Make Sure We Are The Right Fit
We serve patients of all ages whose symptoms are primarily brain-related concerns, such as those related to anxiety, mood, behavior, cognitive function, sleep, headaches, and/or sensory processing.
We serve patients of all ages whose symptoms are primarily brain-related concerns, such as those related to anxiety, mood, behavior, cognitive function, sleep, headaches, and/or sensory processing.
- For neurofeedback, patients generally need to come to the office 2-3 times a week. For this reason, we recommend that patients schedule a time when they have some flexibility. The average treatment lasts for 20 sessions, or about 6-8 weeks.
- We do not prescribe controlled substances (i.e. Xanax, Adderall, and Ritalin). Patients who take these medications will need to maintain a relationship with the prescribing provider, as will patients on complex psychotropic regimens.
- Our clinic does not accept insurance. Patients with PPO insurance plans may be reimbursed for a portion of the services they receive at our clinic.
- We do not have expertise in the following areas: substance abuse & addiction, cognitive decline (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, etc.), or severe psychosis. We recommend that patients with these conditions work with a specialist who can provide safe and effective care.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE FIRST SESSION?
During the first session we conduct a clinical interview to get a sense of your needs. Together, we create a holistic, drug-free treatment plan to help you or your child be symptom-free. Treatment includes the evaluation or assessment and prescribed treatment sessions. Medical, sleep hygiene, nutrition and parenting recommendations are often a part of the treatment plan as well. This is an intake process to determine your treatment plan and most effective means of achieving your goals. Additionally, during this initial meeting, we explain the nature of neurotherapy, the modalities used, and answer any questions the client may have. We take this time with clients initially, because many people who are interested in neurofeedback do not understand what it is or what it does.
The initial consultation can be done online as well as in-person.
To book an initial consult with Dr. Jones, please contact our office at [email protected] or 970-924-0629 and we will find a time that’s suitable.
The initial consultation can be done online as well as in-person.
To book an initial consult with Dr. Jones, please contact our office at [email protected] or 970-924-0629 and we will find a time that’s suitable.
WHAT IS NEUROFEEDBACK?
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that can encourage healthier brain function through brainwave training. Since the emergence of Neurofeedback in the late 1960’s, it has become a prime method for retraining brainwave patters using operant conditioning (Hammond, 2007, p. 25). Neurofeedback has assisted with the relief of symptoms including epilepsy, ADHD, anxiety, alcoholism, PTSD, and more (Hammond, 2007, p. 25). By using technology, the practitioner is able to coach the participant to produce optimal levels of functioning with real-time audio and visual feedback (Hammond, 2007, p. 26). Hammond (2007) explains this process by comparing Neurofeedback to physical therapy with the brain that can enhance cognitive flexibility and control (p. 26). There are many trainings to choose from to help participants and to address their concerns. By understanding the basics of Neurofeedback, the solutions and applications are endless.
Our brain cells communicate through electrical impulses, also known as brainwaves. Normal brainwave patterns can be disrupted by trauma, resulting in patients getting stuck in unhealthy patterns of biological activity and behavior. Neurofeedback can help the brain become more flexible and develop healthier patterns and responses, a process known as neuroplasticity.
Neurofeedback, also called EEG biofeedback, is a way of training the behavior of the brain (in terms of the amplitudes of certain brainwaves, or the connectivity dynamics of the brain). The tools used are EEG equipment (electrodes, differential amplifiers) and any kind of feedback (usually tones or video feedback). It is used for a variety of psychopathologies and physical pathologies.
Once the clinician determines how the problem manifests in the brainwave, using EEG measurement equipment, they can then encourage or discourage different behaviors from the brain by rewarding or punishing different EEG behaviors. After a certain number of sessions (typically between 20 and 40) the brain has learned to operate differently, leading to different behaviors and experiences of life.
Our brain cells communicate through electrical impulses, also known as brainwaves. Normal brainwave patterns can be disrupted by trauma, resulting in patients getting stuck in unhealthy patterns of biological activity and behavior. Neurofeedback can help the brain become more flexible and develop healthier patterns and responses, a process known as neuroplasticity.
Neurofeedback, also called EEG biofeedback, is a way of training the behavior of the brain (in terms of the amplitudes of certain brainwaves, or the connectivity dynamics of the brain). The tools used are EEG equipment (electrodes, differential amplifiers) and any kind of feedback (usually tones or video feedback). It is used for a variety of psychopathologies and physical pathologies.
Once the clinician determines how the problem manifests in the brainwave, using EEG measurement equipment, they can then encourage or discourage different behaviors from the brain by rewarding or punishing different EEG behaviors. After a certain number of sessions (typically between 20 and 40) the brain has learned to operate differently, leading to different behaviors and experiences of life.
What do patients experience during a session?
Patients often feel calm and relaxed after a session. The increase in both of these brainwaves, they can enter a deep state between wakefulness and sleep. In this state, people are more open to processing things in a new and healthier way. After these sessions, patients may find that when they think about past events or traumas, they have more insight into their emotions without feeling disabled, distressed, or overwhelmed.
If you are interested in seeing if neurofeedback is the right fit for you, please contact us.
If you are interested in seeing if neurofeedback is the right fit for you, please contact us.
HOW DOES NEUROFEEDBACK WORK?
Yes. Neurofeedback, which is a means of rewarding the desired brainwave activity or inhibiting problematic brainwave activity with auditory or visual feedback works. How well it works is contingent upon the competency of the practitioner, as well as the tools they have at their disposal. Imagine going to a doctor who hadn’t updated any of his equipment in 30 years, and was practicing with old techniques and assumptions. This would be troublesome and possibly dangerous for the patient. The same goes for neurofeedback. The field of neurofeedback has been around since the 1970s, and many clinicians received their training in the early 1990s with simplistic modalities. The patient ought to expect their clinician regularly attends trainings and keep his/her equipment up to date, as well as his/her clinical perspectives.
Neurofeedback abetted by neurostimulation is a faster, and cutting-edge method wherein the clinician first shows the brain what it ought to do (i.e. make theta frequencies), then follows up later with neurofeedback, as a conditioning tool. This one-two approach is a solid and reliable way to impact change in the brain.
When a patient’s brainwave activity moves into a healthier state, the brain is rewarded with pleasant video and audio. Our brains, just like animals, are constantly seeking rewards. During a single neurofeedback session, the brain is given multiple opportunities to self-correct and be rewarded.
The clinician gets an assessment of the client’s brainwave patterns, through a brain map. They also assess the patient through an intake process. Then, they determine what patterns and behaviors in the brain are creating the problem. A classic example is a traditional Attention Deficit Disorder case, where there is too much theta (daydream, hypnogogia, trance-like) and not enough beta (active, conscious thinking). This client has a high theta / beta ratio. The clinician would then determine the source and location of the excess theta and would downtrain (encourage suppression) of the excessive theta brainwaves, while uptraining (encouraging greater amplitudes) of beta brainwaves. This is done using electrodes or a full 19-channel EEG cap. By programing their software for this particular patient, the clinician can reward (via visual or auditory feedback) the optimal state of low amplitude theta brainwaves and high amplitude beta brainwaves, which will lead to a permanent state where the brain knows how to produce more beta and less theta, on a consistent basis. The result, in this example, is a decrease in the attention deficit symptoms due to excess theta, allowing the individual greater focus, clarity, and presence in their functioning.
Neurofeedback abetted by neurostimulation is a faster, and cutting-edge method wherein the clinician first shows the brain what it ought to do (i.e. make theta frequencies), then follows up later with neurofeedback, as a conditioning tool. This one-two approach is a solid and reliable way to impact change in the brain.
When a patient’s brainwave activity moves into a healthier state, the brain is rewarded with pleasant video and audio. Our brains, just like animals, are constantly seeking rewards. During a single neurofeedback session, the brain is given multiple opportunities to self-correct and be rewarded.
The clinician gets an assessment of the client’s brainwave patterns, through a brain map. They also assess the patient through an intake process. Then, they determine what patterns and behaviors in the brain are creating the problem. A classic example is a traditional Attention Deficit Disorder case, where there is too much theta (daydream, hypnogogia, trance-like) and not enough beta (active, conscious thinking). This client has a high theta / beta ratio. The clinician would then determine the source and location of the excess theta and would downtrain (encourage suppression) of the excessive theta brainwaves, while uptraining (encouraging greater amplitudes) of beta brainwaves. This is done using electrodes or a full 19-channel EEG cap. By programing their software for this particular patient, the clinician can reward (via visual or auditory feedback) the optimal state of low amplitude theta brainwaves and high amplitude beta brainwaves, which will lead to a permanent state where the brain knows how to produce more beta and less theta, on a consistent basis. The result, in this example, is a decrease in the attention deficit symptoms due to excess theta, allowing the individual greater focus, clarity, and presence in their functioning.
DOES NEUROFEEDBACK REPLACE THERAPY?
This is best determined on a case-by-case basis. For example, if a person is functioning relatively well, going to school or work regularly and engaging generally in life, therapy may not be necessary and neurofeedback can get the brain to a place where it cements the more helpful brainwave patterns.
However, if someone is experiencing suicidal ideation, cutting behaviors, or other behaviors that interfere with daily functioning, a treatment plan including a good psychologist/therapist is essential along with neurofeedback and other resources.
However, if someone is experiencing suicidal ideation, cutting behaviors, or other behaviors that interfere with daily functioning, a treatment plan including a good psychologist/therapist is essential along with neurofeedback and other resources.
IS NEUROFEEDBACK DANGEROUS? CAN NEUROFEEDBACK HURT ME?
Short answer: no. Neurofeedback is an operant conditioning method, meaning we are using your brain’s own system of conditioning to create changes in the way your brain behaves. Typically, the worst outcome of a bad neurofeedback session is feeling overly wired or overly tired.
The long answer: it is possible. If the person administering neurofeedback is not experienced or credentialed and has not taken an appropriate assessment, such as a brain map and an intake, they are essentially flying blind. Many pathologies show up with various profiles and presentations in the EEG. It is imperative that the patient researches the competency of their clinician and ensures they have the minimal credentials in the field of neurotherapy before allowing them to do brain work.
The long answer: it is possible. If the person administering neurofeedback is not experienced or credentialed and has not taken an appropriate assessment, such as a brain map and an intake, they are essentially flying blind. Many pathologies show up with various profiles and presentations in the EEG. It is imperative that the patient researches the competency of their clinician and ensures they have the minimal credentials in the field of neurotherapy before allowing them to do brain work.
DOES NEUROFEEDBACK LAST?
Neurofeedback lasts if the duration of training was long enough and if the training was frequent enough. Neurofeedback training is similar to going to the gym. You are trying to alter the functioning of your brain permanently. If you are seeking change, multiple times at the gym, per week, is recommended.
We typically train our clients anywhere from 3-5 times per week in the beginning of their training (once per week is akin to going to the gym once per week and expecting change). Once we have a few weeks of intensive work under our belts and we are seeing changes, we can begin to titrate back the training regimen to twice per week, then once per week, and eventually once per every other week, until the client’s training has completed.
After the initial course of training, the occasional neurofeedback tune-up may be desired, but is typically not necessary.
We typically train our clients anywhere from 3-5 times per week in the beginning of their training (once per week is akin to going to the gym once per week and expecting change). Once we have a few weeks of intensive work under our belts and we are seeing changes, we can begin to titrate back the training regimen to twice per week, then once per week, and eventually once per every other week, until the client’s training has completed.
After the initial course of training, the occasional neurofeedback tune-up may be desired, but is typically not necessary.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE IMPROVEMENT?
ADHD / ADD: Symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity require an average of 30 sessions to be relieved, improvement will likely be seen in just seven sessions. Sessions are often once per week, however, twice or three times per week will see the most accelerated brain growth and help to prevent further social and academic/work related consequences. School meetings and neuropsychological testing to rule out learning or processing issues may be recommended.
ANXIETY: Anxiety is particularly known to habituate and develop unhelpful brain patterns so it is especially effectively treated with our neurofeedback and brain mapping tools. Improvement is often seen after 10 sessions, average sessions depend on severity but run from 10-30 sessions.
AUTISM: Autistic social symptoms require an average of 30 sessions to be relieved, improvement will likely be seen in just ten sessions. Sessions are often once per week, however, twice or three times per week will see the most accelerated brain growth and help to prevent further social and academic/work related consequences. School meetings and neuropsychological testing to rule out learning or processing issues may be recommended.
EMOTIONAL REGULATION: Learning to manage emotions is very much biologically based so we use neurofeedback and brain mapping, however we also teach essential evidence-based psychological tools as well. Improvement is often seen after 10 sessions. Amount of sessions vary depending on current ability to manage emotions and brain scan results but average 25-30 sessions.
PEAK PERFORMANCE: Brain wave improvement is often seen after 15 sessions. This helps with focus, memory, attention, getting into a flow state, cravings, and other peak performance results that come from improved brain health.
PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL & NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT: Cost can vary between $500-$3500 depending on what is required.
ANXIETY: Anxiety is particularly known to habituate and develop unhelpful brain patterns so it is especially effectively treated with our neurofeedback and brain mapping tools. Improvement is often seen after 10 sessions, average sessions depend on severity but run from 10-30 sessions.
AUTISM: Autistic social symptoms require an average of 30 sessions to be relieved, improvement will likely be seen in just ten sessions. Sessions are often once per week, however, twice or three times per week will see the most accelerated brain growth and help to prevent further social and academic/work related consequences. School meetings and neuropsychological testing to rule out learning or processing issues may be recommended.
EMOTIONAL REGULATION: Learning to manage emotions is very much biologically based so we use neurofeedback and brain mapping, however we also teach essential evidence-based psychological tools as well. Improvement is often seen after 10 sessions. Amount of sessions vary depending on current ability to manage emotions and brain scan results but average 25-30 sessions.
PEAK PERFORMANCE: Brain wave improvement is often seen after 15 sessions. This helps with focus, memory, attention, getting into a flow state, cravings, and other peak performance results that come from improved brain health.
PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL & NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT: Cost can vary between $500-$3500 depending on what is required.
IS THERE ANY RESEARCH TO SUPPORT NEUROFEEDBACK?
Yes. There is a frequently updated bibliography that is maintained by the International Society for Neurofeedback Research. https://www.isnr.org/isnr-comprehensive-bibliography
If neurofeedback works so well, why haven’t I heard of it before?
Scientific understanding of the way the brain works is changing rapidly. Brainwave patterns were once thought to be fixed and unchangeable; many medical professionals were trained in that belief. Recent research has made it abundantly clear that the brain changes with input (“brain plasticity”), even in adults. Neurotherapy techniques are not yet taught in most medical schools or psychology graduate programs, so for many conditions, medication has been the only help that professionals could offer.
Now, however, as research brings to light both the benefits of neurotherapy and the drawbacks of many medications, people are seeking alternatives and neurofeedback is fast gaining recognition.
Now, however, as research brings to light both the benefits of neurotherapy and the drawbacks of many medications, people are seeking alternatives and neurofeedback is fast gaining recognition.