What to Expect
Your journey starts with an understanding of what we offer, creating your goals, and figuring out together how to achieve them. We know that this is a big commitment, both time wise and financially so it is important that it is a good fit before we get started. You will always have an initial call / email to learn more and a chance to meet with Ainat or Diana (the owners) before getting started. Once you decide to start your journey, there are two main parts – the brain mapping and the neurofeedback sessions
Part 1: Brain Mapping
Questionnaires
The first thing you will be asked to complete are 7 or 8 questionnaires. These questionnaires provide us with more information about you, including personal information, how you are doing, and how you are feeling. This subjective component of the brain mapping is necessary because we want to get to know you, not just your brain.
Recording
The next step is to come into the office for the qEEG and ERP recording. It is done in the office with our brain mapping technician and usually takes about 2 hours.
Review Report and Decide on Next Steps
The next step is to come into the office for the qEEG and ERP recording. It is done in the office with our brain mapping technician and usually takes about 2 hours.
We work with you to create a unique treatment plan. You will work directly with one clinician and have all your sessions one-on-one with them. Each session will be individually created to fit your needs and often includes a combination of techniques—including biofeedback and neurofeedback—to help achieve your goals.
Part 2: Neurofeedback Sessions
Do 20-40 Neurofeedback Sessions
Now you are ready to get started! For the first few sessions you will learn how to let your brain do neurofeedback. We will try out different types of feedbacks (such as video games, movies, puzzles) to see what works best for you. These sessions are one-on-one and with the same clinician the entire time. They will coach you through the session and constantly be checking in with you. Learn more about how neurofeedback works [link]
All sessions start with a check in and end with a debrief. The check in at the beginning lets us know about any changes since the last neurofeedback session and if we need to make any adjustments. The debrief at the end gives us a chance to review how the session went.
One day after each session, we will ask you to record how you responded to the session (for example your sleep, energy levels, and mood). This is important for us to know whether we are on the right track with your protocols. In case of any side effects [link], we can address them quickly. Please note that most side effects are mild, transient, and can easily be resolved.
While each person is different, it usually takes a minimum of 20 sessions to maintain the impact of neurofeedback on the brain over time. For planning purposes, you should plan on 20-40 sessions, twice a week. Learn more about the time commitment [link].
Protocol Adjustment
Through the sessions, we will constantly be monitoring your progress and making adjustments to the protocols as needed. This includes when things are going well and when things are not going so well. We can see this in many ways including:
- Check-in and symptoms tracking
- Watching how your brain responds to the neurofeedback protocols – are they getting easier or harder?
- Watching your reaction while doing the sessions
- Input from your team. Learn more the value of about working with other practitioners [link]
- A second brain mapping after 20-40 sessions to determine how your brain has changed
Side Effects
Like every other treatment modality, neurofeedback does have unintended reactions. These reactions are integral part of the learning process, therefore, it is important to track and understand them. The large majority of these unintended reactions are mild, transient and reversible. Moreover, many can be resolved by themselves, while others can be addressed and resolved/mitigate? Each session, we track symptoms (that could possibly be side effects) in order to catch them and address them quickly. Always be in contact with your clinician with any concerns.
Side Effects can include: being tired after the session, headaches, sleeping issues, energy levels.