What is neurofeedback therapy?
Feedback is something we need in any type of training. For example, if we are training for a marathon, we need to listen to our bodies' feedback so we can adjust our training. If we are studying for an exam, we need feedback from mock tests to guide us towards the next steps. Neurofeedback is the training of the brain - we can measure our brain activity with EEG (electroencephalography), and observe our brain activity in real time, similar to monitoring our heart rate with a smartwatch. Based on EEG feedback, we can train our brain activity in a desired direction to better regulate our mental state.
The EEG signal will be measured by a headband (Muse 2) and will be displayed in the form of simple video games - there are many to choose from! It can be a calming game where you try to boost the flame in a campfire, or an exciting one where you try to move your cart on a roller coaster. The game can be on a computer screen or in virtual reality (VR).
What is the science on neurofeedback? Is this effective?
This isn't an easy question to answer, especially as someone who works in neuroscience research and knows its current strengths and limitations. Neurofeedback is grounded in science showing that people can successfully train their brains in desired directions and that such training may be associated with improvements in self-regulation. The logic behind neurofeedback is also sound: training the brain mimics self-regulation towards a desired mental state. However, no major clinical condition currently has sufficient support to justify calling neurofeedback a standard first-line treatment. Some conditions, such as ADHD and PTSD, have received more support than others. In short, some people can experience meaningful improvement, but the benefit is not guaranteed, and research has not yet established whether the improvement is due to the brain training itself or to general therapeutic factors, such as a good supportive relationship with your therapist.
Since it is not possible to summarize all the nuances of neurofeedback here, if you are interested in neurofeedback therapy, it is best that we chat to see whether it can meet your needs. The neurofeedback software system we will be using is developed by my PhD supervisor, Dr. Paul Frewen. You can visit vr-nr.com to learn more about the software specifically.
Neurofeedback therapy can be done in two ways
1. Combined with psychotherapy
2. Standalone
We would start with psychotherapy sessions to discuss your goals and decide on the best neurofeedback protocol for you. We will discuss why we would add neurofeedback to regular psychotherapy, and how we can integrate both activities so that they complement each other.
The cost is the same as regular psychotherapy: $175 per 60-minute session. We may decide to dedicate a portion for our time for talk therapy, based on our needs.
Neurofeedback therapy can be used on its own if you are not ready or do not want talk therapy. In this case, we will still have a 1-hour initial consultation ($175). If you decide to continue, we can then follow up with guided neurofeedback sessions at $90 per 30-minute session.