Brainwave Training
Neurofeedback
Long-Lasting Relief
What is neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that trains individuals to self-regulate their brain activity. It is a non-invasive process where sensors (typically EEG electrodes) are placed on the scalp to measure brainwave activity (e.g., Alpha, Beta, Theta, Delta).
Neurofeedback directly addresses the neurological dysregulation that underlies many psychological symptoms. Branches uses the BrainPaint Neurofeedback System, which provides real-time audio and visual feedback, using dynamic fractal images, to encourage the brain to achieve a more balanced state.
Many psychological issues stem from an imbalanced nervous system. The BrainPaint system is rooted in computerized, evidence-based neurofeedback protocols derived from clinical research, most notably those studied at UCLA for conditions like PTSD and addiction.
Hyper-arousal (Over-activation): Neurofeedback trains the brain to reduce excessive fast wave activity, which is associated with anxiety, panic, hyper-vigilance, and impulsivity. Clients learn to move out of the "fight, flight, or freeze" state more easily, leading to significant reductions in general anxiety and stress.
Hypo-arousal (Under-activation): Neurofeedback can train the brain to increase functional wave activity which is associated with depression, poor focus, and chronic fatigue.
Over multiple sessions, the brain learns through operant conditioning to naturally shift its activity towards the more functional, balanced state associated with the positive feedback. This can lead to lasting improvements in regulation, attention, mood, and cognitive function.
What does a typical neurofeedback session look like?
During your first neurofeedback session there will be an intake interview to come up with an individualized protocol tailored for you. Your provider will then put sensors on your ears and scalp. It doesn’t hurt and nothing goes into your brain. The sensors only pick up the electrical activity coming from your brainwaves.
Depending on your protocols you may either receive feedback with your eyes closed (auditory only) or with your eyes open (auditory and visual). When eyes are open, you watch the fractals morphing on the screen. Sessions last between 30-45 minutes, with 2-3 sensor placement changes.
In subsequent sessions you will be asked about six questions to fine tune your protocols and to track your progress.
How does neurofeedback reduce ADHD symptoms?
Neurofeedback directly targets the neurological underpinnings of ADHD symptoms, leading to functional improvements.
1. Improved Attention and Focus
By increasing Beta waves (the "focus" state), the client's brain is trained to be more engaged and alert, making it easier to sustain attention on tasks and reduce distractibility.
2. Reduced Impulsivity
The training helps normalize activity in the frontal regions of the brain, which are heavily involved in inhibitory control. This improved regulation translates to better self-control, reduced impulsive behaviors, and more thoughtful decision-making.
3. Decreased Hyperactivity
Neurofeedback can help the client achieve a more regulated and stable state of arousal. This often results in a measurable reduction in motor activity, restlessness, and the subjective feeling of being "on edge."
4. Long-Term Skill Acquisition
Neurofeedback is often described as a form of "exercise" for the brain. The brain is learning a new self-regulatory skill that is based on neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize itself. Because the training establishes new neural pathways, the benefits typically persist long after the sessions are completed, without the need for continuous treatment.
Neurofeedback is often used as a non-pharmacological, or adjunctive, treatment for both children and adults with ADHD, helping to manage symptoms and improve executive function skills.
How does neurofeedback enhance psychotherapy?
What conditions can neurofeedback help with?
The strongest and most consistent evidence for neurofeedback is often cited in the treatment of:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): This is one of the most studied applications. Neurofeedback aims to help regulate brainwave patterns associated with attention and impulse control, with research suggesting long-lasting effects comparable to medication in some studies.
Other conditions and areas where neurofeedback is commonly used and has shown promise include:
Anxiety Disorders: Including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic attacks. It helps train the brain to produce calmer brainwave patterns.
Depression: Used to help regulate mood and reduce symptoms by balancing brain activity patterns (like those related to the right and left frontal regions).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma: To help stabilize the brain and reduce symptoms like hypervigilance, emotional dysregulation, and sleep issues.
Insomnia and Sleep Problems: By training the brain to regulate the brainwave frequencies associated with sleep onset and maintenance.
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders: Used to help make the brain more resistant to seizures, particularly when medication is ineffective.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Concussion: To help the brain recover and restore healthier patterns disrupted by the injury.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): May help with symptoms like attention problems, hyperactivity, emotional regulation, and communication.
Migraines and Chronic Pain: Explored as a way to modulate pain perception and reduce headache frequency/intensity.Other Applications
Addictions/Substance Use Disorder: As a complementary therapy to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Used to address brain dysregulation linked to OCD symptoms.
Peak Performance: Some athletes, artists, and business executives use neurofeedback to enhance focus, cognitive function, and mental clarity.
Stress Management: Helps individuals learn self-regulation techniques to reduce stress and its physical symptoms.
Neurofeedback directly targets the nervous system, making it easier for clients to engage with and benefit from talk therapy.
Increased Emotional Regulation: By training the brain to reduce over-arousal (often associated with high-frequency Beta waves) or under-arousal (excessive Theta), NF can help clients move out of the "fight, flight, or freeze" state. This creates a "window of tolerance" that is wider and more stable.
Improved Focus and Cognitive Flexibility: Clients with better self-regulation are more able to process, reflect on, and integrate therapeutic insights. They can hold complex thoughts and memories without becoming overwhelmed.
Reduced Symptoms: As symptoms like anxiety, rumination, and restlessness decrease, the client has more mental and emotional energy available to focus on the psychological work of therapy.
How does neurofeedback accelerate trauma processing?
Trauma often leaves a lasting imprint of dysregulation in the brain and body. Neurofeedback works directly on this physical imprint, supporting the body-up approach often needed for trauma resolution.
Directly Calming the Limbic System: Specific NF protocols can target areas like the amygdala (via surface electrode placements) to dampen hyper-vigilance and the constant sense of threat experienced by trauma survivors.
Bridging the Body-Mind Gap: Trauma is stored somatically (in the body). By teaching the brain to regulate its own state, NF provides a physiological foundation that supports the effectiveness of somatic therapies (like Somatic Experiencing) and EMDR. The client is less likely to dissociate or become flooded (abreaction) during reprocessing.
Strengthening Executive Function: For clients whose trauma has impacted their ability to plan, inhibit impulses, or manage emotional outbursts, NF can strengthen prefrontal cortex activity, allowing for better self-control and thoughtful response patterns in therapy and daily life.
How does neurofeedback optimize Athletic Performance?
Neurofeedback for sports teams trains brainwaves to improve focus, reaction time, emotional control, and resilience, helping athletes access the "flow state" for peak performance, with famous users like the Canadian Olympic Ski Team, AC Milan, and Real Madrid citing benefits like better stress management, faster reflexes, and improved mental toughness in sports like soccer, golf, volleyball, and shooting.
How it works
Brainwave Training: Athletes wear sensors (like EEG caps) that monitor brainwave activity.
Real-time Feedback: A computer system provides immediate feedback (visual or auditory) when the brain produces desired patterns (e.g., for focus) or inhibits undesired ones (e.g., for anxiety).
Self-Regulation: This process teaches the brain to self-regulate, leading to improved concentration, faster reflexes, and better emotional control.
Key benefits for athletes
Enhanced Focus & Concentration: Helps athletes stay present and block distractions.
Improved Reaction Time: Shown to decrease reaction times in sports like judo and archery.
Stress & Anxiety Reduction: Teaches calm responses in high-pressure situations, enhancing mental resilience.
Accessing "The Zone": Facilitates entering a flow state for optimal performance.
Better Recovery & Sleep: Aids in achieving deeper relaxation.
Mental Toughness: Builds confidence and ability to handle setbacks.
How many sessions will I need?
1. Initial Stabilization (Sessions 1-10) Many individuals begin noticing subtle changes in this phase, often related to emotional state or sleep. Small changes in symptoms like feeling calmer, having improved sleep quality, or experiencing a slight increase in focus. This period is critical for the practitioner to fine-tune the training protocols based on your brain's unique response. For some, changes are noticeable after just 3 to 5 sessions.
2. Active Improvement (Sessions 11-20) Significant, more substantial improvements usually emerge during this phase. Substantial symptom reduction in the primary target areas (e.g., reduced anxiety, less hyperactivity, improved focus). Enhanced cognitive function, mood stability, and better self-regulation. The brain is actively consolidating the new, healthier neural pathways.
3. Integration and Optimization (Sessions 20+) The total number often lands between 20 and 40 sessions for lasting change. For very complex issues, it can be higher (40+). Consolidation of gains and long-term stability of the new patterns. The focus shifts to integrating the changes into daily life and building resilience to stress. Once goals are met, the frequency of sessions is typically tapered down before stopping, to ensure the brain maintains the learning.
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