Frequently Asked Questions
About Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback and Neurotherapy are broad umbrella terms. Neurofeedback refers to any type of brain biofeedback, including HEG (blood flow), and fMRI and MEG (electromagnetic waves). EEG (electroencephalography) biofeedback refers just to brainwave biofeedback, and this is what Emerald Coast NeuroFeedback uses. EEG is the recording of brainwave activity, and the feedback provided is responding to your second-to-second EEG read and training your brain based on your individual evaluation.
You may be a good candidate if ANY of the following experiences are true for you:
- You are not satisfied with the results of medication alone or do not like the side effects/potential side effects of medication
- You know that you want something more out of life but can’t seem to stay on track due to negative self-talk, fear, or anxiety
- You wake up with negative emotions
- You have problems with focus, attention, or impulsivity
- You have suffered a concussion
- You have issues with sleep or fatigue
- You suffer frequent migraines or headaches
- You have suffered a trauma that keeps playing over and over in your head or interferes with life in other ways
- You have frequent nightmares, night terrors, or negative dreams
- You are willing to commit to at least two EEG biofeedback sessions per week for 20 sessions
Under an MD’s supervision, most people can either reduce or stop using their medication after successfully completing the required number of sessions.
There are insurance codes (CPT codes) for EEG biofeedback (EEG biofeedback is the term insurance companies use for Neurofeedback). Unfortunately, the requirements for reimbursement are not consistent between different insurance companies and individual policies. The best thing to do is contact us to discuss your individual circumstances. Even if it is not reimbursable through insurance, most people feel that the benefits of EEG biofeedback for their well-being are worth the out-of-pocket investment.
Some may see improvements in the first couple of Neurofeedback sessions. Within 5–8 sessions, most people will notice changes in their symptoms/movement toward their goals. However, to ensure lasting results it is important to continue sessions beyond this initial point. On average, 20–30 sessions are recommended, though there are more specific ways to measure whether an individual has completed a protocol.
No. Absolutely nothing goes into the brain. Sensors are put on the scalp to pick up the electrical activity coming from your brain. This gives the software real-time updates on how you are responding.
Emerald Coast NeuroFeedback does not “scan your brain” or provide a “map” of your brain. There is no single signature brainwave associated with issues. As with many other health markers, even when brainwaves are in a “normal range,” there can be clear patterns in a person’s life that something is amiss. For example, suboptimal performance in an athletic competition could be caused by inattentiveness (theta brainwave) or negative self-talk (alpha brainwave). The brain is a complex system; it is best to track clusters of symptoms to the root of an issue. This is why Emerald Coast NeuroFeedback uses a symptom-based assessment tool to develop individualized protocols. An athlete, for example, is generally well aware of the surface cause of their performance impediments, whether it be a lack of focus or negative self-talk; however, the root cause may not be revealed in their EEG.
To get started, simply fill out the form on our Contact Us page, send us an email at info@emeraldcoastneurofeedback.com, or give us a call. We offer a complimentary phone consultation to answer any questions that you may have, and can schedule your first session.
Your first session will be an evaluation lasting about two hours. We will ask you approximately 180 questions to determine what protocols are needed for your individual goals and to establish baselines for numerous symptoms to help track your progress. We will also work with you to determine measurable growth areas that will be markers for your progress.
After this, we will schedule you for a minimum of two appointments a week to run the protocols that we have developed for you. These sessions take 45 minutes to an hour. In each, you will first be asked specific questions to assess any symptom changes since your last session. Then, EEG sensors will be attached to your scalp (this does not hurt, and nothing is going into your brain; the sensors are just reading your EEG signal). Sitting in a comfortable chair in front of a computer screen, you will simply watch the screen and/or listen to the auditory tones that are doing the training. Depending on your individualized plan, several protocols may be run in one session. This sometimes involves moving the sensors to different locations on the scalp. The entire process is very simple and undemanding for the client.
"I Had an Outstanding Experience"
It is amazing to me how much Neurofeedback accomplishes even while you’re not in session. The staff are very accommodating and helpful. They worked with me in did everything that I could to help me be as comfortable as possible during each session. I definitely recommend anyone who is looking to do Neurofeedback to contact them.
"Neurofeedback Has Changed My Life"
I had physical trauma and I feel better than ever after 9 sessions. I can sleep, which has not happened unassisted in decades. Pamela is responsive and educational. Margaret is warm, knowledgeable, kind and has a great humming voice. After many kinds of therapy over many years, Neurofeedback has prompted the fastest results with the wonderful bonus of caring therapists. Thank you.”
"I Need More Stars to Rate This!"
I have PTSD and had very frequent (1-2/wk) all night long, terrible recurrent nightmares. Since doing Neurofeedback almost one year ago, I have had only one! Also helped sleep in general, as well as anxiety and depression. Pamela and Margaret are both warm and caring individuals. It was worth every penny.
" I’ve Regained Mobility In My Left Hand"
I had an ischemic stroke. That devastated the left side of my entire body and left me with permanent brain damage. Numerous doctors and medical professionals told me I’d never fully recover (Not true). After six sessions of neurofeedback at Emerald Coast [Neurofeedback], a lot of the brain fog and memory issues have dissipated, I’ve regained mobility in my left hand and, for the first time in seven years, have been able to feel my left foot and can wiggle my toes. I can only speak to my own personal experience that neurofeedback has helped me feel whole again. And to anyone considering it, it works, and that there is hope!