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Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback
Training your brain toward greater balance, regulation, and flexibility
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive form of biofeedback that uses information about your brain activity to help you learn greater self-regulation. It is sometimes described as “brain training” because, through repeated practice, the brain is given opportunities to develop more consistent patterns of regulation.
During a neurofeedback session, sensors are placed comfortably on the scalp to measure electrical activity in the brain, known as electroencephalography (EEG). The EEG information is processed by specialized software and translated into feedback, such as sounds, images, music, or changes on a screen.
You do not have to consciously control your brainwaves. Instead, the feedback provides your brain with information about its current activity, and over time you may learn to shift toward patterns associated with the goals of your individualized training.
Neurofeedback is non-invasive and does not involve sending electricity or other forms of stimulation into the brain.
How Does Neurofeedback Work?
Your brain is constantly changing in response to your experiences, environment, thoughts, emotions, attention, and physical state. Neurofeedback uses this capacity for learning by creating a feedback loop:
Brain activity → feedback → learning → practice → greater self-regulation
A typical session involves sitting comfortably while EEG sensors monitor your brain activity. You may watch a video, listen to sounds or music, or interact with a computer-based activity. The feedback changes in response to your brain activity.
With repeated sessions, the goal is to support your ability to regulate states such as attention, arousal, and relaxation.
Neurofeedback is individualized, your specific protocol will be determined by your presenting concerns, goals, history, and ongoing response to training.
What Can Neurofeedback Help With?
Neurofeedback has been studied across a range of concerns and may be considered as part of a broader treatment plan for concerns such as:
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Attention and concentration difficulties
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ADHD-related symptoms
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Stress and difficulty regulating emotional arousal
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Anxiety and excessive physiological activation
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Trauma-related symptoms and PTSD
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Emotional regulation difficulties
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Sleep difficulties
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Difficulty shifting between focused and relaxed states
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Mental fatigue or feeling chronically “overactivated”
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Difficulty maintaining a calm, regulated state
Neurofeedback and Counselling
Neurofeedback and counselling complement one another. Counselling can help you understand and work with your thoughts, emotions, relationships, experiences, behaviours, and life circumstances. Neurofeedback focuses more directly on practicing regulation of physiological and brain activity.
For example, someone who experiences anxiety may work therapeutically on understanding anxious thoughts, avoidance patterns, and values while also using neurofeedback to practice shifting toward a more regulated physiological state.
The goal is not to “fix” your brain. Rather, neurofeedback can provide another way to develop awareness, practice regulation, and build flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does a typical neurofeedback session look like?
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Initial conversation and assessment: We begin discussing your current concerns, relevant history, and what you would like to change. We will discuss whether neurofeedback appears appropriate for your goals and whether it makes sense as part of your overall treatment plan. The clinician may also collect baseline information about your symptoms.
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EEG Training: EEG sensors are placed on your scalp. You remain awake and participate in a computer-based activity while the system provides feedback based on your brain activity. Sessions are generally quiet and comfortable. You do not need to “try hard” to change your brainwaves.
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The clinician will monitor your response and make adjustments as needed: Your experience matters. We pay attention to changes in your symptoms, functioning, energy, sleep, mood, attention, and overall wellbeing. Neurofeedback should be approached as a learning process rather than something that has to work perfectly from the beginning.
What will I notice?
People can respond differently to neurofeedback. Some people describe noticing changes in areas such as:
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Feeling calmer or more settled
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Improved ability to concentrate
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Greater awareness of their internal state
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Easier transitions between activity and rest
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Improved emotional regulation
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Changes in sleep
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Reduced physiological tension
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Greater ability to pause before reacting
How many sessions will I need?
There is no single number of sessions that works for everyone. Some people notice changes gradually, while others may not notice a significant difference.
Neurofeedback research has used a variety of treatment schedules and protocols, and individual responses can differ. Your treatment plan may therefore be adjusted based on your goals, response, and progress.
We will regularly review whether you are finding the process useful and whether continuing neurofeedback makes sense for you.
Is neurofeedback safe?
Neurofeedback is generally considered non-invasive, and it does not involve electrical stimulation of the brain.
However, as with any intervention, people can respond differently. Some individuals may experience temporary effects such as fatigue, headache, irritability, difficulty relaxing, or changes in sleep or arousal.
If you notice an uncomfortable or unexpected change, let your clinician know. Training can be modified, paused, or discontinued when appropriate.
Can neurofeedback diagnose ADHD, PTSD, or another mental health condition?
No.EEG and neurofeedback are not a stand-alone diagnostic test for mental health conditions. A diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical assessment that considers symptoms, history, functioning, context, and alternative explanations.
Do I need a diagnosis to try neurofeedback?
Not necessarily. Neurofeedback may be considered based on your goals and presenting concerns even when you do not have a formal diagnosis. Your clinician will discuss whether it is an appropriate option for you.
Can children and teenagers do neurofeedback?
For younger clients, parent/guardian involvement and appropriate informed consent or assent are important parts of the process. Neurofeedback has been studied with children and adolescents but whether treatment is appropriate is based on developmental stage, goals, family context, and the young person's ability and willingness to participate.
Is neurofeedback the same as biofeedback or brain stimulation?
Biofeedback generally provides information about a physiological process such as heart rate, muscle tension, breathing, or skin temperature.
Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that focuses specifically on brain activity, most commonly measured using EEG.
Brain Stimulation electrically stimulations your brain, while neurofeedback only measures brain activity and provides feedback based on what is being measured.
What does the research say about neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is an evolving area of mental health care. There is encouraging research in several areas. Neurofeedback is most appropriately viewed as one potential tool within a broader, individualized approach to mental health and wellbeing.