Neurofeedback Therapy

What is Neurofeedback?

Neuroscientists now understand that the human brain has the capability to adapt and develop new living neurons by engaging in new tasks and challenges throughout our lives. A growing body of research demonstrates that the brain can be taught to self-regulate and become more efficient through neurofeedback (NF).


Neurofeedback is a form of direct training of brain functioning. The brain is observed in action moment to moment and is rewarded for changing its own activity to a more optimal pattern. This is a gradual learning process.


The theory behind Neurofeedback is that neurological dysregulation results when the brain is using the wrong brainwave, at the wrong time for the wrong task. This causes a state of neurological over-arousal, under-arousal or instable-arousal, some examples of which are shown below:

Over-Arousal

  • Anxiety
  • Anger
  • Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms
  • Insomnia
  • Impulsiveness
  • Distractibility

Under-Arousal

  • Depression
  • Lack of Concentration 
  • Difficulty Waking   
  • Fatigue

Instability

  • Migraine Headaches
  • Seizures
  • Bipolar Disorders
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Neurofeedback has been found to be effective as part of comprehensive treatment of a range of clinical presentations, including symptoms of, but not limited to:

  •  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
  •  Autism Spectrum Disorders
  •  Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  •  Migraines
  •  Sleep Disorders
  •  Epilepsy
  •  Tinnitus
  •  Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
  •  Depression
  •  Anxiety
  •  Peak Performance
  •  Tourettes
  •  Traumatic Brain Injury
  •  Cognitive decline
  •  Chronic Pain

Initial Assessment


The initial assessment process includes baseline assessment of clinical symptoms of possible dysregulation and comprehensive input from the client’s clinical psychologist and/or psychiatrist to determine whether neurofeedback may be helpful. A Mini Brain Map assessment is completed before the commencement of Neurofeedback Therapy. This allows us to personalise treatment to the individual’s specific “brain map”. Clients with more complex symptom presentations may also be referred for a quantitative EEG (qEEG) assessment.


Treatment


Neurofeedback is used in combination with ongoing psychotherapy with the client’s clinical psychologist and/or treatment by the client’s psychiatrist. For optimal results, it is highly recommended that clients attend neurofeedback sessions twice weekly. Progress is monitored closely, with symptom review and treatment response monitoring completed by phone after each session during the initial treatment phase. This allows adjustments to be made to the treatment protocol as required. 

We aim to keep our fees as low as possible, to assist clients in accessing this service, while also maintaining the highest quality of care.

  • Consultation (50 minutes): $150
  • Brain Map Session ( 90 minutes), including report: $350
  • Neurofeedback sessions: $150 for one session per week; $260 for two sessions per week.

Medicare and Private Health rebates are not available for this service at this time.

View our FAQ here

FAQ

  • How long do sessions last and how often will I have to attend?
    • Sessions normally take between 30-50 minutes.
    • Initially it is recommended that clients attend at least twice a week to gain the maximum benefits from treatment.
    • It may take approximately five sessions to find the right protocol for the individual.
    • Early on, effects of Neurofeedback will last only 24-48 hours.
    • Effects of Neurofeedback last longer with ongoing sessions.
  • How many sessions of Neurofeedback Therapy will I need to see improvements?
    • Some clients may report positive changes after a few sessions or even one session.
    • Clients may find that they experience significant improvements after completing between 10 and 20 hours of neurofeedback training.
    • Other clients with more complex issues may need upwards of 40 sessions.
    • Some clients will require ongoing “booster” sessions for a period to maintain treatment gains.
    • As is the case with any treatment, there is variability in outcomes between individuals, and not everyone will obtain lasting improvements with neurofeedback.
  • What happens during a Neurofeedback Training Session?
    • Neurofeedback training is a painless non-invasive procedure.
    • Small single electrode sensors are places on the scalp, which are connected to an amp, which is then connected to a computer software and monitor.
    • The electrical signals of the brain are amplified to display real-time brain activity data.
    • Neurofeedback software is used to drive a video game or DVD movie. The game or movie only moves forward when the client increases the right brainwaves and decreases the brain waves thought to be associated with their presenting symptoms.

Our Neurofeedback Therapist