What Is Neurofeedback, and Could It Help Me With My Anxiety Symptoms?

Let's talk about what you might expect during a neurofeedback session. 

What is Neurofeedback? 

You may be familiar with the term biofeedback. Biofeedback is a technique used to teach the body to control involuntary functions. For example, relaxation skills teach you how to control your breathing. Often, through visual or auditory feedback, your mind and body learn how to work together to control automatic functions. Another example of biofeedback includes mood rings. The stone changes colors depending on your mood or body temperature. 

Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that works with your brainwaves. The goal of neurofeedback is to teach your brain, specifically your brainwaves, the best and most efficient way to function. As a result, the height and width of your brainwaves adjust accordingly. Those who undergo sessions may see improvement in their cognitive functioning and sleep patterns. 

Neurofeedback monitors the activity of your brainwaves through electrodes (EEG). EEG sensors are put on various parts of your scalp, depending upon your symptoms. It's non-evasive, and the wires simply monitor your brainwave activity and provide useful feedback. 

PTSD, ADD, ADHD, and anxiety each affect the brain in one way or another. As a result, your brainwaves may be reacting in response to your ADD or anxiety. Through neurofeedback, the activity in your brain can become more regulated. Thus, alleviating the symptoms, you may be experiencing.

Neurofeedback does not provide a quick fix. Likewise, it's not a cure for ADD or anxiety. Instead, it's a tool used to help alleviate your symptoms. 

What Goes on During a Neurofeedback Session? 

Unlike other therapeutic approaches, neurofeedback doesn't require you to interact with a therapist. Instead, you'll attend a session and watch a movie or play a video game. 

When you arrive, you'll sit in a chair that typically reclines and is comfortable. Then, your therapist or a technician will attach EEG sensors to different parts of your scalp. The wires are placed according to your unique symptoms and target areas. This is a painless and simple process. From here, you get to relax and watch what's going on on the screen in front of you. 

While you watch your show, when brainwave activity needs correcting, the audio or visual portion of your movie will stop. Instead, the screen may go white, silent, or both. However, your brain will course correct and regulate your brainwaves. As it does, the visual and auditory feedback resumes. All of this is involuntary, meaning you lay there, and your brain will learn what it needs to do. Over time, your brain learns wavelength patterns that affect efficiency and reactivity. As a result, neuro can begin to help improve your functionality and reduce your symptoms. 

In order to achieve lasting results from neurofeedback, it requires multiple sessions. On average, 30-40 neurofeedback sessions lead to lasting changes. Many attend sessions twice a week over a four to sixth month period. 

At Advanced Trauma Care and Recovery, we specialize in the treatment of anxiety, betrayal trauma, and PTSD. If you are interested in learning if neurofeedback might be right for you, contact us. We'd love to hear from you.