FAQs

How Does Change Happen?

Every CNS (central nervous system) is unique and processes at its own speed and in its own way. By reading the electrical activity, interpreting it and then sending subtle signals back to the brain about what needs changing, the CNS is able to adjust what it is doing. This training is like holding up a mirror so your brain can fix what is messy or out of place. What changes and the pace of the changes cannot be easily predicted. You are training your brain to be more flexible, resilient and to stay focused on the present moment. Most people first notice an improvement in their sleep or find they are not as stressed or reactive. As they continue to train they may become aware of other life improvements such as better attention and focus as well as an ability to process their emotions without getting as stuck. Obstacles which were blocking them may appear to melt away.

Very occasionally what appears to be side effects can happen such as a slight feeling of fogginess or a small headache after training. These types of symptoms usually don’t last long and are part of the change process. Since NeurOptimal only shows your CNS what needs to change so it can choose to work on it, the process is not pushing or programing your brain to work in any specific way. Over time the CNS makes adjustments and begins to functions better and better.

How Often Should You Come In for a Session?

In the beginning I often recommend clients start with two sessions a week for two or three weeks so the brain holds onto the changes better. However, once a week is fine too if that works better for you. Especially in the beginning I do not recommend coming every other week. It will take longer for the CNS to hold onto the changes and for you to notice how your life is improving.

How Many Sessions Will You Need?

This is one of the questions we hear the most! Because each brain is unique and operates according to its own inner timetable, it is impossible to precisely predict how many sessions are optimal for you. Some people with well-functioning brains only need a few sessions to acquire the changes they desire. Most people need ten, fifteen or maybe twenty sessions to obtain the changes they hoped for. For people who have experienced serious brain injuries, developmental trauma or PTSD they can expect to need more sessions to help them stabilize. There is not a limit to the benefits you can gain by training longer. How many sessions you need is really a question for you to answer when you achieve your goals and noticing the life changes you are desiring. Average is probably closer to fifteen or twenty sessions. There are no hard and fast rules here. If at a later time after your initial training you experience a trauma or a brain injury, you may want to support your healing with more training. Because the brain has neuroplasticity or the ability to change, it can always make improvements in how it is functioning.

Does the Neurofeedback Ever Not Work?

Occasionally someone tries NeurOptimal neurofeedback and doesn’t respond the way they had hoped they would. Maybe there are extrinsic factors or life situations which are impacting their ability to change. Most people begin to experience changes in the first few sessions but for some it takes longer to notice changes. If your brain has been wired by a history of trauma or other habitual life patterns it may take longer to see and feel the differences. Feel free to contact me and we can talk about what might be going on in your situation. Perhaps a different therapy technique would be more helpful if the neurofeedback is not working as you expected.

How Does NeurOptimal Effect the Need for Medications?

I have been using NeurOptimal neurofeedback for over ten years and find that most people discover that they need to use less medications or in some cases they can cut them out totally because their brain is working more efficiently. However, cutting down or discontinuing medications needs to be talked over with your health care professional because it is beyond the scope of my practice.

Why Use NeurOptimal Instead of Traditional Neurofeedback?

To my knowledge NeurOptimal neurofeedback is the most advanced brain training technology that is out there. I have used it for over ten years with wonderful success. It is designed to work with the brain as an information- detection system which optimizes how the whole brain is functioning. Other neurofeedback systems may try to entrain the brain waves which is a way of pushing the brain to function in a specific way. This can change how the brain is functioning creating side effects which may not be helpful. Some systems have a pre-set program which is a one size fits all. I guess the question comes down to what you want to experience, a Model T or Ferrari. Recently NeurOptimal has undergone an upgrade which is making the results even more dazzling. Val Brown has developed a more dynamic and awesome product which is completely non-invasive and non-directive working in a fluid and subtle way to provide stability and efficiency. We think you will love how you feel when you try NeurOptimal!

What is the cost of doing NeurOptimal training?

I charge $100 per session for regular clients. If a second family member is interested in doing NeurOptimal, I offer training at $25 dollars off or $75 per session. For a third family member they can train at $50 per session or ½ off if they train at the same time! University or college students are charged $75 per session to help them perform at the peak of their abilities. To encourage clients to stick with the brain training I give the tenth session as free. This means when you do ten sessions, you end up paying $90 a session over all. Every 10th session is free also when you continue training. Family members who are training at the same time do not get their tenth session free since they are already receiving a discount.

I accept cash, cheque or e-transfer for payment at the time of the appointment. Receipts will be issued at the end of the appointment which can be used for insurance or other types of coverage. I am a registered Social Worker so my registrations number will be on your receipts. If you don’t have any special coverage, you are allowed to claim my services as a medical expense. You can save your receipts to use when you file your income tax.

Cancellation Policy:

We request that you give us at least 24 hour notice so we have the opportunity to fill your spot. For anyone who fails to give us 24 hour notice, our agreement is that you pay $25 at the next appointment to cover our cost. You can call 519-747-7747 to cancel appointments.