NEUROFEEDBACK GETS RESULTS FAST
We’re proud of the transformative results we’ve seen through neurofeedback. One mother recently shared her story about her son, who had been so disruptive that he required 1:1 support at a treatment center for severely disturbed children. She said: “Neurofeedback has helped my son gain control over the roller coaster that was his mood and emotions. The significant improvement in his quality of life since starting neurofeedback has made me a believer.” After just 12 sessions, her son transitioned to a regular public school with 1:1 support, and now that additional help is being phased out.
This level of success is fairly common with neurofeedback, particularly for individuals facing challenges with self-regulation. Here’s why:
Neurofeedback is a direct method of training the brain to function more efficiently. By monitoring brain activity in real time, we provide immediate feedback to the individual, rewarding the brain for shifting its activity toward more desirable patterns. This gradual learning process can be applied to any measurable aspect of brain function.
At its core, neurofeedback is about enhancing self-regulation, a key element of optimal brain performance. Improving self-regulation allows the central nervous system to function more effectively, which positively impacts everything from mood stability to cognitive performance.
Self-regulation covers a wide range of brain functions. It influences sleep patterns, energy levels, social interactions, concentration, emotional stability, and even physical responses such as pain management or sensitivity. Because these brain functions are interconnected, improving one area often leads to enhancements in others. Neurofeedback providers focus on all of these elements—sleep, emotional regulation, attention, memory, balance, and more—because they provide valuable insight into how to optimize overall brain function.
One common misconception is that neurofeedback “cures” conditions. It doesn’t. Instead, it helps the brain operate more effectively, which in turn improves other functions, such as emotional regulation and behavior. For instance, training someone to improve their concentration often positively affects emotions and behavior, even if that wasn’t the primary focus. As hyperactivity decreases, sleep typically improves as well. When neurofeedback helps someone manage chronic pain, it frequently addresses underlying anxiety, whether anxiety was a primary concern or not.
In this sense, neurofeedback is much like a well-rounded fitness program. You might start exercising to improve your appearance, but along the way, you’ll notice benefits in stamina, heart health, cholesterol levels, and muscle tone. Similarly, training one area of brain function often yields positive effects across multiple areas.
That said, neurofeedback isn’t a solution for losing weight or quitting smoking. However, if someone is using overeating or smoking as a way to manage their emotions, neurofeedback can help them learn to regulate their mood without relying on those habits. As a result, those behaviors become easier to manage because they’re no longer serving as emotional crutches. Neurofeedback also won’t directly boost a child’s grades, but it can improve their ability to focus, concentrate, stay organized, and sit still, making academic success more attainable.
Who can benefit from neurofeedback? Anyone seeking to stay calm under pressure, sleep better, or manage their daily tasks without feeling overwhelmed. It’s an excellent option for individuals looking to enhance their self-regulation and lead a more balanced, effective life.