Neurofeedback and QEEG

 A Quantitative Electroencephalogram is a recording of your brain waves that creates a visual map of your brain activity. DeAnna works under the mentorship of John Demos, BCN, QEEG-D. DeAnna will fit you with a 19-Channel Cap that will record your brainwaves. This information is filtered into brain maps that are then reviewed to develop protocols that are specific for your training needs.  A QEEG is the  necessary preliminary step before you begin Neurofeedback training.

 Neurofeedback is a non-invasive treatment that encourages the brain to develop healthier patterns of activity. The goal of treatment is not only to change how you think and feel, but also to change your brain on a biological level for better functioning.

Recent research has shown that when given the proper support, the brain has the ability to change and adapt, a property known as neuroplasticity. Neurofeedback can encourage and speed up this process of neuroplasticity.

Words alone are often not enough. Simply telling someone to calm down or focus doesn’t solve the underlying issues of conditions like anxiety or ADHD. On the other hand, neurofeedback allows us to speak to the brain with its own language: brain waves.

 Our brain cells communicate through electrical impulses known as brain waves. Each brain wave has two properties:

• Frequency, which is how fast the wave travels.
• Amplitude, which is how tall the wave gets when it goes up and down.

In general, faster brain waves are associated with focus, thinking, and awareness, while slower brain waves are associated with relaxation, meditation, and deep sleep.

In mental health disorders, brain wave patterns can become disrupted, leading to unhealthy biological activity and behavior. For example, people with anxiety disorders often have too much fast brain wave activity, which leaves them feeling on edge, hyper-aroused, and panicky. On the other hand, those with ADHD can have an excess of slower brain wave activity, resulting in symptoms like brain fog, daydreaming, and trouble focusing.

The goal of neurofeedback therapy is to help modulate these dysregulated brain wave patterns.

 A typical neurofeedback session follows these basic steps:

1. Set goals for treatment. After the initial Intake and QEEG, goals are set. Sessions are scheduled 1-2 times per week. Typically clients will begin to report changes after 5-10 sessions. To consolidate long-term benefits it can take a total of 15-40 sessions.
2. Measure brain wave activity. A therapist starts by placing electrodes on a client’s scalp to obtain a real-time measurement of their brain waves (i.e. electroencephalography, or EEG). After set-up, the patient may watch a movie, or listen to music as neurofeedback training begins. 
3. Train the brain with positive feedback. When the EEG detects that a patient’s brain wave activity has met the goals of treatment, the brain is rewarded with positive feedback. For a patient with anxiety, they may be rewarded with a larger movie screen, higher score on the video game, or pleasant audio feedback when their brain makes more of the slower alpha waves and less of the faster beta waves.
4. Repeat training. The EEG continues to monitor the patient’s brain waves and give positive feedback when goals of treatment are met. This training loop gives the brain thousands of opportunities to self-correct and be rewarded in one session.

Mental Health Issues. Includes those with mood & anxiety issues, OCD, panic, or PTSD.

Developmental Delays & Behavior Disorders. Includes those with ASD and ADHD. 

Neurological Issues and Brain Injuries. Includes those who have had TBI, and Stokes.

Peak Performance. Includes athletes, executives, and students who want to excel.

Asking “Does neurofeedback work?” is similar to asking if all medications work. The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. The results depend on many factors, like whether the treatment is the right fit for a patient’s condition or ability of the treatment to change a patient’s brain biology. For example, some people may not see benefits from neurofeedback because they are not using the right system for their needs.

Most of the clinicians in this field, continue to use neurofeedback because we have seen it work and improve clients’ conditions when applied properly.

I am happy to provide links to empirically written articles.

 Because neurofeedback is a non-invasive treatment as well as a form of exercise for the brain, it is generally considered safe without significant side effects.

When side-effects do occur, they are typically short lived lasting 24-48 hours. As with physical training our brains experience similar effects as it begins to train (remember the brain is like a muscle) The most common side-effects include sleepiness, lack of focus, mild headaches, and anxiety. In one review for patients with ADD / ADHD, this side-effect only occurred in about 1-3% of patients.

It’s important that patients report side-effects to their counselor so they can modify the treatment. As long as the proper adjustments are made and you are working with a qualified and licensed mental health practitioner, there shouldn’t be any long-term symptoms or consequences.

$200.00 - Initial Intake Session (75 minutes). includes clinical assessments and review of the process to ensure that neurofeedback is the best treatment for you.

$300.00 - QEEG Brain Mapping (includes analyzing data and created a treatment plan) (50 minutes). 

$100.00- QEEG review, and treatment planning (30 minutes). This is where the counselor will discuss with you how many neurofeedback sessions you will need. 

$100.00 - Neurofeedback Sessions (25-50 minutes) There is a minimum commitment of 10 sessions. Full treatments can take anywhere from 20-60 sessions depending on symptoms.  

$300.00 - Post-treatment QEEG. (OPTIONAL) After treatment is complete you may request a second QEEG to see the changes in a printed report. It is recommended that a QEEG be done within a year to ensure that treatment is still working.

Not all insurance companies will pay for QEEG or Neurofeedback. Currently we are an out of pocket provider. But we are willing to provide a Superbill for you to seek reimbursement from your Insurance Carrier.