What is Neurofeedback?

 Neurofeedback, or neurotherapy, is an alternative healing modality that utilizes your brain’s inherent plasticity to train and sustain optimal rhythms and functioning. Neurofeedback therapists and technicians monitor brain activity in real-time by connecting key sites of the brain to computer software through a special cap that collects and measures the brain’s electrical activity. The brain learns to operate in new ways through the process of operant conditioning, which rewards the brainwave behaviour we are looking to achieve, in the form of audio or visual stimuli.

You could be playing a video game, flying a plane, or watching a video while your brainwaves are being monitored and evaluated in real-time, accompanied by audio and/or video feedback and reinforcement. Unlike medications, neurofeedback involves a process of both active and passive learning, which results in cumulative and long-term shifts in brain activity and the associated improvement of identified health symptoms.

Dr. Araujo offers several different cutting-edge types of neurotherapy:

Traditional Neurofeedback

Traditional neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a form of biofeedback that uses electrical activity in the brain, measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG), to help individuals learn to control their own brain activity. The goal of traditional neurofeedback is to teach individuals to regulate their brainwaves in order to improve various mental and physical conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, and chronic pain. The process typically involves attaching electrodes to the scalp to measure brain activity, and then providing feedback to the individual in the form of visual or auditory cues that indicate when their brain activity is in a desired state. The individual is then trained to use the cues to control their brain activity and achieve the desired state. Traditional neurofeedback is typically done with the help of a trained professional, such as a neurotherapist or clinical psychologist. 

Z-Score Training

Z-score neurofeedback, also known as “z-score training,” is a form of neurofeedback that uses standardized scores to measure brain activity and provide feedback to the user. It is based on the concept of “z-scores,” which are a measure of how many standard deviations an individual’s brain activity deviates from the average for their age group. During a z-score neurofeedback session, electrodes are placed on the scalp to measure brain activity and the data is then transformed into z-scores to standardize it. The user is then shown their brain activity in real-time and trained to change it to reach a “normal” range of activity for their age group. The goal is to bring brain activity to a more optimal range to improve symptoms of conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. It’s important to note that z-score neurofeedback is considered a form of traditional neurofeedback and is based on the same underlying principles as other forms of neurofeedback. The main difference is that it uses z-scores as a way to standardise the data and provide feedback to the user.

sLORETA Training

sLORETA (Standardised Low-Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography) is a form of neurofeedback that uses EEG data to provide a 3-dimensional map of brain activity. sLORETA training is based on the idea that by providing feedback on specific regions of the brain, the user can learn to control and change their brain activity in those areas. During sLORETA training, electrodes are placed on the scalp to measure brain activity, and the data is analysed using a computer algorithm to create a 3-dimensional map of brain activity. The user is then trained to change their brain activity in specific regions in order to improve symptoms of conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and insomnia. It’s also used for other conditions such as chronic pain, addiction, and eating disorders.

Infraslow Fluctuation (ISF)

Infraslow Fluctuation (ISF) is a form of neurofeedback that focuses on measuring and training the brain’s infraslow oscillations, which are neural oscillations that occur at frequencies below 0.1 Hz. These infraslow oscillations are thought to be related to the function of the autonomic nervous system and have been linked to various physiological and psychological processes such as heart rate variability, sleep, and emotional regulation. In ISF neurofeedback, electrodes are placed on the scalp to measure brain activity and the data is processed to identify the infraslow oscillations. The user is then trained to increase or decrease these infraslow oscillations in order to improve physiological and psychological functioning. ISF neurofeedback is considered a cutting-edge technology as it’s a recent discovery, yet it has already been validated by research, especially in the area of chronic pain. It is also used for conditions such as hypertension and anxiety.

Remote – At Home Neurofeedback Training

Using the Dive app, you can get the same effective and evidence-based process as in-person training in the convenience and comfort of your own home. The app works with a headset device to allow for personalised neurofeedback protocols to drive your training. These protocols will be derived from your QEEG brain maps, just like the in-person sessions, so your training will be focused on your specific needs. Through the use of the headset and the app, you will receive instantaneous auditory and visual feedback that rewards your brain to improve symptoms.

 

How to Get Started

  • Schedule your QEEG assessment.
  • QEEG assessment results and feedback session to determine treatment plan.
  • Ongoing, regular training sessions (e.g. weekly) **Remote (at home) training available via Divergence Neuro platform Dive.
  • QEEG reassessment after 10 sessions or 2 months of remote training
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