When discussing Neurofeedback (NFB), it’s essential to first understand Biofeedback. Identified by Neil Miller in the early 1950s, Biofeedback is a learning technique that uses medical instruments to provide immediate feedback on the autonomic nervous system. Dr. Miller demonstrated that once a person is aware of their body’s functions, they can change them with proper guidance. Instruments such as thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, devices that measure skin conductivity, respiratory meters, ECGs, or EEGs can all serve as Biofeedback tools.
In Neurofeedback, an EEG machine records brain activity and sends the data to a computer, which then presents the results to the client in a game-like format. This process enables a person to learn to control and regulate various internal processes—such as blood pressure, temperature, or respiration—by understanding the brain’s electrical activity.
But what does this mean for an individual? The core goal of NFB is self-regulation, which is a broad and powerful objective. It affects sleep, energy levels, social interactions, concentration, emotional balance, physical reactions (such as pain management), and hypersensitivities. Each of these areas is governed by different regions of the brain, and improvements in one area can positively affect another. NFB practitioners look at aspects like sleep quality, memory, attention, emotional stability, and sensory sensitivity to determine how to guide the brain toward optimal function.
A common misconception is that NFB “cures” problems. It doesn’t. Instead, it helps the brain function more efficiently, which can have widespread benefits. When someone is trained to improve concentration, for example, their emotional stability and behavior often improve as well, even if that wasn’t the primary focus. Similarly, reducing hyperactivity can enhance sleep quality. If someone seeks relief from chronic pain, their anxiety might improve as a side effect of the training, even if anxiety wasn’t a concern.
NFB is comparable to a well-rounded exercise program. You might start an exercise routine for one reason, like losing weight, but it also improves stamina, heart health, cholesterol levels, and muscle tone. Likewise, while NFB might not directly lead to weight loss or help someone quit smoking, it can help regulate mood. This, in turn, makes those habits more manageable because they no longer serve a stabilizing role for the person.
NFB won’t automatically improve a child’s grades at school, but it can enhance concentration, focus, organization, and self-regulation, making it easier for them to succeed academically if they are motivated to do so.
An ideal candidate for Neurofeedback is someone who wants to remain calm under stress, improve their concentration, sleep better, and handle tasks efficiently without becoming overwhelmed. Essentially, it’s for people seeking greater ease and balance in self-regulation.
If you or someone you know works with highly stressed, type-A individuals, people struggling with organization and focus, or those dealing with emotional regulation challenges, my husband and I are eager to connect. We’re particularly interested in connecting with professionals such as counselors, doctors, massage therapists, exercise and yoga instructors, school principals, and spiritual counselors.
