Neurofeedback

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback therapy at Neuro Psych health gives you the tools to take back control of your life, empowering you to achieve a healthier, happier state of mind.

Neurofeedback, also known as electroencephalogram (EEG) biofeedback, is a psychological treatment that involves measuring your brainwaves and provides you with instantaneous feedback on how your brain is functioning.

What are the benefits of neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback therapy is a great tool to help you understand the inner workings of your brain and become aware of behaviours you didn't know you had. Additionally, it can show how your brain reacts in real-time, allowing you to understand what triggers specific emotions, thoughts and behaviours.

Other benefits of neurofeedback include the following:

• Resilience - You might notice that you do not become as overwhelmed by certain situations anymore, and if any issues arise, you might notice that you return to a positive mindset quicker.
• Flexibility - Similarly to exercise, when you are unfit, it takes considerably more effort to do any physical activity than if you are fit. Neurofeedback is like fitness for the brain. You might notice that the brain helps you find solutions faster. Problems take less mental effort than they did before.
• Stress reduction - Neurofeedback has been likened to meditation and is an excellent way to destress and teach the brain calmness.
• Concentration - neurofeedback can help improve consistent focus and concentration.
• Manage the symptoms of mental health disorders - Neurofeedback can pinpoint the areas of the brain that are hyper-aroused and lead to anxiety, depression and insomnia. It has also been shown to help manage PTSD symptoms.

Although this treatment is used for various conditions, including ADHD, insomnia, anxiety, depression and behavioural difficulties, it is suitable for anyone with a brain! That's right – neurofeedback is often used for optimal performance training and has been used by athletes worldwide. Regardless of age - children, adolescents, adults and older people can benefit from this treatment approach.

What to expect during a neurofeedback therapy session

You will remain conscious and alert for the entirety of this non-invasive therapy. Once seated comfortably, Dr Aqeela Mahomed will attach electrodes to your scalp, transmitting all your brain activity to specialised software, showing your brain activity in real time.

When people suffer from mental health conditions, their brainwaves are disrupted. For example, people suffering from anxiety have too much fast brain wave activity, leaving them restless and edgy. The goal would be to reduce the fast beta waves causing you distress and increase alpha waves related to calmness.

Through auditory and visual stimuli, the software will direct your brainwave activities to a desirable state of comfort and calmness and give positive feedback to reinforce this change in activity. The aim is to remain conscious of your reactions so that you can steer your brain to the desired mental state. Eventually, you will learn to shift your thoughts to a healthier state of mind.

How to prepare for your appointment:

1. Please inform Dr Aqeela of any prescribed or over-the-counter medications you are taking before your first session.
2. Please avoid taking any mind-altering substances or sleeping medication the night before your appointment.
3. For best results, avoid stimulants for up to 8 hours before your appointment. This includes coffee, tea, and energy drinks.
4. Please eat a healthy meal and go to the bathroom before your meal.
5. Have a good night's rest the night before your appointment, and inform Dr Aqeela if you could not get a good night's rest.

Please note: Late arrival may result in rescheduling.

What to expect after your neurofeedback therapy session

Although you may not experience immediate effects from neurofeedback therapy, it can take 5-20 sessions to experience notable changes. The amount of required sessions also depends on the type and severity of the condition being treated. For example, certain developmental conditions, such as autism, or other chronic conditions, may require more sessions.

As with other therapy methods, we recommend doing neurofeedback therapy regularly and consistently for optimum results. Signs that the treatment is working are; positive changes in mood, improved sleep, better stress management, and mental clarity.

Dr Aqeela will work with you, your child or your loved one to provide insight into specific triggers or issues that may be present.