Neurofeedback is Personalised Brain Training
Neurofeedback training can benefit anyone.
Children, Teenagers and Young Adults: We can assess and assist cortical maturation; improve academic performance, social integration and behaviour; eliminate fear and anxiety to further self-confidence, and relaunch positive developmental trajectories.
Adults: Stress, anxiety, trauma, mood regulation, motivation, focus and sleep
Psychosis: Neurofeedback provides a safe, medication-free approach to restoring calm and confidence, and alleviating symptoms in Schizophrenia
Autism: an evidence-based approach to improving cognitive flexibility, sensory integration, behaviour and social interaction.
Rehabilitation: symptoms demonstrably improve in stroke / TBI, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Brain maps can identify functional connectivity issues that are otherwise difficult to observe or measure. Neurofeedback has been shown to strengthen white matter.
Neurofeedback training provides a complementary approach to mental health.
We are exercising the pre-conscious mind and showing it more efficient ways of sensory processing, all in a non-invasive, medication-free way.
The process involves watching movies, receiving auditory feedback and passively letting the brain learn new behaviour.
We can train our brain to be more stable, flexible and adaptive.
This has shown to be effective for ADHD, depression, trauma, autism and neuro-degenerative conditions, among many other mental health issues.
Our understanding of the world is governed by how our brain processes sensory information. Most of the sensory processing is preconscious, that is, before it reaches our conscious awareness. The more efficient these subconscious processes are, the more easily we can live in the moment and share a reality with others. Conversely, when sensory processing is inefficient, mental health issues can arise. A brain map lets us identify strengths and vulnerabilities.
Neurofeedback lets us train dysrythmic brain areas. With sensors comfortably fitted to the brain areas we want to train, we detect brainwave patterns real-time while watching a movie. When these patterns are inefficient, the volume drops momentarily. This is the feedback we are giving our brain, short and instantaneously. The brain area we are training recognises this – while our conscious mind is focussed on the movie – and adjusts its behaviour to restore the normal volume. With repetition, throughout a session, learning occurs. Meanwhile our conscious mind is solely focussed on the movie; the training process is passive in this sense.
The drop in volume is subtle, so we continue to understand the flow of the movie. No current or electrical stimulation is fed to the brain; sensors simply read brainwaves and the feedback is purely audio-visual.
Quick Navigation
Neurofeedback training is an evidence-based complementary therapy. Its efficacy was first demonstrated some 50 years ago, and with advances in technology, training protocols have become more efficient and the feedback method – watching movies – thoroughly enjoyable.
Rather than engaging the conscious mind, which slows us down, we are training preconscious processes.
This equips us with the ability to live in the moment and attain our potential.
Personalised Brain Training is an advanced qEEG brain map-based approach to neurofeedback training developed by the founders of the field.
Our brain has over 40 distinct processing areas, interpreting stimulus from our senses to provide us with an awareness of our surroundings, and the ability to interact with it pro-socially. Mental Health issues arise when one or more brain areas are dysrhythmic.
With a Kaiser Neuromap, we can assess which areas are stressed. We can then train these areas with neurofeedback. This is an enjoyable process whereby our conscious mind is focussed on a movie, while our preconscious mind registers the feedback – given through short, slight drops in loudness – and corrects its behaviour to restore the more comfortable volume. Learning occurs, and is exercised through repetition to produce lasting effects.
We can train our brain to be more stable, flexible and adaptive.
Neurofeedback training is enjoyable, non-invasive and medication-free.
Athletes
Athletes have particular needs with regard to emotional balance and self-regulation. Neurofeedback can help with the following:
– focus and motivation
– sleep and regeneration
– emotional balance
– situational awareness and teamplay
– pain perception
– concussion / traumatic brain injury
Neurofeedback Training is medication-free and non-invasive. It is evidence-based and effective.
Children, Teenagers and Young Adults
Neurofeedback training is a complementary therapy approach to helping young people attain their best developmental trajectory and thus maximise their opportunities.
From infants to pre-teens, adolescents and young adults, we can assess a young brain’s maturity and structure an effective, personalised, non-invasive and medication-free intervention that is enjoyable – it involves watching movies of choice.
Neurofeedback training has helped many children, teenagers and young adults realise their true potential.
Trauma, Anxiety, Focus, Motivation and Sleep
PTSD is essentially when we’re not expanding – when we are restrained in our ability to unfold our personality, ambitions and realise our dreams.
Our ability to emotionally self-nurture becomes impaired, and we begin to worry about the future, ruminate about the past. We become subtly detached from the moment and its meaning. This is the beginning of mental health issues.
With Personalised Brain Training, we look to break the negative feedback loop and re-establish functionality and a healthy sense of self.
Anxiety clouds our perception and curtails a positive outlook.
Left untreated, a negative feedback loop can ensue: We lose synchrony with our environment, resulting in reduced drive, motivation, activity, interaction, recuperation (sleep) and functionality. Physical manifestations ensue, and we enter a negative feedback loop.
Anxiety is a result of inefficient sensory processing.
As such, it starts in the head, though its manifestations can quickly become physical. Pain perception has neural correlates. With a Kaiser Neuromap we can identify dysrhythmia of relevant brain areas, and then train these with neurofeedback.
We take a holistic approach – as well as training brain areas responsible for arousal, mood and vigilance, we restore focus, drive and motivation, thus restoring self-confidence in a multi-faceted way.
Distractibility, fidgeting, lack of focus, disorganisation, low motivation….
As we can’t get things done and unfinished projects abound, our mood and self-confidence drops. Things aren’t going as expected, neither by ourselves nor our environment. This leads to further frustration, often vented on others and spiralling into self-fuelling rage. Or we accept less from ourselves, internalise, or even self-harm.
Social interactions suffer, and we no longer feel part of something bigger. Feelings of abandonment follow, and trauma symptoms ensue. Diagnoses abound, as more pathologies are added to explain the lack of social development.
Witnessing talented people unable to unfold their skills and personality is sad and frustrating.
Neurofeedback is a safe and effective, evidence-based complementary therapy for ADHD / ADD that is non-invasive, medication-free and enjoyable.
Neurofeedback training found to significantly help 80% of people with depression by aiming to restore motivation, improving sleep and focus, and reducing anxiety.
There are numerous potential cortical contributors to depression, and with a brain map we can see vulnerabilities. Neurofeedback training lets us address these as well as establish a generally improved sense of well-being in a holistic manner.
The positive effects of neurofeedback training have been shown to be lasting.
Neurofeedback is non-invasive and medication-free.
Sleep is usually one of the first things to change with neurofeedback training. Sleep is essential to how we recuperate physically and mentally, and the time when our subconscious mind digests the impulses of the day.
Neurofeedback training helps with sleep onset and quality of sleep.
Developmental Issues
Autism is a spectrum disorder that manifests in a great variety of forms. With a Kaiser Neuromap we can identify individual weaknesses, and train these with Personalised Brain Training in a non-invasive, medication-free manner.
Autism is a condition that makes it more difficult for a person to share their individual qualities with others to their fullest. Key to expressing one’s needs and virtues is an ability to share a reality with others. With neurofeedback training we enable a person to interact with others in the most efficient, and mutually beneficial way. This creates a virtuous feedback loop that helps everyone to appreciate needs, recognise talents and to learn and evolve.
Schizophrenia comprises a wide range of thought disorders, which ultimately affect an individual’s ability to share a reality with others. Causes can be trauma, emotional or physical; drug use; stress; genetics.
With neurofeedback training we aim to restore a healthy sense of self; flexibilise the social brain; and ameliorate comorbidities such as intrusive thoughts, mood disorders, focus and attention issues, paranoia and anxieties; and psychosis.
Each person is different: with a Kaiser Neuromap we assess individual vulnerabilities and train these with neurofeedback. Personalised Brain Training enables the person to unfold their genius in a socially reciprocal manner.
Neurofeedback is medication-free, non-invasive and evidence-based.
Psychosis is a state of mind where all sensory stimulus is interpreted as being directed to oneself.
While it is natural for infants and children to interpret the world this way, we grow out of this mode between the ages of 3-5.
As we mature, we start to learn that not everything that’s happening in the world is directed at ourselves.
Feeling as if everything is directed at us results in anxiety and / or deep depression.
It also reduces our ability to take on other perspectives, consider different views and be accommodating of others’ stances.
Shocks, such as trauma, drug use (in particular, cannabis and cocaine) and isolation (such as lockdowns) can cause us to revert into this child-like state, without us noticing.
Psychosis is a state that can occur, and recur, in persons diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Trauma and neurodegenerative conditions. Note however that it is not a necessary condition for any of these.
TBI/Stroke Rehabilitation and Neuro-Degenerative Disorders
As the brain’s functional connectivity is impacted by physical trauma, changes in character can occur. These include aspects of self-sustainability, such as mood regulation, sleep and anxieties; and extend to sense of self, re-assessment of social and personal boundaries, impulsive aggression and rage, focus and productivity as well as sense of emotional security.
With neurofeedback training we can address these issues in a personalised manner, based on a Kaiser Neuromap. The person feels more comfortable and optimistic about their progress as we restore hope and sense of accomplishment.
Comorbid mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, aggression, PTSD and mood imbalances can be addressed directly with neurofeedback. We strengthen sense of self and improve emotional regulation.
Chronic Pain is another application for neurofeedback, where studies have demonstrated its efficacy.
Rehabilitation often requires a multi-discipline approach. The following case study illustrates the role of neurofeedback:
Comorbid mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, aggression, PTSD and mood imbalances can be addressed directly with neurofeedback. We strengthen sense of self and improve emotional regulation.
Alzheimer Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder. Similar to Parkinson’s Disease, secondary symptoms are neuropsychiatric in nature and can be addressed with neurofeedback training, helping the person to maintain their sense of self, mood regulation and sleep, and contain arising anxieties.
There are biomarkers that allow us to differentiate between Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), Parkinson’s Disease, and Alzheimer Disease. A Kaiser Neuromap gives us a non-specific indication of each, that can assist early onset diagnosis and thus shape the treatment plan at an early stage.
As with other neurodegenerative disorders, physical changes in the brain affect our sensory interpretation of our surroundings, giving rise to neuropsychiatric disorders. We can become relational in our thinking, and specifically with regard to brain areas that are responsible for our interpretation of personal space and social boundaries.
Neurofeedback Personalised Brain Training aims precisely at encouraging cortical participation and help us share a reality with others, counteracting symptom progression. We are also targeting brain areas that are directly affected by the disease, among many others, thus helping to slow down disease progression in a holistic way. Rather than promoting a ‘cure’, we are helping affected persons improve their quality of life in many ways.
Peer-reviewed research shows the following effects in neurofeedback applications to Parkinson’s Disease:
– improvement in static and dynamic balance
– improved motor symptoms, on a par with other therapies such as rTMS – while being non-invasive and drug-free
– improvement in life quality
– potential to train up speed of movement initiation by 37%
– increased sensory integration in 10-12 sessions
– reduced symptom severity
It has recently been shown that neurofeedback training led to cognitive improvements in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients, and that this corresponded to improved functional connectivity in key motor and salience networks. Increased fractional anisotropy (FA) was observed, which correlated with cognitive improvement.
MS is a neurodegenerative condition that adversely affects axonal myelination. FA is among other a measure of myelination, so the result that neurofeedback can make positive changes in this condition is very encouraging.
A study with sufferers of Huntington’s Disease, another neurodegenerative condition, showed that cognitive and motor skills improved and that these changes related to improved functional connectivity in key brain regions, again a conclusion that neuroplasticity can be induced despite the presence of neurodegeneration.
We train the pre-conscious mind in a non-invasive, medication-free and enjoyable way.
Neurofeedback Personalised Brain Training is a Complementary Approach to Mental Health.
Neurofeedback Training - Case Studies
Julian, just turned 11, introduced himself with “I’m Julian. I have ADHD”. His self-esteem was on the floor.
Shy and well-behaved, his demeanour contrasted with the behaviour issues his mother deemed most pressing. Her altercations with Julian were daily, prompted by incidences where things didn’t go as imagined or hoped for by him, and turning into a self-fuelling rage that would spoil the entire weekend. His focus was poor, conversations marred by distractions (“jibberish”, in her words), relative maturity low for his age group and he fortunately attended a school that catered for his academic performance and social needs.
A year of psychotherapy almost landed him with an autism assessment, and he hated the various other therapeutic procedures he had to endure that aimed at helping his physical coordination issues.
Within two weeks, or four sessions, his behaviour had taken a turn; in his mother’s words:
“I wanted to mention that we have noticed improvement with Julian. He is calmer, less reactive and when he gets frustrated he manages to calm himself down. Not sure if it’s a temporary thing, but this weekend was all right :)”
Far from temporary, his maturation accelerated noticeably in the following weeks. A family trip was described as “the best vacation we’ve ever had!” by his mother. While on holiday, he learned to scuba dive, and his parents noticed that he was asking coherent, thoughtful and relevant questions during the instruction. Anxieties and fears dropped noticeably, attention and focus improved, childish behaviour – such as “class clown” attempts at drawing attention – ceased, and his search for male role models extended into extracurricular activities.
Julian’s brain maps confirmed the transition he was going through. He had skipped years of physical maturation that should have taken place, especially in his prefrontal cortex. Functional connectivity of brain areas responsible for behaviour, focus and sense of self had improved substantially, as – notably – had his motor skills. Julian’s trajectory has changed from spiralling into lower depths of special needs diagnoses, to establishing a confident, engaged and healthy risk-taking personality. With these new acquired powers, he is able to shape his own future in a way that helps sustain his progress.
Does it last? We all evolve, and life throws us challenges. Key to improvement is being equipped with the right tools – cortical maturity and functional connectivity in this case – that help us create positive feedback loops within our environment. Twenty sessions helped liberate this young man immensely. With neurofeedback training we can address developmental issues.
Tamy, 3.5 years of age, was suspected of having autistic traits by her parents. She was not interested in playing with other children, solved hundred-piece puzzles and recognised chemical formulae. Shy and sensitive to music, she would only want to watch one particular cartoon on her ipad and entered a state of rage in response to disturbance or change. The family GP had told her parents to wait another year or two before applying for a diagnosis, saying that the symptoms were too mild to tell – she could speak already after all.
Concerned, her parents decided to try neurofeedback. A brain map revealed numerous and prominent sources of anxiety and fear, as well as auditory hypersensitivity, focus issues, impulsive aggression and mood dysregulation. These features are common in autistic children, though non-specific with regard to categorisation.
We worked on relevant brain areas in one hour stints, which Tamy became more and more accepting of. Soon we were able to change the content from her favourite (and only) cartoon to comprise a variation of content. She became calmer, more engaged and started interacting with others in ways her parents were positively surprised by. Ten sessions had made a tremendous difference, and reshaped a trajectory that sufficiently reassured a young family.
Camilla had been diagnosed with anxiety, panic attacks, associated insomnia and mild depression. She was prescribed two anti-depressants – Mirtazapine and and SSRI – which she was able to reduce to a minimum dose over time. During the last three years however, she had six relapses, each following a similar pattern: Stress (emotional and work-related) and fatigue precipitated intrusive thoughts and worries, setting off a familiar path of insomnia; consequently higher anxiety, increased stress levels leading to panic attacks and depressive symptoms. The first few episodes were stabilised by resuming Mirtazapine, which helped restore sleep. The subsequent ones however failed to respond, taking months to stabilise sleep and reduce anxiety, which involved having to take time off work. In addition, she began to have somatisations, beginning in the spine and ultimately reaching her face. Migraines began to reappear when she became excessively tired.
Guided by a brain map, we began doing neurofeedback training twice a week. Camilla’s sleep became sound after the second session – “I feel pleasantly knocked out” – and she decided to reduce her Mirtazapine dose gradually in accordance with her prescribing GP. After eight sessions (four weeks) she was on the lowest dose, and even this left her feeling very groggy in the morning. Camilla had regained confidence in her ability to fall asleep, and stopped using Mirtazapine completely. Her anxiety levels were at their lowest, and she had began to work again, leaving a corporate environment to work with children in a mental health setting – a stressful yet engaging and meaningful activity. Her motivation had reached new levels, and she felt stable and confident, which showed in her stance and demeanour.
Ten sessions of neurofeedback training (each two hours) were sufficient to stabilise Camilla, restore her ability to sleep, and the confidence therein, as well as improving sense of self-worth, focus and motivation. She has not felt the need to use Mirtazapine again since.
Three months later, Camilla reports a major improvement in how she is able to set boundaries, both at work and in her personal life, and not neglecting her own well-being.
Claire is a 48-year old female who is three years post-thalamic CVA (ruptured aneurysm). In particular, her physical symptoms included severe muscle contractures in her wrist and elbows leading to impaired movement, as well as being wheel-chair bound.
After two neurofeedback sessions, she got her wrist and elbow released.
Claire was getting active elbow extension and shoulder flexion after five sessions. Pain was also resolved in her hand, which had been a major issue previously.
Functionally, she achieved improved independence in dressing skills, required only minimal assistance with bathing, and was able to walk with a cane.
After thirty neurofeedback sessions, Claire started walking without her cane.
Significant improvements (over 50%) included:
– Working memory, chronic aching pain, attention deficit
– reduced night sweats, vertigo and hot flashes
– improved body awareness, balance, fine motor coordination, muscle spasticity, reflux and chronic nerve pain
– significantly reduced paranoia
Linda, 49, had been betrayed by her husband. The realisation set in just as she had completed an intensive three month project at work and was taking some time off to be more with her family. In addition, her younger daughter started attending a new school and was noticeably, yet hurtfully striving for more independence.
Linda’s depression resurfaced, the usual bubbly self subsiding into a self-conscious, dampened shadow of herself. Always a social and entertaining person, she had been to rehab a number of times (“it doesn’t work, but I made great friends there”). She worried about having incurred brain damage as a result of her excesses, and that this was the moment the world was coming down on her.
She had tried numerous forms of therapy and was taking a low dose of anti-depressants when she decided to try neurofeedback.
Visibly nervous excitement before the first session quickly subsided, to be replaced with a new sense of calm. Her sleep improved to levels she could not recall having experienced before, within three sessions.
After five sessions she exclaimed, “it’s worth it”.
Being on her own was no longer her refuge of choice; instead she rekindled productive relationships, and set aside people and places that were soaking up her energy.
Linda started to accept her marital situation, redeemed her sense of self-worth, and found a way to make partnership and parenthood work beyond traditional confines.
Her brain map corroborates the transition: previously absent alpha peaks emerged visibly, mirroring the cognitive resuscitation she was experiencing.
Sean and Sairah were going through a difficult patch in their relationship.
They had endured a year’s worth of noisy renovation work on their doorstep while they were looking after two years of looking after her mother and raising a newborn.
Self-diagnosed as PTSD, they were loathe to engaging in ‘softer’ therapies at this stage, for multiple reasons.
A brain map confirmed they both had similar issues with their ability to self-nurture and feel emotionally safe. Hypersensitivity was also confirmed, which had led to tensions and a lack of sharing emotions with each other.
Sleep improved after the first sessions, which Sean was tracking with an app as well as realising subjectively.
Sairah’s stress levels reduced substantially. The incident whereby she slammed down the plates in her hand out of general and spontaneous overwhelm, never repeated and she became calmer and more relaxed, and able to spend more quality time with her children.
Twenty sessions brought the two back to a nurturing relationship they were ready to enjoy in time for Christmas.
Brain Maps and Personalised Brain Training
Brain Maps expose Individual Vulnerabilities
With a Kaiser Neuromap, we can identify character traits, vulnerabilities and strengths.
Different brain areas and networks govern our behaviour. For example, there are parts of our brain which control mood regulation; spatial distractibility; physiological arousal; our sense of self; self-critical thoughts; anger and emotional attachment; and there are various sources of anxiety.
A brain map shows us which brain areas are behaving immaturely, and thus expose us to vulnerabilities or mental health issues.
Rather than fitting people into categories – diagnosis – we can assess vulnerability to behaviour patterns. Every brain is different. A brain map provides a more granular approach to understanding our strengths and weaknesses.
Personalised Brain Training with Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback lets us train dysrythmic brain areas. With sensors comfortably fitted to the brain areas we want to train, we detect brainwave patterns real-time while watching a movie. When these patterns are inefficient, the volume drops momentarily. This is the feedback we are giving our brain, short and instantaneously.
The brain area we are training recognises this – while our conscious mind is focussed on the movie – and adjusts its behaviour to restore the normal volume. With repetition, throughout a session, learning occurs.
Meanwhile our conscious mind is solely focussed on the movie; the training process is passive in this sense.
The drop in volume is subtle, so we continue to understand the flow of the movie. No current or electrical stimulation is fed to the brain; sensors simply read brainwaves and the feedback is purely audio-visual.
Neurofeedback trains our Pre-Conscious Mind
Rather than engaging the conscious mind, which slows us down, we are training preconscious processes.
This equips us with the ability to live in the moment and attain our potential (if we have to resort to conscious control, we are not living in the moment).
We take a holistic approach to healthy brain self-regulation, rather than categorisation or diagnosis.
Personalised Brain Training is an advanced qEEG brain map-based approach to neurofeedback training developed by the founders of the field. Taking Othmer Method / ILF training methods further, it employs Default Network Training protocols as developed by David Kaiser.
Neurofeedback is Evidence-based
Neurofeedback training is an evidence-based complementary therapy. Its efficacy was first demonstrated some 50 years ago, and with advances in technology, training protocols have become more efficient and the feedback method – watching movies – thoroughly enjoyable.
Neurofeedback is evidence-based. It’s first application was discovered in 1971 when it was used to resolve intractable epilepsy.
There are over 2,000 peer-reviewed research reports on PubMed demonstrating efficacy across a number of pathologies.
In the US, it is an accepted complementary treatment for many challenges.
The Process:
Step 1: Brain Map
A qEEG recording takes about 45minutes for a 20 minute recording.
A cap with 19 sensors is is fitted to our head and gels inserted to ensure connectivity. The sensors only read – there is a tiny voltage on the surface of our head that these pick up. The gels are easily washed out later. This is also the last time we wear the cap (until a remap after ten sessions); training is done with single sensors.
We analyse the data with Kaiser Neuromap software which gives us a unique view into character traits and vulnerabilities.
Findings are presented in a separate one-hour conversation where we discuss the key elements.
Step 2: Neurofeedback
We use a movie of choice as the feedback mechanism – our conscious mind engages with the film, and feedback is delivered by small changes in volume or picture size.
Our pre-conscious mind adapts its behaviour to preserve the more comfortable volume and picture size, and learning occurs.
Volume changes are slight, not stop-start, and the process is enjoyable.
Key is that we are interested in the movie – our conscious mind is engaged with the content, which forms the reward, and our preconscious mind – without our conscious effort – changes its behaviour in response to the feedback.
A two hour training session allows us to do 90-110 minutes of neurofeedback training during which we can work on various brain sites.
This captures an entire ultradian rhythm cycle and corresponds to the approximate duration of feature film movies.
We can start with shorter sessions as appropriate, mainly with children.
Ideally, we do two or more sessions per week to start with.
We would expect to see responsiveness within the first few sessions and remap after twenty hours or about ten sessions.
Generally, we would expect to doing twenty sessions over two months, though this can vary substantially.
We can also accommodate intensives, where we do two sessions per day over a number of days, and have had good results with these.
Personalised Brain Training
Personalised Brain Training respects neurodiversity.
We take a holistic approach to achieving and maintaining mental health and optimal performance.
With a Kaiser Neuromap, we can identify areas of strength and vulnerability.
Neurofeedback Therapy is Forward-Looking.
Personalised Brain Training is holistic and forward-looking.
We equip the brain with efficient habits to develop resilience and sense of self.
Our identity is shaped in the present. Neurofeedback is about learning to live in the moment.
Specifically, we look at functional brain areas. There are around thirty areas of interest, and we can assess their relative performance both towards new and familiar situations.
Each brain area governs a part of our performance, identity and social interaction.
When one or more brain areas are dysrhythmic, that is, not contributing optimally, a vulnerability to certain behavioural patterns emerges.
When viewed this way, we can obtain a granular picture of a person’s strengths and challenges.
On the basis of a qEEG brain map, we can now train the brain with neurofeedback. Challenges thus become opportunities that can be addressed.
Neurofeedback training is an evidence-based, effective and non-invasive treatment.
With neurofeedback training, we show the brain more efficient ways of functioning.
There are two types of effects:
– after a training session, there is generally an improved sense of self, calmness and confidence
– in general, we have shown the brain a new type of reward – efficient functioning with respect to a particular brain area – and it will gravitate towards situations, projects, people and places that will support this in a virtuous, positive feedback loop
Training success thus depends on our ability to expose ourselves to such new stimuli and free ourselves from external factors that were reinforcing negative conditions.
The brain now knows to discern what is good, and we enable it to take us there.
Neurofeedback - Two Methods:
Neurofeedback London-Brighton-Manchester uses the most sophisticated methods of neurofeedback training. Daniel Webster studied each method under direct supervision of its founders:
– the Othmer Method / ILF (Infra-Low Training): aimed at calming the reticular activating system
– qEEG brain map based Personalised Brain Training to restore functional connectivity.
Neurofeedback training is a fast-growing complementary therapy approach. Daniel Webster of Neurofeedback London-Brighton provides consultations to clinicians looking to enter the field and those seeking further insights into the most advanced neurofeedback technologies.
One-on-one or group sessions can be tailored to proficiency and interest specificity, including the following topics:
– The Human Brain: Overview of cortical functions by Brodmann Area and how we can train these
– Neurofeedback Training Overview – Applications, Process and Case Studies
– Specific Neurofeedback Training Modalities –
+ ILF / The Othmer Method
+ qEEG-brain Map based Default Network Training
Daniel Webster has trained extensively with Sue and Siegfried Othmer in Los Angeles, and David Kaiser. He practices neurofeedback training with both ILF and Default Network Training modalities, specialising in menopause, autism and schizophrenia, as well as their comorbidities.
Consultations can be scheduled with Daniel – phone +44 (0)7966699430 or email daniel@neurofeedback.io
Neurofeedback is a form of complementary therapy and should not be seen as a replacement for conventional medicine. qEEG brain map-based neurofeedback training takes a more holistic approach to brain functioning, rather than just focusing on medical symptoms. It is not intended as a form of diagnosis nor medical intervention nor medical advice per the disclaimer.
Personalised Brain Training - The Philosophy
Personalised Brain Training takes a holistic approach to achieving and maintaining mental health and optimal performance.
With a Kaiser Neuromap, we can identify areas of strength and vulnerability.
Specifically, we look at functional brain areas. There are around thirty areas of interest, and we can assess their relative performance both towards new and familiar situations.
Each brain area governs a part of our performance, identity and social interaction.
When one or more brain areas are dysrhythmic, that is, not contributing optimally, a vulnerability to certain behavioural patterns emerges.
When viewed this way, we can obtain a granular picture of a person’s strengths and challenges.
On the basis of a qEEG brain map, we can now train the brain with neurofeedback. Challenges thus become opportunities that can be addressed.
Neurofeedback training is an evidence-based, effective and non-invasive treatment.
With neurofeedback training, we show the brain more efficient ways of functioning.
There are two types of effects:
– after a training session, there is generally an improved sense of self, calmness and confidence
– in general, we have shown the brain a new type of reward – efficient functioning with respect to a particular brain area – and it will gravitate towards situations, projects, people and places that will support this in a virtuous, positive feedback loop
Training success thus depends on our ability to expose ourselves to such new stimuli and free ourselves from external factors that were reinforcing negative conditions. The brain now knows to discern what is good, and we must allow it to take us there.
Neurofeedback improves Mental and Emotional Capacity
Now is always a good time for self-reflection and an opportunity to reposition our mental and physical well-being.
Neurofeedback is a safe, non-invasive, drug-free approach to improving mental and emotional capacity.
Peak performers increase motivation, enhance focus, report better sleep and stronger emotional balance.
Challenges we address are symptoms of anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep issues, trauma and pain perception.
Children and teenagers learn better brain behaviours that translate into stronger social skills, focussed attention, reduced stress and anxiety, and as a result gain confidence and maturity.
Age-related issues and developmental disorders can be addressed with neurofeedback.
Sensory processing involves many pre-conscious brain area activation and neuronal information flows before we gain conscious awareness of impulses from our environment. We rely on a mature activation of specialised brain areas and their smooth interfacing with relevant brain networks. When either is compromised, we lose the ability to live in the moment, and pathologies result. Focus, sleep, drive and mood regulation depend on an efficient functioning of our brain circuitry.
With neurofeedback, we can identify which brain areas need training, and show the brain more efficient habits. The brain now has the choice to apply what it has learned and integrate new behaviour patterns into our life.
Neurofeedback training is non-invasive and drug-free. Sessions involve watching a movie of choice, providing a reward to our conscious mind. Sensors, applied comfortably with a washable, conductive paste, measure small currents (EEG) on our scalp that can be amplified and analysed real-time. When undesired patterns are detected, the volume drops and the picture shrinks, and the brain pre-consciously adapts its behaviour to restore continuity of the film shown, i.e. the reward for our conscious mind. Throughout a session, a learning effect can thus be observed.
We train specific brain areas to learn a more efficient behaviour pattern. The brain can choose to adopt this if it improves our overall functioning, and integrate better habits into our life – such as improved sleep, focus, drive and mood regulation. Neurofeedback training is passive (for our conscious mind) and changes we make are voluntary, that is, they can be unlearned if they don’t serve a purpose.
Neurofeedback training starts with a qEEG brain map, where we record the brain’s activity for about twenty minutes with different tasks. Analysis of this data enables us to form a targeted, individualised training plan.
Neurofeedback training sessions last between one and two hours, thus accommodating a natural ultradian attention rhythm as well as the duration of a movie. We can train multiple sites during this time and repeat the process as needed. Usually starting with three sessions per week, training can be adapted to be more or less frequent, and intensive courses involving two sessions per day over a week can also be accommodated. Ten sessions will give a good indication of responsiveness, which besides subjective feedback we can ascertain with a further brain map. Usually forty hours of neurofeedback can address most brain areas targeted, though severity can influence this somewhat if certain brain behaviours are more ingrained.
Our flexibility to change our surroundings, such as confronting relationships and ambitions, is key to enabling and ensconcing changes. Neurofeedback training can be complemented with various types of therapies, including talk, touch and diet.
Neurofeedback London-Brighton-Manchester does not provide diagnosis nor medical advice. By engaging in neurotherapy, you confirm you have read and understood the disclaimer.
For more applications of neurofeedback training, see Who is it For?
Now also in Brighton and Manchester, contact Daniel on +44 (0)79666 99430 or email to discuss and arrange an appointment.
Neurofeedback is a form of complementary therapy and should not be seen as a replacement for conventional medicine. qEEG brain map-based neurofeedback training takes a more holistic approach to brain functioning, rather than just focusing on medical symptoms. It is not intended as a form of diagnosis nor medical intervention nor medical advice per the disclaimer.
Neurofeedback for Clinicians
Daniel Webster studied neurofeedback with key founders of the field of neurofeedback in Los Angeles. He provides consultations and bespoke training for clinicians interested in learning about neurofeedback and its applications.