Neurons that fire together, wire together.

Neurofeedback (Passive Training) is conducted using Neuro-Gen HPN technology. Neuro-Gen HPN is a tested, noninvasive process that assists clients in achieving optimal brain functioning--without effort or engagement. Neuro-Gen HPN is modern neuroscience made practical; it is research-supported and effective in training the brain without the use of medication, as well as treating a vast number of mental health disorders and challenges. 

Active Neurofeedback is a brain-based form of biofeedback that utilizes brainwave patterns to teach clients how to approach and perform a task in greater efficiency. Clients are actively engaged in a video exercise that facilitates visual and auditory rewards when they become fully present, focused, and attentive within the exercise. The brain then becomes aware of this more optimal way of functioning and corrects itself by learning these new optimal patterns.

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Unspecified Trauma-Related Disorders

• Complex Childhood Trauma or Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)

• Military-Associated Trauma (Combat and/or Sexual Trauma)

• Depressive Disorders

• Anxiety/Panic Attacks

• Grief and Loss

• Insomnia, Sleep Difficulties, Poor Quality Sleep, Sleep Disorders

• Substance Abuse, Overuse, and Dependency (Addiction & Recovery)

• Behavioral Addictions

• Hypervigilance and Reactivity

• Outbursts of Anger, Rage, and Chronic Anger

• Conduct Disorders

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), OCD Symptoms

• ADD/ADHD, or Combined Expression

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ASD Symptoms (Adults & Children)

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain

• Epilepsy 

• Headaches (Migraine, Cluster, and Tension)

• Head/Brain Injury (mTBI) Symptoms (Current & Historical)

• Post-Concussion Syndrome

• Peak Performance (Sports-Orientated and Business-Related Professional Growth)

One of the first things to do is make an appointment for an EEG Baseline Assessment. This appointment is 90 minutes in length; it includes the EEG Baseline, an Arousal Assessment, and Consultation with the client and/or the client's parent or caregiver. This is a painless procedure in where the client sits comfortably in a chair while the clinician conducts the EEG Baseline. This data reveals arousal patterns within the client's brainwave activity and determines the most effective Neurofeedback protocol for the client's treatment plan. Discussion regarding the interpretation of the EEG Baseline data is often insightful, relieving, and affirming for clients, as maladaptive arousal patterns in brainwave activity can produce challenging and maladaptive coping behavior. This is why it is important to address the brain before behavior.

Neurofeedback sessions are 50 to 55 minutes in length; clients sit comfortably in the Neurofeedback chair while the clinician conducts Neurofeedback. Talk Therapy and other evidenced-based therapeutic interventions can also be conducted during a Neurofeedback session. However, the initial goal in the first several weeks is stabilization for the client's brain and central nervous system, along with further assessment. Additional assessment, when necessary, can assist in refining the client's understanding, as well as the client's treatment plan in determining additional and appropriate interventions for the client.

Neurofeedback facilitates and supports the process of neurogenesis, which is the continuous generation of new neurons in certain brain region areas (NICABM, 2016). As a result of neurogenesis, new synapses form via new skills and experiences, which creates new neural connections and communications within the brain. Repetition strengthens these new synapses, so when clients engage in Neurofeedback repeatedly (i.e., one to two times per week), new neural connections and communications are strengthened, affording clients more optimal and efficient brainwave functioning. Clients gain awareness of these neural changes through improved sleep quality, sleep duration, energy, clarity, emotional regulation, motivation, relational connections, and in their overall health and wellness.

Each brain is unique and responds differently to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli, so experiences and responses vary during and after a Neurofeedback session and are unique to each client. Some clients are aware of calming sensations and relaxation during a Neurofeedback session, others are not. If you do not feel anything during your Neurofeedback session, that does not mean that the Neurofeedback is not working--your brain will be working hard to assimilate and accommodate the new neural activity that Neurofeedback is facilitating. Consequently, it is common for clients to initially feel slightly drowsy or sleepy after a session, until the brain is accustomed to the Neurofeedback training. Other clients feel alert and experience greater clarity, focus, and energy after a session. Most clients can return to work or school after Neurofeedback; however, some clients allow for a short rest and recovery time after sessions.

Depending on the client's diagnosis or presenting symptoms, Neurofeedback sessions are conducted one to two times per week. Most clients experience significant benefits and change when engaged with Neurofeedback just one time per week. Number of sessions per week also depend on how well the client assimilates and accommodates the neural changes after sessions and throughout the week. Please note, however, that clients being treated for withdrawal symptoms from substance and behavioral addiction are seen and treated on an outpatient basis (i.e., three times per week). Regarding the length of treatment, research recommends 20 Neurofeedback sessions, one to two times per week within a four to five month period. 

Discharge is unique to each client, as well as the client's diagnosis, needs, goals, and progress. After the client has completed 20 sessions of Neurofeedback, a second EEG Assessment is conducted to compare and contrast with the client's first EEG Baseline. This additional data is used to assess the client's progress. Further consultation is had at this time to determine the client's discharge and/or additional treatment. Some clients complete 20 sessions of Neurofeedback and are ready to discharge from treatment. Other clients need additional treatment, which is determined from the results of the second EEG. Still others prefer to phase out of treatment with bi-weekly and/or monthly Neurofeedback sessions. Discharge is a collaborative discussion between the client and clinician; the clinician will make professional recommendations, but the client's ultimate decision and autonomy regarding discharge and/or further treatment is upheld and respected.

The exciting news is that your brain will continue to make positive functional changes and learn more optional ways of responding beyond your Neurofeedback journey--this is the concept of Neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to correct and reorganize itself in structure, functions, and connections in response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli (NICABM, 2016; Mateos-Aparicio & Rodríguez-Moreno, 2019, Feb 27). You will have learned a lot about yourself throughout your treatment process, as well as improved your lifestyle and overall health, so your brain will continue to learn and change and become even more resilient as you practice healthier lifestyle habits. Clients have reported an acceleration in performance and in their overall well-being. Taking good care of your brain and body will now be a priority to you.

The National Institute for Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM) (2016). How Does Neuroplasticity Work? [Inforgraphic]. Retrieved from https://www.nicabm.com/brain-how-does-neuroplasticity-work/

Mateos-Aparicio P, Rodríguez-Moreno A. (2019, Feb 27). The Impact of Studying Brain Plasticity. Front Cell Neurosci.13:66. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00066. PMID: 30873009; PMCID: PMC6400842. Retrieved from Retrieve from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6400842/#:~:text=Neural%20plasticity%2C%20also%20known%20as,structure%2C%20functions%2C%20or%20connections.