by altering some aspect of neural functioning.  In a similar way to embarking on a physical exercise regimen, or learning a new skill, neurofeedback training works to engage the neuronal activity in the brain.  Neurofeedback training is safe and non-invasive, this intervention has been able to achieve results that previously only drugs were able to achieve, without the side-effects. Follow-up research continues to show that gains are sustained once achieved and are maintained after training is completed.  

Neurofeedback training is an important therapeutic intervention offered here at Brainwaves Psychology and Neurotherapy Services, supported by a variety of psychotherapeutic interventions.

WHY IS IT SAFE & NON-INVASIVE?

It's Like Listening to Your Heart

Nothing goes into the brain, neurofeedback training is only a process of listening and recording the brain’s activity to allow us to understand what is going on for each client.  It is very similar to listening to how your heart is beating with a stethoscope, the doctor can tell if it is beating irregular, in a similar way a neurotherapist can tell if the different brainwave frequencies are within a healthy range, (firing at the right rates), and linking with other brain areas to process information efficiently.

Neurofeedback Training for the Brain

Training for the Brain

This training achieves greater brain regulation and can result in improved symptoms, behaviours and functioning. Using neurofeedback training with our clients we are able to help many individuals achieve various amounts of relief from their often debilitating symptoms, or disorders.

Effective Treatment

When applied appropriately neurofeedback has been found to lead to clinical improvements in several mental health disorders. Reviews have rated highly the effectiveness of neurofeedback for anxiety reduction, attention disorders, chronic pain, epilepsy and headaches (Yucha & Montgomery, 2008).

Reducing Symptoms

Generally neurofeedback training cannot be considered “a cure” however it can reduce negative or problematic symptoms and increase or improve functioning where deficits exist.  How much the symptoms will be reduced or the amount of increased functioning will vary for each individual.

What is happening during Neurofeedback training?

“Neurofeedback, also called brainwave biofeedback, is a treatment to normalise and optimise brain functioning. Brainwave activity is monitored, electronically, from electrodes placed on the scalp. The neurotherapist sets conditions that let the client know when brainwave activity is moving in the desired direction.  For example: 
the client may hear a positive tone when the brain is producing calming brainwaves. 
Or a bug move more quickly on the computer monitor when brainwaves related to poor focus become weaker. 
These biofeedback procedures move the brain toward efficient functioning.” (Swingle, 2010, p, 2.)
This process of training the brain is similar to that of a person learning to ride a bike, at first it is difficult, many things have to become coordinated and mastered.  But with repetition and practice, all of the skills needed to stay upright and control the bike develop and become second nature, we don’t forget them even if we have not ridden a bike for some time.  This process is also true for neurofeedback training, once the brain learns to work more effectively it remembers.

Brainwaves
Nuerotherapy - mind regeneration, growth and change

"The mind is capable of astounding regeneration, growth and change"

WHAT IS BIOFEEDBACK?

Improved Health & Increased Performance

Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. An instrument measures physiological activity such as heart rate or brainwaves, breathing, skin temperature, etc, then these instruments feedback information to the user which enable them to implement desired physiological changes. Over time these changes can endure without continued use of the instrument. 

Neurofeedback training combines EEG technology and the principles of biofeedback.  This combination allows us to view not only the symptom, but the underlying cause of the problem and change that. 

Neurofeedback Training

What's involved in neurofeedback training?

An initial consultation will be undertaken to first understand your situation and develop a psychological and neurotherapy treatment plan.

Targeted Training Exercises

Training targets brain dysregulation, either over or under-arousal and hypo or hyper-connectivity.

For this process the client sits in a very comfortable armchair semi-reclined and watches their own computer screen, and plays a special neurotherapy game or advances to training by watching a movie.  The neurotherapist is monitoring the training and gradually increases the difficulty as the client masters the training.  This way the client’s brain is continually being challenged to work harder towards achieving their goals.

 

Neurofeedback has the capacity to restore brain efficiency and begin to optimise personal and behavioural performance. This is achieved using the principles of operant and classical conditioning. By addressing ways the brain has become stuck and operating at a non-optimal manner, neurofeedback can help a person learn self-regulation skills and achieve a more normal way of functioning.

Connecting
During your neurotherapy treatment one or two small sensors are placed on your head and two on your ears. The sensors are attached to a device that picks up micro-signals from your scalp. This signal is then processed via a computer which presents these as different frequency bands on the computer screen of the neurotherapist. Some frequencies will be encouraged to increase (those related to focus and relaxation) and others to decrease (those associated with poor focus, anxiety, impulsiveness, etc.) by
 
setting individual protocols/challenges in the computer program for each client to achieve. The neurofeedback program rewards the brain for making more of the desired frequencies and less of the undesired ones by producing an auditory ‘beep’ and a visual reward i.e. a space ship going faster, or a picture becoming clearer on the screen. This allows the brain to gradually ‘learn’ how to work better, as the brain seeks the visual rewards.

Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you

How to make contact

Please feel free to call for a friendly chat about your current situation and learn how we can help. 

We offer a private one on one consultation service at our practice located in Rockhampton, Central Queensland. 

To learn more about our treatment options please visit our Treatment page and read our FAQ's.
We look forward to hearing from you. 
Brainwaves
Psychology & Neurotherapy Services

15 Norman Street,
Rockhampton, Queensland  4700


Phone: 0416 155 817
Leave A Message