What Can I Expect in the Process?
How often and how long are the training sessions?
Sessions are typically 2x/week, with at least one day between training sessions. The sessions are 45 minutes or 60 minutes with clinician integrated therapy.
Clients typically start with just 6 minutes of actual brain training time and can work up to 12 or more minutes. That might not sound like a lot – but it’s a hard workout for the brain.
How do you decide how many total training sessions are needed?
That is decided between the clinician and client/parents as we see how the treatment progresses. We look at several points in the data as well as symptom changes and treatment consistency.
If a brain map was completed and we are utilizing a type of neurofeedback called 4-Channel Multivariate Training, it's especially important to be consistent with 2x/week, every week for the first 6-8 sessions (so 3- 4 weeks) to help the learning take hold. With this training method, 12-20 sessions will need to take place for the training to consolidate, while we are also mindful not to overtrain the brain. After the 12-20 sessions, some clients will complete another brain map and have additional training with a new protocol.
If a brain map was not completed, and/or we are completing a form of neurofeedback called Amplitude training, the number of sessions is more variable; however, typically, a minimum of 20 are completed. With this form of treatment, multiple protocols may be utilized simultaneously, and feedback on noticed changes is vital. Clients will work with their clinician to decide on treatment length.
Are there any adverse side effects?
Any adverse feelings or reactions to the actual training, like headaches, tiredness, and irritability, can usually be resolved by adjusting the training protocol/settings, and it is important for you to let us know if you or your child experience any uncomfortable or adverse effects.
What is Brain Mapping Like?
Brain Mapping (or QEEG) is a 20-minute live recording of your brain’s electrical activity. The QEEG gives us data on what is happening throughout the different areas of your brain, all at the same time. We record 10 minutes with your eyes open and 10 minutes with your eyes closed.
The QEEG cap is like a bathing cap but has many sensors inside. It does not hurt to put on, but it can be a bit uncomfortable. It takes about 30 minutes to put on and connect well with each sensor. A gel is used to get these good connections; you’ll need a shower to remove the gel afterward.
Preparation information will be sent to you before your scheduled date, but please feel free to ask questions.
Will myself or my child need more than one QEEG (brain map) & training set?
Not always, but typically several issues bring people in for neurofeedback that can’t all be addressed simultaneously. So, for example, we may be able to work on emotional stability with one QEEG protocol, and then use a second protocol to address issues of focus and attention.
We find the most immediately noticeable changes occur after the first and second QEEG Brain Maps. We sometimes recommend a third QEEG recording, but usually only for complex situations or when indicated by neurofeedback training outcomes. As always, this would be decided upon in discussion with the client/parents.
Is a QEEG always recorded before neurofeedback training begins?
There are many situations where starting with a QEEG and 4 Channel Multivariate Training is not indicated, and amplitude training or ILF training is the recommended treatment of choice. Treatment options will be discussed with you during the assessment process.
Should we be doing anything besides neurofeedback?
Yes! We have learned to live and adapt to our brain's firing patterns and typically develop habits that are streamlined to these patterns. As such, we need to be attentive to changes that are occurring and consciously shift some of these old habits that no longer serve us.
Factors other than neurofeedback can play significant roles in the progress that we see. For teens, parent participation and changes at home/school are almost always indicated. All clients should consider factors like nutrition, conjunctive therapies, and other lifestyle and family changes for treatment to be the most effective. Attending individual counseling, family counseling, occupational therapy, executive functioning coaching, body based therapies and other treatment modalities can be helpful and assist in removing other barriers to change. Your clinician will review suggested adjunctive therapies during your intake session.
What happens if we need to cancel the QEEG or training sessions?
A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to cancel the QEEG or training sessions.
Emergencies will be considered. Please reach out to the office to discuss the situation.
QEEGs canceled with less than 48 hours notice or no show – without a true emergency - will be charged a $250 fee. Please note that insurance companies do not cover canceled sessions.
Training sessions canceled with less than 48 hours notice or no show – without a true emergency – will be charged the session fee. Please note that insurance companies do not cover canceled sessions.
Is there research showing the efficacy of neurofeedback?
Yes – there is extensive research on the effectiveness of neurofeedback. Several websites list research by symptom and diagnosis, we prefer the International Society for Neuroregulation and Research's comprehensive bibliography; however, there are additional resources on the Research page of our website.
I’d like to get started! How do I begin?
Reach out to us via our email, info@anpnj.com, or fill out the contact form below and we'll schedule a call to explore how neurofeedback can benefit you or your child.