Neurofeedback

So What Is NeurOptimal® Dynamical Neurofeedback®?

NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback uses advanced technology to read the electrical activity of the brain/Central Nervous System (CNS) and allows it to operate according to its natural potential. Mathematically designed to communicate directly with the brain, it alerts the CNS to what it is doing moment to moment. Subtle audible signals and interruptions to the musical flow communicates directly with the CNS so it can OPTIMIZE ITS FUNCTIONING and choose to avoid the pitfalls of reoccurring thoughts, habitual emotions and stuck  behavioral patterns.

This innovative form of neurofeedback is not a medical treatment but instead is a BRAIN TRAINING. Because of its design with NeurOptimal® you receive the benefits of training across the range of all the available electrical frequencies simultaneously. The benefit of working with multiple frequencies all at the same time is that you don’t create side effects as you do when only working with a few frequency bands at a time. Typical linear neurofeedback attempts to push the brain to produce more of one frequency band which automatically decreases other brainwave frequencies creating uncomfortable side effects.  When you train with NeurOptimal®, you are flowing through the various frequencies on an as-needed basis, each frequency bandwidth balancing the others. You cannot go too far in any one direction, because you are receiving feedback from the entire spectrum, moment by moment!  Organizing dynamically provides the most efficient and least rigid training available today.  Since it is not a “one size fits all” model, it is designed to work perfectly with each unique brain.

The NeurOptimal® system is like your own private meditation instructor, personal trainer, or a martial arts instructor that points out and corrects your unique form as you train. As your brain optimizes healthy functioning, the information in the feedback increases the resilience and flexibility of your brain automatically. Over time your brain naturally improves in its ability to function fluidly, enhancing all areas of your life. As a result stress and reactivity are decreased, healthy sleep patterns may be enhanced enhanced, and the brain is free to operate in a more relaxed manner in a range of environments (school, sports, artistic endeavors, work and relationships).  When your brain is functioning more coherently, you feel calmer, clearer and able to make choices that lead to a happier and healthier life.

Using this safe and effective system for over thirteen years at the Integrated Centre for Optimal Learning and now in my own Centre, I have witnessed improved mental fitness and life success.

What Happens in A Session?

Your First Session:

I like to start with an intake session to gather background information and find out what kinds of changes you would like to see in your life or in the life of your child.  Plan on an hour intake to share information and set goals.  If there is time I also like to include a 15 minute neurofeedback demonstration.

Since NeurOptimal® is dynamical, nonlinear neurofeedback and is a non medical approach, I do not diagnose areas to target. It also is not necessary to do an assessment process known as QEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram) since we are only feeding back information to your Central Nervous System (CNS).  This saves you money since QEEGs are quite costly and are not needed with this newer technology which does not need to set up protocols to target specific brainwave frequencies.  With NeurOptimal® your brain will be using the training in the way that is intrinsically right for you, working across all electrical frequencies at the same time.

Hooking You Up:

Sitting in a comfortable chair, two small sensors are attached to each side of your head with a water soluble conductive paste. These sensors will pick up the weak electrical activity of your brain, amplify it and send it into the computer. Three more sensors are clipped onto your ears – two on the right side and one on the top left side. These sensors are needed to  detect your energy from the energy frequencies present in the room (Wi-Fi, cell phone signals, computers, etc.) and to ground the energy.

As you settle back into the recliner, options will be given as to what you may want to do in your session while you listen to music.  Some people like to relax or take a nap, meditate, read, draw or talk quietly to the technician. We also have relaxation videos, a choice of musical selections, and/or a couple of children’s videos if something different is preferred. Some children also enjoy playing games while they sit quietly in the chair. The subconscious which is always monitoring what is happening will optimize how the brain is functioning making the adjustments during the training while the conscious mind is otherwise occupied.

The Session:

During the neurofeedback session you will either be wearing earbuds or just hearing the music play in the room. Watching a nearby monitor is optional.  You may notice pauses or interruptions in the music which is important feedback for your brain. The interruptions (which may sound like glitches in the music) are the primary messages communicating with your CNS. These signals alerts your brain to impending changes which may not be helpful. Moment to moment your brain is resetting which helps it stay coherent, flexible and resilient.

Even though the actual training time is just over half an hour please allow at least 50 minutes for your session.  This allows time to check in, attach and remove the sensors, answer questions,  schedule new appointments, take your payments and issue a receipt. We feel this allows us to deliver better service to you so you can leave feeling calm and relaxed.