What is Biofeedback and Neurofeedback?

Biofeedback and Neurofeedback are treatment modalities which train the client to improve their health by using signals from their own bodies.

You've used one of these techniques if you have ever taken your temperature or used a bathroom scale. The thermometer tells you about your current temperature and the bathroom scale tells you about your current weight. They are giving you "feed back" about your body's condition. You can now use this information to change your body’s condition, such as take medication or change your diet.

The psychologists at CCPsychological use more sophisticated, computerzied biofeedback equipment in much the same kind of way. Our biofeedback equipment is much more sensitive and precise and is used to detect various body functions such as temperature, skin conductance, muscle tension and heart rate variability. Our various  EEG and HEG Biofeedback  (“Neurofeedback”) are used to measure brain waves, electrical activity and blood flow in the brain.  Our Biofeedback and Neurofeedback equipment are non-invasive forms of treatment. The therapist attaches sensors or electrodes to the body and these sensors provide a variety of readings –feedback.  The information is fed to a computer, which shows all or some of these body functions on a display.  The biofeedback display allows you to see and/or hear a direct representation of the body functions selected. These signals typically measure skin temperature, muscle tension and/or brainwave function. We are positioned next to you and help you to understand how to adjust these internal functions, to set goals and limits on what to expect and we teach you how to improve your physical, emotional and mental performance.  With this information, you will learn to make changes so subtle that at first they cannot be consciously perceived. With practice and reinforcement, your ability to use new responses and behaviors will help to bring relief and improvement for a variety of cognitive and behavioral problems and skills. 

How is Biofeedback/Neurofeedback Used Today?

Biofeedback and Neurofeedback are now being used for primary treatment of many conditions including:

• ADD/ADHD
• Epilepsy
• Enhanced sports performance
• Migraine headaches, tension headaches
• Myofacial and Chronic Body Pain
• Disorders of the digestive system
• High blood pressure and its opposite, low blood pressure
• Cardiac arrhythmias (abnormalities, sometimes dangerous, in the rhythm of the heartbeat)
• Raynaud's disease (a circulatory disorder that causes uncomfortably cold hands)
• Paralysis and other movement disorders
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Some forms of Autism
• Stress

Biofeedback and Neurofeedback are not magic.  They are tools. They point out that behavior, thoughts, and feelings profoundly influence physical health.

How many sessions does it take? Typically, Neurofeedback treatment involves a regular series of sessions that may require as many as 40 or 50 sessions or more depending on the individual. The good news is that biofeedback teaches individuals self-regulation. Once the techniques are learned, the patient may never again require neurofeedback therapy or only may require  a "refresher" session now and then. Patients are required to commit themselves to practicing what they learn on a daily basis.  Through biofeedback and/or neurofeedback,  a person experiencing migraines can learn to ward off headaches. A person who experienced a stroke may regain muscle use. Children and adults diagnosed with ADD or ADHD may see improved concentration, focus, alertness and control while decreasing fidgeting and impulsivity.  Individuals with stress-related disorders learn to relax and improve their overall health.

Want to learn more about Brain Mapping?

Check out our page on this innovative process, known in the industry as QEEG

Biofeedback and
EEG Biofeedback/HEG (“Neurofeedback”) are more and more becoming Primary and Preferred treatment methods for many issues.

We at CCPsychological provide leading edge therapies to improve Mood, Focus and Concentration, Academic Performance, Memory, General Cognitive Functioning and Enhanced Sports Performance. At the same time, these therapies reduce Pain, Anxiety, and Negative Thinking. Biofeedback and Neurofeedback have proven that cognitive, emotional and physical processes are interconnected and that, with training, you can integrate both physical, mental, and emotional strategies to effectively implement these areas in your daily life. These therapies can give you the power to regulate and/or enhance Mood, Concentration, Focus, and Cognitive Functioning; reduce Pain and Anxiety; and self-create an attentive, alert but relaxed state of mind.

The secret to success is learning these techniques and strategies while practicing them with supervision until they are second-nature.

Although considered alternative treatments in the past, Biofeedback and Neurofeedback are more and more becoming Primary and Preferred treatment methods for the issues listed above.

Hemoencephalography ("HEG") is a newer treatment modality, based on increasing oxygenation and blood flow to the frontal part of the brain. This treatment involves a headband with a built-in sensor that is gently placed on the head to measure the blood-flow to the frontal cortex. These measurements are sent to and displayed on a computer in real time graphic images which are manipulated by the client's learning to change the blood-flow and increasing oxygenation at will.