How to Get the Most Out of Neurofeedback Written by Colleen Longua BCN-T, QEEG-T, ISF

Neurofeedback is an amazing tool that can have life-changing impacts. According to the most current research, neurofeedback has a 70-85% success rate. With its science-backed, non-invasive approach, it’s a revolutionary therapy that can offer a new path forward. However, no therapy is a silver bullet. Building new brain patterns takes time, effort, and consistency. So, what can you do to ensure that you get the most out of your neurofeedback training?

Reasons Why People May Not Respond to Neurofeedback

There are a few common reasons why neurofeedback may not be a good fit for some people. Factors such as not getting enough sleep, recreational drug use, or taking certain medications can make neurofeedback less effective. Understanding these different factors is going to be an important step in deciding if neurofeedback will work for you.

Neurofeedback is compatible with most psychoactive medications such as SSRIs and stimulants. However, taking four or more psychoactive medications or taking a benzodiazepine like Xanax, can prevent neurofeedback from working. You may need to work with your prescriber to titrate off certain medications prior to or during neurofeedback training. Always consult your prescriber before changing, stopping or adding medications.

Even things like marijuana or excessive caffeine or nicotine use can make it hard to get the most out of training. Always let your neurofeedback provider know about all recreational and prescription drugs you are taking before starting neurofeedback.

Sleep

We talk about sleep a lot. I mean a lot. This is because sleep is foundational for both your physical and mental well-being. Neurofeedback can be a great option for insomnia or other sleep problems. However, even if you are sleeping well, practicing good sleep hygiene is one of the best ways to ensure that neurofeedback is effective for you. Our brains perform many important functions while we are asleep, including encoding what we learn into long-term memory. For neurofeedback, this is especially important. It can be difficult to make progress in neurofeedback training if you are staying up until 12, 1 or 2 in the morning. If you are considering neurofeedback, make sure you are taking steps to ensure you get the best sleep possible. For more tips on sleep hygiene, click here.

Consistency

Neurofeedback is a workout for the brain. Just like going to the gym, showing up regularly is key to seeing results. If you go once in a while, you might still make progress but it will be much slower and harder. Typically, neurofeedback sessions are 2-3 times a week. If you can, schedule your neurofeedback sessions for a time of day when you will be the most alert. Coming to training regularly will help your brain learn faster, helping you feel better sooner.

Self-Reporting

Everyone’s brain is different. We spend a lot of time building a neurofeedback training program that is tailored to your brain and your goals. However, you know your brain best. Let your neurofeedback therapist know how you are doing each session. If you felt really good after a session or if you felt more anxious, tired, or foggy, we want to know, Your feedback helps us determine the best approach, so you can reach your goals faster.

Mindset

Our brains believe what we tell them. Neurofeedback is a science but it is also a therapeutic process, like talk therapy. Your mental attitude coming into training can be a huge part of that process. It can be hard at first as it normally takes several sessions before you start to notice changes. However, this does not mean that the therapy isn’t working. Our brains don’t change overnight but you can help the process along. If you show up to each session with a positive mental attitude, you will likely have a much easier time focusing and engaging with the training. Remember, if you are struggling or not getting better right away, it does not mean you are failing. Just showing up and doing your best is always a success and one you can feel proud of.