NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Brain Training
NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Brain Training in “simple” terms is a way to help you manage your brain’s functions. In a session, you are fitted with two tiny sensors on your head and ear clips that monitor your brain waves – like an EKG monitors your heart. This particular NeuroFeedback equipment is actually an FDA approved health and wellness device.
Here’s a short video which shows – in 3 minutes – the power of NeuroFeedback training for children and adolescents. It really is remarkable.
Then you get to sit back and relax! Yes, it’s very meditative. Even kids can benefit from this type of therapy. You can then close your eyes and tune out, watch a relaxing videoscape, or listen to music. You’ll notice music pausing every so often. This happens when the sensors note your brain “drifting” and gently guides you back on track. In essence, helping your brain re-organize itself so that it can perform at its top level.
Common Questions About NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Brain Training
Wanting to start brain training, but have a few questions? Check out our FAQs on NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Brain Training below, and consider setting up a consultation! Click here to contact us.
According to www.NeurOptimal.com, NeurOptimal® neurofeedback is Dynamical Neurofeedback®. Dynamical Neurofeedback® is a technology developed by Zengar® Institute.
According to www.NeurOptimal.com, instead of a trainer providing specific protocols, in Dynamical Neurofeedback®, the trainer does not interfere with the process. NeurOptimal® is designed to support the brain’s natural learning processes by encouraging the brain to function as originally designed, thus the brain makes changes by itself, without interference from a trainer. The result is increased flexibility and resilience in the brain. Brain flexibility or (neuroplasticity) allows the brain to change maladaptive patterns that are inhibiting optimal brain function. In other words, it can help your brain become more flexible, allowing you to see positive changes in the way you function.
NeurOptimal® brain training works as a ‘detection and monitoring’ system of the changes in cortical patterns within the brain.
It mimics the communication of your Central Nervous System (CNS) by ‘mirroring’ the brain activity that can be undermining optimal brain function.
You can think of NeurOptimal® training as holding up a mirror to your brain. Imagine you had not seen yourself in a mirror in a long time. Once you see your reflection you naturally start adjusting yourself, maybe standing a little taller, straightening up your hair and so on. The mirror provides the information you need to correct and adjust yourself. And so it is with the brain.
The brain has an inherent ability to self-correct when given the right information and NeurOptimal® is designed to provide the brain with the information it needs to make its own adjustments. Inconsistency, or abrupt changes in electrical activity in the brain, undermines optimal functioning of the brain. NeurOptimal® detects these abrupt changes and informs the brain of these sudden shifts through interruptions in the sound you are listening to. These almost imperceptible pauses invite your central nervous system to pull away from this less-than-ideal path it was on. This happens over and over until the natural self-correction becomes your new normal and your brain functions more efficiently, effectively and comfortably. When this happens, you sleep better, are less stressed, can focus more easily and feel the joy of an easier life, despite the challenges you may face from the outside.
This approach to training is unique to NeurOptimal®. Training with NeurOptimal® allows your brain — and you — to become more flexible, more resilient. And a Better Brain means a Better Life.
Pretty much everyone! Every brain is unique and with all that life throws at us, we could all benefit from a more flexible and resilient brain. Whether you struggle with an anxiety disorder or you want to simply improve your golf game, NeurOptimal® is for you.
When it comes to trauma, perinatal concerns, anxiety, postpartum depression, grief, stress or the many “faces” of motherhood, this type of therapy helps so much. You don’t need to talk. You don’t need to do anything except give yourself some peace and quiet, while letting the therapy do it’s job and gentle “correct” your brain patterns.
Yes, NeurOptimal® is the safest Neurofeedback around. Since it only relays information to the brain and allows the brain to intuitively adjust, there are no side effects and no maximum or minimum amount of times in a week that you can use it. There is not a set amount of sessions recommended since this kind of brain training doesn’t use operant conditioning. But, generally speaking, if someone trains their brain two times a week for a month, the natural next step is to notice that a decrease in sessions is warranted, usually to once per week.
A brief, pre-session questionnaire will be administered by your trainer, and that can be used to help us measure your progress. You may choose to track specific emotions or behaviors, but diagnosis and evaluation of specific symptoms is completely unnecessary for NeurOptimal® to work effectively.
You will sit in a comfortable chair and simply relax. Two tiny sensors are applied to your scalp and earclips to your ears. These sensors allow NeurOptimal® to read the delicate electrical activity of your brain, much like an EKG reads your heart. You then listen to music and watch an ever-changing visual display, although you can close your eyes and tune out if you prefer. Children sometimes like to play a quiet game or read a book. There are very brief pauses in the music indicating NeurOptimal® is at work, invisibly guiding you through a complex mathematical dance during which the challenge to your brain is varied.
Despite the complexity “under the hood”, no effort is required from you during sessions, at all! Simply relax and enjoy the 33 minute neurofeedback session while your brain re-organizes itself. A brief, post-session questionnaire will be administered to continue to track progress.
Every brain is like a fingerprint. Your trainer can help you with a plan that works for you. For reference, the most common plan is twice a week for the first month and then tapering from there.
As stated on the NeurOptimal Website, Your brain is the center of your central nervous system. It is a sophisticated command and control center that is responsible for controlling ALL the other systems in your body.
It doesn’t matter whether you are talking about physical, emotional or mental — your brain is responsible for it all. It receives and processes information from your body and the environment and enables you to process and store information and formulate appropriate responses, most of it without your conscious awareness. This is all made possible by a vast and wonderful neural network called the central nervous system.It is estimated that the human brain has 15-33 billion neurons and each neuron may have as many as 100,000 synaptic connections.
When you train with NeurOptimal® your brain is given information about the entire frequency range of activity encoded within the electrical activity of your brain.
Moreover, NeurOptimal®, with elegant simplicity, gives information to your brain about what is happening across all of that activity, and your brain sorts out the rest for itself. Miraculously (of course), the brain knows exactly what needs to happen and will seamlessly organize itself. We have found this to be true NO MATTER THE SEVERITY OF THE SYMPTOMS.
Truly every brain has its innate intelligence. Once the brain can “see” itself” in the “mirror” provided by NeurOptimal®, it can “defrag” and re-organize itself. Aided by our unique Dynamical Thresholding® and the progression through our ZenModes, NeurOptimal® offers unprecedented possibilities for safe, NATURAL change.
To learn more, visit www.NeurOptimal.com and look under “Discover NeurOptimal®”. Under that tab, you will see literature that will likely answer additional questions you may have.
There is no minimum or maximum amount of sessions you can do. You and your trainer will review your needs and individualize a plan that meets your specific goals.
We do not accept insurance, but insurance rarely covers Neurofeedback. However, accessibility is very important to us. We offer affordable rates, as well as a sliding scale. FSA and HSA are accepted.