Video · 6 minutes · Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a way of training your brain using real-time feedback from your EEG brainwaves. In this short video, I explain what it is, how a session works, and why people use it when talk therapy alone has not been enough.

Watch the video below. A written summary and transcript follow.

What this video covers

  • What neurofeedback is, in plain language
  • How it differs from ordinary talk therapy
  • The history behind EEG brain training
  • What kinds of symptoms it is used for
  • Why it takes time and is not a quick fix

Key takeaways

  • Neurofeedback is also known as EEG biofeedback or neurotherapy.
  • You get real-time feedback on brain activity and use that information to retrain unhelpful patterns.
  • The method rests on neuroplasticity: the brain can change.
  • In practice it is used for PTSD and complex PTSD, ADHD, OCD, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, addiction, headaches, anger, and some medical or neurological conditions.
  • It is more like physical therapy for the brain than a miracle pill. It takes time, effort, and investment.

Who this is for

This video is for adults who:

  • Have tried talk therapy and still feel wired, foggy, reactive, or stuck
  • Want a clear picture of neurofeedback before booking
  • Are considering brain training for anxiety, ADHD-related focus problems, sleep issues, or trauma symptoms
  • Want to understand the method before combining it with EMDR, IFS, or psychotherapy

Next step

If you want the clinical version of this explanation, including the kinds of training I offer in San Francisco and Palo Alto, read Neurofeedback Therapy.

If you are a California resident and want to discuss whether this belongs in your treatment plan, request a consult.

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Transcript

What Is Neurofeedback?

[00:00] Introduction
What is neurofeedback therapy? Neurofeedback therapy is also known as EEG biofeedback or neurotherapy. It’s sometimes called a form of therapy where you get real-time feedback on your brain activity. With this information, we’re able to retrain your brain to function more optimally for you. This ultimately gives you the ability to change your habits from the inside out.

Extensive research has shown that individuals struggling with PTSD, ADD or ADHD, OCD, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, addiction, and a number of other issues and symptoms can all benefit from neurofeedback therapy. Neurofeedback has nearly a century of scientific backing.

[01:04] History and development
In 1924, Hans Berger invented the electroencephalogram, the EEG imaging test. This is a test that records brainwave patterns which reflect different moods and states of mind. Then in 1941, Herbert Jasper discovered that those very brain waves could be trained. In other words, you can actually teach your brain to stop engaging in certain unproductive emotional patterns and other symptoms and start engaging in more positive ones.

This is possible due to a concept known as neuroplasticity, a foundational brain principle. It’s your brain’s ability to grow and change over time. Since its creation, neurofeedback has been extensively researched, and it’s developed into an effective treatment modality. Thanks to doctors Joe Kamiya, Dr. Barry Sterman, and Joel Lubar, experts who’ve contributed to our learning about how neurofeedback effectively treats a wide variety of symptoms.

[02:34] How it works
Today, it can be helpful to think of neurofeedback as applied neuroscience. Some of my clients refer to it as brain hacking, but in short, it’s a method of rewiring, of changing the way your brain processes information and changing the way it responds. Just as you can learn to program a computer, you have the power to break your brain’s unhelpful habits and create new routines. Routines that serve you and your larger goals.

[03:24] What it can treat
What can neurofeedback therapy treat? Neurofeedback can have very positive and lasting results alleviating symptoms. I’ll tell you what I’ve seen in my practice. I’ve worked with a ton of men and women who have PTSD and particularly complex PTSD and what’s called developmental trauma, meaning trauma that occurred early in one’s lifetime.

I’ve worked with a lot of clients who have ADD and ADHD. Neurofeedback can be very helpful for OCD, depression, anxiety disorders, sleep problems, addiction issues. Neurofeedback can be helpful with headaches, whether they’re stress headaches or migraine headaches. I’ve also seen neurofeedback be very helpful for people who struggle with anger management issues, irritability, people who are easily frustrated. I’ve seen neurofeedback help them learn to be calmer and more patient.

Neurofeedback can be helpful with a whole host of stress-related medical conditions. Clients on the autistic spectrum can benefit from neurofeedback, as can clients who have had strokes or traumatic brain injuries.

[05:27] Commitment and expectations
No matter what symptoms you’re facing, with the right help, you can claim a new sense of agency over your choices. You can feel more in control over your life. I want to say a word about neurofeedback. I’ve been really amazed over the course of my career of some of the changes that I’ve seen it enable people to make.

Having said that, neurofeedback is not a quick fix. It’s not a miracle pill that you take that gives you instant results. It does take time, effort, and investment. And that’s because what I say to my clients is neurofeedback is kind of like physical therapy for your brain. So it takes a while for your brain to learn new habits.

[05:55] Close
Would you like to learn more about neurofeedback? Then hop on over to my website. The address is www.michaelgquirke.com. You’re going to find a bunch of articles about neurofeedback and about therapy topics that might be relevant or useful for you. Also have a look around my YouTube channel. And please, if you found something useful or interesting in today’s video, like, subscribe, comment, and share this video. Have a great day.

This page and video are for education. They are not therapy, a diagnosis, a crisis service, or a substitute for personal assessment. Psychotherapy is available to California residents.