Neurofeedback: Practical matters
Frequency of Neurofeedback Sessions:Training the brain is just like training the body. To gain the most from Neurofeedback, training must be repeated frequently and consistently to be effective. At PeakMind, we recommend that clients train a minimum of twice weekly whenever this is possible, up to a maximum of one session daily. (We recommend that you leave a period of time between sessions in order to consolidate learning). Progress does seem to be speedier with more frequent neurofeedback sessions, although many of our clients have made good progress with weekly sessions when this is not possible.
| Length of Neurofeedback Sessions: Neurofeedback typically takes about 45 min to 1h per session, although actual feedback time can vary according to the indvidual's needs and what they can cope with during any one session. |
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Time of Neurofeedback Sessions:
In an ideal world it is helpful for clients to have the neurofeedback sessions at similar times of the day (to suit you), so that progress can be monitored in a more effective manner. It also helps when incorporating neurofeedback into the daily routine when neurofeedback is conducted at home. However, we understand that this is not always an option, and in such instances a neurofeedback session carried out at a different time is better than no session at all.
Number
of Neurofeedback Sessions Needed:
Typically our
clients will have between 20-60 sessions of neurofeedback. Individuals
normally
start to notice differences after 6-10 neurofeedback sessions, however,
we ask
that all clients commit to a minimum of 20 sessions, and usually more
sessions
will be needed for complete, longer-term success. (Individual results
may vary
depending on the condition(s) being treated and the intensity of the
neurofeedback schedule). Although it is difficult to predict exactly
how many
sessions an individual will need, as a general rule of thumb, the more
severe
the problem, the more sessions will be required.
Location
and Home-based Neurofeedback training:
We
currently have clinics in Swansea,
Norfolk, Horsham (and Denmark: see www.peakmind.dk). In
addition, we are
now offering distance neurofeedback (home) training to clients who
cannot
regularly attend our UK or Denmark clinics. It is possible to lease
neurofeedback equipment and software from PeakMind. After the initial
assessment has been carried out, we will teach you how
to operate the home equipment and software (downloaded onto your own
computer),
before you begin home-training.
After a certain number of neurofeedback
sessions, you
simply send in the session results by email whereupon each session will be reviewed by one of our trained
neurofeedback therapists. For further information you can download our
“Neurofeedback training at home” brochure.
Neurofeedback
and Medication:
Although it is best if the
person having the neurofeedback
training is free of medication (as medications may slow down the
process), we
understand that this is not always feasible. Neurofeedback
can still be effective when used in combination with medication.
In our experience neurofeedback can eventually replace the need for medication. It is likely that as neurofeedback takes effect, the medication will no longer be needed; during the course of neurofeedback an individual may be able to wean themselves off medication and thereby reduce the side-effects that are so often associated with taking prescribed drugs. Of course, it is essential that individuals communicate with their GP before considering a change in medication dosage or discontinuing medication.