What is Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is an intervention therapy. By using neurofeedback we are “training the brain” to be more calm, alert and regulated. Using an electroencephalogram, or EEG and computer software designed for this purpose, the brain is able to watch it’s own activity in real time. The brain is rewarded when it responds by settling into more regulated and efficient patterns of operation. Basically, it’s operant conditioning for the brain.
Jessica Reed works primarily with children, adolescents and young adults. When kids brains are disregulated and not functioning optimally, various symptoms surface such as anxiety, difficulties with focus, inability to cope with stress and sleep issues. Neurofeedback can help to settle and extinguish these symptoms.
What is it like? Most kids find it very easy and relaxing. We check in at the beginning and I ask questions about how the child or adolescent has been sleeping, feeling emotionally, how able to regulate their behavioral responses and impulses, how focus has been overall, and any other symptoms we are working on shifting. The neurofeedback session itself lasts a half an hour. I use a paste to place electrodes on certain parts of the head, depending on what areas of the brain we are training. The electrodes are like little microphones and pick up information from the brain, nothing is being transmitted into the brain. The person being trained watches a movie while training. The screen changes as the brain is doing different things, this is the “feedback” that the brain is paying attention to and adjusting around. See the links below for a more in-depth explanation.
Other issues the treatment can help include:
- Addiction
- Autism spectrum disorder
- ADHD
- Agression
- Behavior disorders
- Brain injury
- Depression
- Developmental delays
- Emotional reactivity
- Impulsivity
- PTSD
- Substance abuse