NEurofeedback
Professional neurofeedback brain training for adults in the Sacramento area
What is neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback or brain training, is a powerful treatment that helps your brain and nervous system 'reset' its patterns of activity, leading to more balanced, flexible, and calm mental/emotional/physical states.
Using cutting edge technology, neurofeedback uses electrode sensors on your scalp to read the brain's electrical activity, and display its activity on a TV screen. It's like a mirror for the brain. When the brain sees it's own activity, it starts to self-regulate.
Unlike medication where chemicals in the brain are altered, neurofeedback allows your brain to improve the timing and coordination of it's complex electrical activity. It's similar to how a dancer will improve their timing and coordination by practicing in front of a mirror.
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive treatment; there is no medication, no pain, and no electricity or signals sent into the brain from the electrode sensors. It can be life-changing for people who struggle with stubborn and/or intense symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, and other mental health ailments. This treatment may be a good fit for you if:
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Are looking for a noninvasive, medication-free treatment option for symptoms of mental health disorders
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Want to try to decrease your need for medication, or find a complement to current medication
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You have significant physical signs of stress, such as migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep problems, or panic attacks.
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Have been told that you have "medication-resistant" anxiety or depression
Neurofeedback acts as a personal fitness trainer for your brain. It strengthens your nervous system's ability to self-regulate, and reach feelings of calm and balance.
Targeted symptoms
Neurofeedback promotes greater stabilization of brain activity and more balance and flexibility between calm and alert states. Some examples of targeted symptoms include:
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Migraines and headaches
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Attention deficits
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Panic attacks
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Mood swings
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Overactive mental chatter
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Symptoms of OCD
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Sleep walking/talking
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Narcolepsy
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Fibromyalgia and arthritis pain
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Motion sickness
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Autoimmune deficits
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Sugar cravings and hypoglycemia
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Tinnitus
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Seizures
calming
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Trauma responses
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Hypervigilance, fear, paranoia
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Pervasive anxiety
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Depression and despair
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Feeling "stuck" in emotions
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Nightmares
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Difficulty falling/staying asleep
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Chronic constipation
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Teeth grinding
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Anger and rage
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Addictive behavior
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Sensory processing deficits
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Muscle tension and pain
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Balance and motor coordination deficits
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Developmental disorders
neurofeedback resources & research
Recommended reading:
meet your neurotherapist
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback specialties:
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Trauma and PTSD
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Anxiety and depression
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ADD/ADHD
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Peak Performance for athletes, musicians, and performing artists
neurofeedback faq's
1. How long are sessions? How many sessions do I need?
A typical session lasts between 20-45 minutes. Sessions that include an assessment (such as your initial session, and follow-up assessments after 20 sessions) often run longer, from 45-90 minutes.
The majority of patients can experience meaningful long-term effects after an average of 30 sessions. Wellness for Humanity recommends a minimum of 20 sessions. Some patients require or prefer more depending on how many symptoms they want to target, how readily their brains respond to treatment, and whether they opt for occasional “tune-ups” in response to major lifestyle or physical health changes.
2. What are potential side effects?
Some patients experience temporary negative side effects, especially in the first 5-10 sessions, that often go away within a few hours after each session ends. These may include increased anxiety, headaches, eye strain, difficulty sleeping, or other feelings of having an overly-alert brain. Unlike medication, if a patient reports unease, adjustments can be made by the neurotherapist in-session, and can often decrease and/or eliminate the negative side-effect immediately.
There are consistent reports of more positive side effects than negative ones. For example, if a patient is targeting lowering anxiety, they may have positive unexpected side effects such as increased focus, decreased sugar cravings, decreased light/sound sensitivity, deeper sleep, increased creativity, less PMS symptoms, less physical pain, etc.
3. Should I stop taking medication while doing neurofeedback?
You do not need to stop taking prescribed medications before starting neurofeedback. Most patients decrease or eliminate the need for medication over the course of neurofeedback treatment, and can work with their psychiatrist to wean off medication throughout the process.
4. What can I do outside of sessions to enhance its effectiveness?
Neurofeedback tends to “wake up” the brain so that it’s more responsive to things that are generally healthy for mental, emotional, and physical health. Continue healthy habits as recommended by health experts (ex. Eating healthy, exercising, getting enough sleep, etc.).
Other activities that are known to boost brain function and can boost the positive effects of neurofeedback include playing/listening to music (our brains like rhythm!), mindfulness activities (meditations, mindful walking, etc.), and eating brain food like fish, leafy greens, and nuts (feel free to ask us for nutritionist referrals).
5. What are the fees? Do you offer low cost or free neurofeedback sessions?
A regular follow-up neurofeedback session is $160 per session, and $140 per session if you purchase a 30-session package.
Wellness for Humanity is in the process of partnering with local nonprofits to offer low cost or free sessions for underserved communities starting in 2023.