Neurofeedback

If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration — Nikola Tesla

Neurofeedback is a safe, non-invasive method of training your brain to function more efficiently. By monitoring your brain's activity in real time, it provides feedback to help your brain "learn" how to self-regulate and optimize its performance. This brain training leverages neuroplasticity, the brain’s natural ability to adapt and form new neural connections. Neurofeedback strengthens healthy brain functioning, compensates for imbalances, and improves flexibility—helping you achieve better emotional regulation, mental clarity, focus, and overall well-being. 

Many of the mental, emotional, and physical challenges we experience, like anxiety, ADHD, depression, or sleep disorders, stem from difficulties in regulating our nervous system. Neurofeedback helps the brain improve its self-regulation at a deep, neuronal level, creating lasting changes that lead to a healthier mind and body.

How it Works

Neurofeedback involves monitoring brainwave activity using sensors placed on your scalp, usually in a process known as electroencephalography (EEG). This information is then processed by specialized software that gives real-time visual or auditory feedback. The feedback is often presented in the form of a simple computer game or sound cues.

As you play the game, your brain adjusts its activity to receive positive feedback, creating a loop of learning and reinforcement. The brain unconsciously “learns” to shift its activity toward healthier patterns, improving overall regulation. Neurofeedback doesn’t directly "force" the brain to change but provides it with the information it needs to adjust and optimize its own function.

Neuroplasticity's Role

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s remarkable ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Throughout life, the brain continuously changes in response to experiences, learning, and even injuries. Neurofeedback harnesses this natural adaptability to encourage the brain to shift away from dysfunctional patterns and toward healthier, more balanced activity.

This process can improve your brain’s flexibility—its ability to adapt to different situations and switch between relaxation and focus as needed. With improved flexibility, many people find that they can respond to stress more calmly, focus more easily, and maintain a balanced mood.

How does it Compare?

Unlike medications that often target symptoms, neurofeedback works on the root cause: the brain’s underlying patterns. It is non-invasive, drug-free, and doesn’t carry the risk of side effects that medications sometimes do. Neurofeedback helps the brain learn to regulate itself, which can lead to longer-lasting improvements.

While it doesn’t replace all other treatments, it can be used both as a stand-alone treatment or as an effective complement to therapies such as talk therapy, Deep Brain Reorienting, or mindfulness practices. Many people who are on medication for anxiety, depression, or ADHD find that they can reduce or eliminate their medication under a doctor's supervision after completing neurofeedback training. Through our attuned approach, we also customize your neurofeedback protocol, targeting specific brain functions and your distinct needs.

What Conditions Can Neurofeedback Help With?

Because neurofeedback trains the brain’s core regulatory functions, it can be effective for a wide variety of conditions, including:

  • Anxiety: Helps reduce chronic stress, excessive worry, and panic attacks by training the brain to maintain a calmer state.
  • ADHD/ADD: Improves focus, attention, and impulse control, often reducing the need for medication.
  • Depression: Helps the brain regulate mood, offering relief from chronic low energy and negative thoughts.
  • PTSD and Trauma: Supports the brain in moving out of survival mode, decreasing hypervigilance and emotional reactivity.
  • Sleep Disorders: Improves the brain's ability to regulate sleep cycles, reducing insomnia and improving sleep quality.
  • Cognitive Issues: Boosts memory, focus, and mental clarity for those experiencing brain fog or cognitive decline.
  • Addiction Recovery: Supports healthier brain function, reducing cravings and enhancing emotional regulation during recovery.
  • Chronic Pain and Fatigue: Promotes better brain-body communication, helping to reduce physical pain and increase energy levels.
  • Concussions and Brain Injury: Neurofeedback is effective for individuals recovering from concussions or other forms of brain injury. By helping the brain reorganize and heal from trauma, neurofeedback can improve symptoms like headaches, cognitive difficulties, dizziness, and emotional instability.

What Conditions Can Neurofeedback Help With?

Because neurofeedback trains the brain’s core regulatory functions, it can be effective for a wide variety of conditions, including:

  • Anxiety: Helps reduce chronic stress, excessive worry, and panic attacks by training the brain to maintain a calmer state.
  • ADHD/ADD: Improves focus, attention, and impulse control, often reducing the need for medication.
  • Depression: Helps the brain regulate mood, offering relief from chronic low energy and negative thoughts.
  • PTSD and Trauma: Supports the brain in moving out of survival mode, decreasing hypervigilance and emotional reactivity.
  • Sleep Disorders: Improves the brain's ability to regulate sleep cycles, reducing insomnia and improving sleep quality.
  • Cognitive Issues: Boosts memory, focus, and mental clarity for those experiencing brain fog or cognitive decline.
  • Addiction Recovery: Supports healthier brain function, reducing cravings and enhancing emotional regulation during recovery.
  • Chronic Pain and Fatigue: Promotes better brain-body communication, helping to reduce physical pain and increase energy levels.
  • Concussions and Brain Injury: Neurofeedback is effective for individuals recovering from concussions or other forms of brain injury. By helping the brain reorganize and heal from trauma, neurofeedback can improve symptoms like headaches, cognitive difficulties, dizziness, and emotional instability.

Different Forms of Neurofeedback at ANPNJ

As part of our attuned approach, we recognize that individuals may respond best to different forms of neurofeedback. Through continuous learning and consultation, Dr. Goldberg and Leanne stay informed on the latest research to ensure the highest quality of care. At ANPNJ, we utilize three primary forms of neurofeedback tailored to meet your unique needs. 

Infra-Low Frequency Training (ILF)

4 Channel Coherence Training

1. Assessment

Before starting neurofeedback, your clinician will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your goals and symptoms. This may include a brain mapping session (also known as a qEEG) where the electrical activity of your brain is recorded to identify areas of dysregulation or imbalance. Based on the assessment, your neurofeedback protocol will be customized to target specific areas of brain functioning.

2. Sensor Placement

During a session, sensors are placed on your scalp and ears to measure brainwave activity. These sensors are entirely passive, meaning they only record activity and do not send any electrical impulses to the brain.

3. Real-Time Feedback

You will engage with a visual or auditory stimulus, like watching a video game or listening to sounds. As the sensors monitor your brainwaves, you receive instant feedback. For example, in a video game format, your brain’s performance controls elements of the game: the better your brain regulates its activity, the more positively the game responds, reinforcing optimal brain function.

4. Brain Training

Over repeated sessions, your brain learns to adjust its activity based on this feedback. Because the process works at a subconscious level, you won’t need to actively think about how to change your brain patterns—the feedback loop does the work. Over time, this leads to lasting improvements in how your brain functions day-to-day.

When Will I See Results?

Each person is different, and the speed at which you notice results can vary. Some individuals begin to feel improvements in as few as 5-8 sessions, while for more complex conditions, it may take longer to see significant changes. Patience is key as neurofeedback builds gradual, lasting shifts in brain activity over time.

Neurofeedback offers a powerful, non-invasive way to improve mental and emotional well-being by training your brain to work more effectively. Whether you’re dealing with specific challenges or simply looking to optimize your mental performance, neurofeedback provides a unique, science-backed method to help your brain—and your life—function at its best.

If you are interested in neurofeedback at ANPNJ, fill out the contact form listed here, or email us at info@anpnj.com