What to Expect from Neurofeedback Therapy

Step 1

The assessment (about 1.5 hours)

Electrodes are attached to your scalp with a water-soluble paste, and clips are attached to your earlobes. We follow the internationally recognised 10-20 system for electrode placement.

The electrodes collect data from your brainwaves at five different areas. Each round of data collection has an eyes-closed, an eyes-open and a task section, and the electrodes are repositioned after every round.

Once the data has been processed you get verbal feedback. Because there is a lot to take in, a written report is also compiled and sent to you.

The assessment shows how your brainwaves are functioning. Patterns it may show include:

• Depression markers
• Trauma-related patterns
• Memory quality
• Stress and anxiety
• ADD/ADHD markers
• Concentration problems
• How well the left and right sides of the brain communicate
• The balance of your brainwave patterns
• The quality of your sleep
• OCD patterns

A brain map is not a medical diagnosis. Please keep seeing your doctor about any medical condition.

Step 2

Your whole-brain training plan

An individual training plan is compiled from the brain patterns shown in your assessment. Protocols are chosen for specific brain sites to address those patterns.

Step 3

Brain training sessions (45–60 minutes)

Each session starts with a short check-in on how you are feeling. The electrodes are placed on your scalp again, as with the assessment.

You receive feedback through earphones or on a screen as your brain responds: a video that dims or brightens, or sounds generated in step with your brainwaves.

It may feel like a very passive process. You sit very still, many protocols ask you to close your eyes, and you may even drift off. Your brain is still working hard, so you may feel tired after a session.