Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Biofeedback and Neurofeedback?
Biofeedback is the general term for any therapeutic intervention that uses medical equipment to monitor a body function that is otherwise outside of our awareness (a blood pressure cuff, a thermometer, a PET scan are all medical devices that can be used for biofeedback interventions). Neurofeedback specifically refers to biofeedback interventions using brain wave readings (also called an electroencephalogram).
Neurofeedback practitioners have to be much more thoroughly trained than biofeedback practitioners, so there’s a separate board certification for the specialty. All Neurofeedback practitioners are biofeedback practitioners first. Most biofeedback practitioners are not qualified as neurofeedback practitioners. It’s like doing a medical residency in family practice and then going back to become a cardiologist.
What is Neurofeedback used for?
Neurofeedback helps regulate overstressed or underactive brains and is helpful with issues of focus and attention, behavioral issues, sleep concerns, headaches, and emotional issues. PTSD recovery programs that incorporate Neurofeedback have a higher rate of full recovery. Neurofeedback helps the brain work better so that a person feels better.
How does Neurofeedback work?
A medical instrument is used to listen to the electrical firing of a person’s brain; this information goes to a computer where the therapist can see brainwave frequency fluctuation in real-time. Brainwave frequency fluctuation information is processed and given back to the trainee in the form of a game that is only playable when the brain uses preferred frequencies to process information. Over time the brainwave activity is shaped towards more regulation. To view a neurofeedback session, go to YouTube to watch “What is Neurofeedback?” and view other videos concerning specific issues.
Who can provide Neurofeedback training?
Neurofeedback training is usually provided one-on-one by a mental health professional who has been Board Certified in Neurofeedback (BCN) by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance. At Windward Biofeedback Associates Neurofeedback is offered in conjunction with other counseling services such as Biofeedback, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Parent Counseling.
What does the training do? Will I be cured?
Neurofeedback helps the brain to function better, and better brain function equals a happier, calmer, more productive life. Brain regulation issues do not constitute a disease; therefore neurofeedback is not a cure, simply a way of helping you live more completely with fewer concerns. Neurofeedback can be compared to physical fitness training – when a person exercises regularly, overall health, especially blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and energy levels improve. With neurofeedback, focus, organization, mood and performance levels improve.
Is Neurofeedback helpful for returning warriors suffering from combat stress and PTSD, and is there a special program for them?
Yes, Neurofeedback and biofeedback techniques help quiet the brain, improve sleep, and improve concentration. When a person sleeps better, general stress levels go down and a person rarely has flashbacks, rages, or other symptoms of PTSD.
There is a special program for returning warriors. Watch a video about it, read an article about it , and also visit the project’s website, Homecoming4Vererans.org.
Clinicians in this office are proud to be a part of this service.
What is a brainmap and why is it recommended?
Brainmapping (qEEG) measures brain waves at 19 points under several different conditions along with a questionnaire of symptoms experienced. The result is a thorough assessment of brain activity, leading to more efficient training, especially for cognitive issues such as dyslexia and auditory delays. The assessment is essential for some issues. Your therapist will explain this more thoroughly at the free information meeting.
Is it true that some athletes use Neurofeedback and Biofeedback to improve their competitive skills?
Yes, The Canadian Olympic team utilized Neurofeedback and other biofeedback techniques to improve their competitive edge in the 2009 Olympics as part of their project “Top Secret-Own The Podium”. It worked – they aced the Olympics. Neurofeedback helps athletes find and stay in the “zone” and avoid “choking” at crucial points in competition.
How can I learn more about Neurofeedback?
Visit the EEG info website for a good explanation of Neurofeedback. Call us at 808-781-3007 to arrange a free consultation. Check our listings of good books and websites on Neurofeedback.
What research has been done on Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback has been researched extensively for the last 40 years, and has been found to help remediate a wide variety of concerns including anxiety, mood regulation, focus and concentration issues, chronic pain issues, and sleep onset and maintenance issues. For more information on the research, visit the EEG Info website.
How do I get started?
Call Peggy at 808-781-3007, George at 808-781-3008, or Laura at 808-352-3850, or send an e-mail directly from this website windwardbiofeedback@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Will my medical insurance cover Neurofeedback therapy?
Psychotherapy with neurofeedback may be covered by medical insurance provided a DSMV diagnosis is made. Performance and academic enhancement training is not covered by insurance.
A basket case...
“I was a basket case when I first came in . . . . Now…I’m not afraid to go out anymore, and I made all A’s and a B on my report card.”
— A College Student
Calm down and focus…
“It has definitely been amazing …. It’s really helped my sons to calm down and focus. There are no more temper tantrums and my younger son really improved in school.”
— A Parent of Two Boys
Excerpted from a story in Neapolitan Naples Daily News
7/8/2003