Neurofeedback Ottawa
Neurofeedback Therapy with Professional Neurofeedback Technicians
Neurofeedback training is an evidence-based form of biofeedback that uses EEG/brainwave information to help teach you how to regulate your brainwave activity and improve your brain function.
It is a non-invasive therapeutic approach to enhance neuroregulation and metabolic function for a variety of conditions. Additionally, Neurofeedback uses the model of operant conditioning, a form of learning that associates behaviour with a stimulus.
Neurofeedback Therapy with Professional Neurofeedback Technicians
Neurofeedback training is an evidence-based form of biofeedback that uses EEG/brainwave information to help teach you how to regulate your brainwave activity and improve your brain function.
It is a non-invasive therapeutic approach to enhance neuroregulation and metabolic function for a variety of conditions. Additionally, Neurofeedback uses the model of operant conditioning, a form of learning that associates behaviour with a stimulus.
What is Neurofeedback?
Delta waves are:
- Frequency Range 1 – 4 Hz.
- Associated with slow activity and stages of sleep.
- Generally, there should be very little Delta in waking EEG records of adults.
Delta at Healthy Levels During Sleep is Associated with:
- Triggering the release of hormones that help the body heal and recuperate.
- Transferring new learning and memories into long-term memory storage.
Abnormal Delta is Linked to Disorders such as:
- ADHD: Low Posterior Delta – reduced capacity to decode facial expressions as they relate to social contexts.
- Schizophrenia: excess delta in frontal brain regions.
- Anxiety.
- OCD.
- Parkinson’s disease.
Excess Waking Delta May Indicate:
- Head trauma.
- Exposure to toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides, etc.
- Cognitive impairment – result of liver disease or degenerative brain diseases (dementia / Alzheimer’s disease).
- A
lesion / tumor if found in one location (Focal Delta).
Neurofeedback to Normalize Delta has been shown to:
- Lowering Delta can decrease symptoms of Chronic Fatigue, head trauma (concussion or TBI), and schizophrenia.
- Normalizing Delta can also lessen anxiety and OCD symptoms.
Theta waves are:
- Frequency range is 4-7 Hz.
Role of Theta at Healthy Levels:
- Theta in the memory and emotion areas of the brain (Hippocampal and Limbic Theta) is very involved in making
long term memories, especially ones linked to emotional events. - Cortical Theta is important for fast processing speeds (quick thinking).
Excess Theta Can be Associated With:
- Hypoactivity/ feeling sluggish (less
behavioural activity and movement due to less oxygen being absorbed in the brain). - Daydreaming.
- Inattention and absence of directed thought/ running thoughts.
- Drowsiness.
Disorders Associated with Excess Theta in qEEG:
- ADHD.
- Learning disabilities.
- Head injuries or brain lesions.
- PTSD.
- Certain neurological disorders.
Neurofeedback to reduce theta has been shown to:
- Aid in anxiety reduction and processing of traumatic memories (PTSD and Anxiety Disorders).
- Improve memory, focus
and attention (ADHD and Learning Disabilities).
Alpha waves are:
- Frequency range is 8-12 Hz.
Healthy Levels of Alpha is associated with:
- Relaxed attentiveness.
- Can provide feedback on visual skills, visual memory, emotional trauma, and artistic skill or interest.
Symptoms & Disorders associated with Abnormal Alpha in qEEG:
- Low Alpha Peak– Associated with disease or brain injury such as TBI, dementia, medication effects, and age-related cognitive decline.
- High Alpha Peak– Associated with Anxiety and OCD symptoms.
- Prominent Frontal Alpha– Depression symptoms and Attention issues.
Neurofeedback to Normalize Alpha has been shown to:
- Improve Overall Cognitive Function.
- Lessen Symptoms of Brain Injuries, Anxiety, OCD and Depression.
- Reduce Attentional Issues.
- Result in less severe and less frequent Migraines.
- Improve Mood and Decrease Stress.
Beta waves are:
- Frequency range is 13-25 Hz.
Healthy Beta Plays a Role in:
- Efficient Information Processing and Problem Solving.
- Concentration.
Symptoms and Disorders Linked to Abnormal Beta:
- Spindling Beta– Increased cortical irritability seen in ADHD, Epilepsy, and Anxiety disorders.
- Excess Beta– Over-arousal of the Brain can lead to anxiety, obsessiveness, sleep difficulties and hyperactivity, as well as other issues.
- Deficient Beta– Under-arousal of the brain can lead to difficulty concentrating, problem solving, and focusing attention.
Neurofeedback to Normalize Beta has been shown to:
- Increase efficiency of problem solving, concentration and focused attention.
- Treat symptoms of ADHD, Epilepsy and Anxiety Disorders.
References:
1. Swingle, P., (2008). Biofeedback for the Brain. Rutgers University Press: New Brunswick, NJ.
2. Kerson, C., Linden, M., Gunkelman, J. et al. QEEG-Guided Neurofeedback: New Brain-Based Individualized Evaluation and Treatment for Autism. Autism Science Digest, 3.
What are the Benefits of Brainwave Therapy?
There are many benefits of neurofeedback therapy, including:
- Improved attention and concentration
- Reduced hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Enhanced creativity and problem-solving
- Decreased anxiety and stress
- Improved mood and self-confidence
- Optimized sleep
- Improved cognitive functioning (e.g. memory, executive functioning)
- Improved reading and writing due to learning impairments
- Mental alertness and physical relaxation
- Optimal performance (e.g. athletes, professionals)
- Reduced tension, headaches, and pain
How is Brainwave Activity Monitored?
By improving your brain’s ability to self-regulate, you will feel better emotionally and physically and notice improved attention and concentration. With regular sessions, symptoms associated with brain dysregulation will improve.
What Should I Expect from Neurofeedback Training?
While everyone is different, most individuals complete approximately 10-20 sessions before noticing improvements. The total recommended range of sessions needed is typically between 40-60. Goals and brain activity are actively discussed and re-assessed throughout the course of treatment.
Does Neurofeedback Therapy Actually Work?
Studies have shown efficacy of neurofeedback in improving symptoms related to:
- PTSD
- ADHD
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Learning difficulties
- Migraine/headaches
- Performance and memory
- Chronic pain
- Concussions
Neurofeedback is effective at encouraging neuroplasticity, which means it has the potential to help individuals achieve long-term symptom relief and long-lasting improvements in the brain.
We have seen improvements in many symptoms at the Stradwick Clinic due to our personalized and evidence-based approach that consists of formally trained staff, QEEG-based brain mapping to determine individualized protocols, ongoing mentorship, continued education, and objective and subjective methods of monitoring progress.
You can take advantage of the client-specific protocols that we have implemented. These protocols have led to significant improvements (up to 90% of clients reported improvements) and objective improvements (up to three standard deviations) of long-term brainwave changes.
There are many studies that support neurofeedback’s effectiveness, but research is still ongoing. However, neurofeedback is based on tried and true scientific principles, including neuroplasticity, self-regulation, operant conditioning, and learning theory. It continues to gain traction in the clinical and scientific communities.
Are You Looking for an Ottawa Neurofeedback and Psychotherapy Centre?
The Stradwick Psychology & Neurofeedback Clinic team includes a licensed clinical psychologist and neurofeedback technicians who are skilled at developing customized treatment plans that include evidence-based practice.
We have numerous clinics in Ottawa and surrounding areas to serve you. You can find us in Stittsville, Nepean, and Centretown.