Neurofeedback training is brainwave biofeedback. During a typical training, a few electrodes are placed on the scalp and the earlobes. Then, high-tech electronic equipment provides real-time, instantaneous audio and visual feedback about brainwave activity. There is no electrical current that is put into the brain; instead, the brain’s electrical activity is relayed to the computer and recorded (Hammond, 2006).

On average, it takes approximately 30 sessions to make significant improvements in attention, behavior, anxiety, mood, alertness, etc.

The goal of the treatment is to teach children, adolescents, and adults to change the way their brain works, so that they can better manage and minimize the aforementioned issues. Neurofeedback is used to train individuals to change their brain wave patterns. Using an electroencephalograph (EEG) to monitor the brain waves and a system of positive reinforcement, the individuals learn how to make their brains become more functional and constructive. The result is that there is a significant reduction in various symptoms and improvements in behavior and emotion, relative to how well individuals learn to control their own brain function.

The initial assessment, called a Quantitative EEG, is a scientifically established method for evaluating brain function based on brain electrical activity mapping. In this form of functional brain imaging, the brain’s electrical activity, as measured in 19 areas on the head, is analyzed using complex mathematical and statistical tools in comparison to norms or averages. These norms are based on the electrical activity of thousands of individuals with no known neurological, developmental, or psychiatric disorders. This method of assessing brain function provides information about patterns of brain activation and communication that can then be related to difficulties in daily life functioning such as problems with attention, anxiety, mood, learning, or behavior.

Once the Quantitative EEG report is complete and reviewed in a feedback session, the clinician designs a specific protocol to “teach” the brain that enables the subject to change previously established patterns. For optimal results, the individual comes for neurofeedback sessions twice a week.

EEG is a measure of electrical changes in our brain that present as spikes, transients, or seemingly random events and rhythms. During a neurofeedback session, the clinician uses knowledge of brain anatomy, psychological testing, behavioral measurement, and QEEG to apply the principles of learning. As a result, specific brain activity patterns can be taught, established, or extinguished (i.e. learned or unlearned) (Kaiser, 2001).

Biofeedback is a non-invasive form of treatment. The clinician attaches sensors or electrodes to the body and these sensors provide a variety of readings or feedback which is displayed on the equipment for the individual to see. The signals typically measure skin temperature, muscle tension and/or brainwave function. Therapeutic support, in combination with this information, help individuals make significant changes in their feeling and performance in particular situations. At first the changes are so subtle they cannot be consciously perceived; however, over time the results of these changes become obvious. With practice, the new responses and behaviors can help to bring significant relief and improvement to a variety of limiting behaviors.

The key to Biofeedback training is that it teaches individuals self-regulation. That means that individuals are in control of their feelings, rather than being driven by them. It also means that over time, individuals become able to manage their own situation without dependency on professionals or the biofeedback sessions. Dr. Fasula uses Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Training and Temperature Biofeedback Training to help individuals address and manage a number of conditions. Once the techniques are learned, individuals may never again require biofeedback therapy or only a “refresher” session now and then.

Typically, biofeedback treatment involves a regular series of sessions over a period of several weeks. On average, the course of treatment ranges between six and 12 sessions.

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