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Neurofeedback 101
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F.A.Q.
Why haven't I heard of neurofeedback before?
Neurofeedback is not well recognized because there is no pharmaceutical company or large, well funded organization with a patent that promotes it. Studies have been done to show neurofeedback's effectiveness, but these articles are published in less prestigious journals. Traditional medical doctors typically are not educated in alternative therapies.
Because the neuroscience is still catching up, most of us still don’t really know WHY neurofeedback works so well. We have yet to really understand what the governing mechanisms are behind it. So, there ends up being a lot of in-fighting and rigidity and claiming territory which gets in the way of funding for larger research studies and acceptance in the broader scientific community.
And then there is the push back from main stream medicine. This includes physicians, researchers, and Big Pharma. They demand a standard of research that many believe to be too stringent. There are literally millions of hours of outcome studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of neurofeedback, but these are discounted a little too quickly, ostensibly because of various complaints about sample size and a lack of double blind, controlled research designs. Much of this criticism has more to do with economics and egos than genuine dedication to “science,” let alone patients’ needs.
But awareness of neurofeedback is growing! As the democratization of health care pushes forward—that is people taking their health into their own hands—neurofeedback is quickly becoming recognized as a powerful tool for mental, physical and emotional healing.
Because the neuroscience is still catching up, most of us still don’t really know WHY neurofeedback works so well. We have yet to really understand what the governing mechanisms are behind it. So, there ends up being a lot of in-fighting and rigidity and claiming territory which gets in the way of funding for larger research studies and acceptance in the broader scientific community.
And then there is the push back from main stream medicine. This includes physicians, researchers, and Big Pharma. They demand a standard of research that many believe to be too stringent. There are literally millions of hours of outcome studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of neurofeedback, but these are discounted a little too quickly, ostensibly because of various complaints about sample size and a lack of double blind, controlled research designs. Much of this criticism has more to do with economics and egos than genuine dedication to “science,” let alone patients’ needs.
But awareness of neurofeedback is growing! As the democratization of health care pushes forward—that is people taking their health into their own hands—neurofeedback is quickly becoming recognized as a powerful tool for mental, physical and emotional healing.
How does neurofeedback work?
The NeurOptimal® proprietary neurofeedback system is a highly personalized brain training software that prompts the central nervous system to help make the best use of your brain’s neural resources.
Neurofeedback training for the brain is similar to physical training for the body. Much of our suffering comes from pervasive recurring thoughts and feelings in which our minds become emotionally stranded or cognitively “stuck”. Neurofeedback prompts the brain to draw from its existing resources and pull itself out of these mental “ruts”. The result is a more open and positive mindset in which obstacles are more manageable and problems more resolvable.
Much like a mirror that promotes self-correction, NeurOptimal®’s proprietary neurofeedback program monitors your brain waves and then provides “feedback” to your central nervous system about what it has just done. When the software detects a tremor in your brain wave pattern, it sends an audible signal that encourages the brain to “reset” and self-correct.
Neurofeedback training for the brain is similar to physical training for the body. Much of our suffering comes from pervasive recurring thoughts and feelings in which our minds become emotionally stranded or cognitively “stuck”. Neurofeedback prompts the brain to draw from its existing resources and pull itself out of these mental “ruts”. The result is a more open and positive mindset in which obstacles are more manageable and problems more resolvable.
Much like a mirror that promotes self-correction, NeurOptimal®’s proprietary neurofeedback program monitors your brain waves and then provides “feedback” to your central nervous system about what it has just done. When the software detects a tremor in your brain wave pattern, it sends an audible signal that encourages the brain to “reset” and self-correct.
What is the difference between Biofeedback and Neurofeedback?
Medical practitioners often use biofeedback to improve a particular physiological activity, for example if you constantly clench you jaw you may go to the clinic where you can recieve a biofeedback treatment. The provider attaches sensors to your lower part of the face and the computer screen shows the "feedback".
Neurofeedback, however, is a specific type of biofeedback that utilizes the power of the brain as the master controller of the whole body. Therefore, many people can achieve the same and even greater results by using neurofeedback rather than biofeedback equipment.
Years ago, my husband went to a TMJ clinic where they offered a session of biofeedback treatment. The intent was to help him to unlearn the physical motion
Neurofeedback, however, is a specific type of biofeedback that utilizes the power of the brain as the master controller of the whole body. Therefore, many people can achieve the same and even greater results by using neurofeedback rather than biofeedback equipment.
Years ago, my husband went to a TMJ clinic where they offered a session of biofeedback treatment. The intent was to help him to unlearn the physical motion
How much does neurofeedback cost?
There are 3 ways of how you can use neurofeedback which will effect pricing:
- You can attend in-office sessions, check our rates here;
- You can rent neurofeedback equipment for home use;
- You can invest in your own neurofeedback equipment.
Does insurance cover neurofeedback?
While we do not bill insurance (read here why), if you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible savings account (FSA) designed to pay for health-related expenses not covered by insurance, you may be able use it toward neurofeedback/biofeedback and save money.
If you are not sure if neurofeedback is right for you, try our starter package: first 3 in-office sessions for $225 (regular price is $325). Because one session is not enough to see lasting results (just like you are not likely to see major improvements after one workout at the gym), I offer a 3-session package to get a better "feel" of how neurofeedback can help. Book your first session here.
Other ways to save is to rent a system for home use. The rental cost per session can be as low (or lower) as your insurance co-pay!
If you are not sure if neurofeedback is right for you, try our starter package: first 3 in-office sessions for $225 (regular price is $325). Because one session is not enough to see lasting results (just like you are not likely to see major improvements after one workout at the gym), I offer a 3-session package to get a better "feel" of how neurofeedback can help. Book your first session here.
Other ways to save is to rent a system for home use. The rental cost per session can be as low (or lower) as your insurance co-pay!
Is neurofeedback safe?
NeurOptimal® neurofeedback is safe for anyone to use. Why? Because NOTHING is being added to your brain. The training works by alerting your automatic functioning part of the brain to its own actions (this part controls the fear response, flight/flight/freeze, sleep, attentiveness, executive functioning, etc.) so it can ‘see’ its own maladaptive patterns. Because the brain is designed to be responsive to new information, when the NeurOptimal Neurofeedback System alerts the brain to it’s own functioning the brain will naturally tweak itself to be the most efficient and effective response. It’s as if the brain, upon being alerted to it’s own behavior says “hey, I’m about to produce a stress response when I’m sitting in a safe space. That’s not efficient or an appropriate response. I’m going to change what I’m doing.”
How long does a neurofeedback session last?
Your very first in-take appointment would typically take 1 hour to an hour and 15 minutes to review your goals and answer questions as well as for the neurofeedback session itself. The actual full session of neurofeedback is 33 minutes. The follow-up appointments are 45 minutes long. For parents bringing their children to neurofeedback I offer to split the very first session in half and allow the adult to try neurofeedback on themselves first. This allows children who might be a little nervous to see their parent enjoy the session before getting one themselves. My goal is to make you (and your child) as comfortable as possible. If you have any special requests or need accommodations, please tell me!
What happens in a neurofeedback session?
Your NeurOptimal® trainer will have you fill out a survey form listing the complaints and/or challenges that have brought you into their office.
You or your child will next be placed in a quiet space and in a comfortable position. The trainer will attach special sensors to your head that will feed your brain wave patterns into the NeurOptimal® program’s software.
A neurofeedback training session is relaxing, enjoyable and typically lasts about 30 minutes. As the session starts, you will hear music play though headphones and perhaps watch relaxing geometric images gently morph across a computer screen. You will hear occasional “skips” or interruptions in the music – this is the signal that prompts your brain to “reset” and optimize itself. Instead of listening to the relaxing music, children may choose to watch a movie.
At the end of a session, clients will most likely feel less stressed and more mentally clear. It is unlikely you will experience any negative after-effects as NeurOptimal® does not artificially “push” the brain in any specific direction. Many users experience deeper sleep and vivid dreams after their very first session.
You or your child will next be placed in a quiet space and in a comfortable position. The trainer will attach special sensors to your head that will feed your brain wave patterns into the NeurOptimal® program’s software.
A neurofeedback training session is relaxing, enjoyable and typically lasts about 30 minutes. As the session starts, you will hear music play though headphones and perhaps watch relaxing geometric images gently morph across a computer screen. You will hear occasional “skips” or interruptions in the music – this is the signal that prompts your brain to “reset” and optimize itself. Instead of listening to the relaxing music, children may choose to watch a movie.
At the end of a session, clients will most likely feel less stressed and more mentally clear. It is unlikely you will experience any negative after-effects as NeurOptimal® does not artificially “push” the brain in any specific direction. Many users experience deeper sleep and vivid dreams after their very first session.
How many neurofeedback sessions do I need?
Individual results vary from person to person. If your problems are a recent occurrence in your life, you’ll likely come for fewer than ten sessions.
If there are multiple problems or conditions that go far back, you may need 20 or more sessions, especially as you start seeing changes in your sleep, your moods, focus or other things you came for. The more sessions you have, the stronger, longer lasting, and more comprehensive the results will be.
Study results of 1.2 million neurofeedback sessions indicate significant improvement was seen after 11-20 sessions. When the brain is trained with NeurOptimal® clients notice the following: feeling calmer, dropping away fears, increased mental clarity and focus, more appropriate response to stressful situations, increased motivation and ability to accomplish tasks.
Although NeurOptimal neurofeedback does not treat specific conditions, negative symptoms are alleviated because you are improving the overall functioning of the central nervous system.
Many NeurOptimal® users report life changing results. It has helped improve the lives of children with ADHD diagnosis, as an alternative treatment for concussion symptoms, insomnia & sleep issues, addictions, anxiety, and depression. In U.S., neurofeedback is FDA approved for stress reduction.
If there are multiple problems or conditions that go far back, you may need 20 or more sessions, especially as you start seeing changes in your sleep, your moods, focus or other things you came for. The more sessions you have, the stronger, longer lasting, and more comprehensive the results will be.
Study results of 1.2 million neurofeedback sessions indicate significant improvement was seen after 11-20 sessions. When the brain is trained with NeurOptimal® clients notice the following: feeling calmer, dropping away fears, increased mental clarity and focus, more appropriate response to stressful situations, increased motivation and ability to accomplish tasks.
Although NeurOptimal neurofeedback does not treat specific conditions, negative symptoms are alleviated because you are improving the overall functioning of the central nervous system.
Many NeurOptimal® users report life changing results. It has helped improve the lives of children with ADHD diagnosis, as an alternative treatment for concussion symptoms, insomnia & sleep issues, addictions, anxiety, and depression. In U.S., neurofeedback is FDA approved for stress reduction.
Do the effects of neurofeedback training last?
Training with NeurOptimal® is actually a learning task. You get results because your brain is actively learning, even if you are not doing the learning consciously. So much like reading, once your brain knows how to read, it can’t “not know”. Your brain doesn’t forget. It may get rusty, but the effects of learning remain throughout your lifetime.
However, your brain is living tissue and you can— and will— get "knocked off" by stress, by chemicals, by alcohol, by an anesthetic, by the difficult daily lives we all seem to live. The wonderful thing is, a few booster sessions will get you back to where you were. A "neurofeedback trained brain" is quickly able to utilize the information NeurOptimal® is offering. It's as if the brain says "I know what to do with this!" and it goes through all the steps it went through in the weeks of initial training, but very rapidly. So you quickly get back into your good place.
If you are going through a more difficult time, you can quickly do a session or two to recover your optimal flow and functioning.
However, your brain is living tissue and you can— and will— get "knocked off" by stress, by chemicals, by alcohol, by an anesthetic, by the difficult daily lives we all seem to live. The wonderful thing is, a few booster sessions will get you back to where you were. A "neurofeedback trained brain" is quickly able to utilize the information NeurOptimal® is offering. It's as if the brain says "I know what to do with this!" and it goes through all the steps it went through in the weeks of initial training, but very rapidly. So you quickly get back into your good place.
If you are going through a more difficult time, you can quickly do a session or two to recover your optimal flow and functioning.
What does it cost when your brain does not function at its best?
Before you rule out neurofeedback as a "costly treatment" (which it isn't by the way), consider these factors and costs in terms of time, relationships, career, and quality of life:
“When your brain works right, you work right; and
when your brain is troubled, you are much more likely to
have trouble in your life.” – DANIEL AMEN, MD
- Underachievement, demoralization, not living up to potential is costly
- School failure, failed college attempts is costly
- Job failure, job changes, absenteeism, being fired is costly
- Relationship failures and/or divorce is costly
- Legal problems are costly
- Failed medications with side effects are costly
- Residential treatment is costly (up to $100K)
- Drug treatments are costly, especially when repeated
- Psychiatric emergency admissions are VERY costly
“When your brain works right, you work right; and
when your brain is troubled, you are much more likely to
have trouble in your life.” – DANIEL AMEN, MD
What other "brain health" services do you offer?
During our in-person intake/consultation we can discuss your individualized goals and concerns. If you are looking for a counselor/therapist, I may refer you to one based on your needs and interests. Many clients who combine neurofeedback with counseling are able to address their issues on a much deeper level and make quicker progress than those who do just neurofeedback or just counseling alone.
I often ask my clients about their diet and healthy lifestyle choices and recommend health supplements to enhance or maintain their brain performance. One of my own favorites is Omega 3 oils. On the Products page you can find a couple of trusted partners that offer high quality brain supplements.
I often ask my clients about their diet and healthy lifestyle choices and recommend health supplements to enhance or maintain their brain performance. One of my own favorites is Omega 3 oils. On the Products page you can find a couple of trusted partners that offer high quality brain supplements.
I would like to try neurofeedback, what do I do next?
You may start by scheduling your first appointment online.
Next, fill out the required online forms before arriving for your first appointment: client-forms
Many clients start by trying the first few sessions in the office, then choose to either rent a system to use at home for 1-2 months or purchase their own. We can discuss these options for you at your first appointment.
Look forward to meeting you in person. Congratulations on making the right decision to care for your brain!
Olga Ward (503) 806-0112.
Next, fill out the required online forms before arriving for your first appointment: client-forms
Many clients start by trying the first few sessions in the office, then choose to either rent a system to use at home for 1-2 months or purchase their own. We can discuss these options for you at your first appointment.
Look forward to meeting you in person. Congratulations on making the right decision to care for your brain!
Olga Ward (503) 806-0112.
New Client Special - 3 sessions for $225.
Regular price $325 ($100 savings)
When you self-schedule online your first two sessions - your third session is FREE.
Testimonials
Rates
3-session special - $225 ($325 regular price).
Appointments
Initial 15 minute phone consultation is free.
New clients please fill out the following forms at least 24 hrs before your first appointment:Follow-up sessions:
Checklist of Concerns (after 10+ sessions)
PAYMENT AND INSURANCE INFO
We accept all major credit cards including HSA/FSA.
While we do not bill insurance, if you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible savings account (FSA) designed to pay for health-related expenses not covered by insurance, you may be able use it toward neurofeedback/biofeedback and save money. Other ways to save include: Equipment Rentals
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About me
I help exhausted, overtaxed moms not want to kill people who tell them to “enjoy every minute!”
I started Beaverton Neurofeedback after having experienced a positive life-changing power of NeurOptimal® neurofeedback on myself and my loved ones. I am a parent of both a biological and an adoptive child. My husband and I both provide intermittent therapeutic foster care with GOBHI for children with trauma and attachment issues. Both of my own children have struggled with varying degrees of mental health issues including anxiety, developmental trauma, sleep, nightmares, and ADHD. Once I have experienced first hand the amazing effects of NeurOptimal® neurofeedback, I became eager to help others. While I have worked with every age and category of person, I’ve got a soft spot for children and families. Something about playing a role in helping a child become their best simply appeals to me. Restoring or creating harmony in the family makes me very happy and makes me love what I do.
I am passionate about changing lives for individuals and families through neurofeedback. It saved my sanity and healed my family, and I can’t wait to partner with you in your wellness walk. Reach out today to get started.
Read full story about me || Watch "ABOUT ME" video
Olga Ward, Practitioner/Owner
Certified Advanced NeurOptimal® Trainer (Zengar Institute)
Certified Brain Health Coach/Neurofeedback provider (Amen Clinics)
I started Beaverton Neurofeedback after having experienced a positive life-changing power of NeurOptimal® neurofeedback on myself and my loved ones. I am a parent of both a biological and an adoptive child. My husband and I both provide intermittent therapeutic foster care with GOBHI for children with trauma and attachment issues. Both of my own children have struggled with varying degrees of mental health issues including anxiety, developmental trauma, sleep, nightmares, and ADHD. Once I have experienced first hand the amazing effects of NeurOptimal® neurofeedback, I became eager to help others. While I have worked with every age and category of person, I’ve got a soft spot for children and families. Something about playing a role in helping a child become their best simply appeals to me. Restoring or creating harmony in the family makes me very happy and makes me love what I do.
I am passionate about changing lives for individuals and families through neurofeedback. It saved my sanity and healed my family, and I can’t wait to partner with you in your wellness walk. Reach out today to get started.
Read full story about me || Watch "ABOUT ME" video
Olga Ward, Practitioner/Owner
Certified Advanced NeurOptimal® Trainer (Zengar Institute)
Certified Brain Health Coach/Neurofeedback provider (Amen Clinics)
Contact
Blog
Many people ask what brought me to becoming a neurofeedback practitioner. I can happily tell you my twisted story and how neurofeedback completely changed my life.
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When it comes to health and wellness modalities, there can be a lot of confusion in the terminology. The same is true of the terms “biofeedback” and “neurofeedback.” Of the two terms, more people are familiar with biofeedback than with neurofeedback. Some people say to me, “I have heard of biofeedback, but not neurofeedback. What is the difference?”
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As with any medical or wellness procedure or intervention, neurofeedback brings up questions about insurance. By far, the most common question I get from those looking to try neurofeedback is whether or not insurance will cover it. Unfortunately, it’s often the only question people ask before they hang up and give up on the process.
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We all experience a wide range of feelings and emotions on a daily basis: each of us have good and bad days. But what if you've been feeling depressed and bummed out for a long time and it started affecting your social life?
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Some people who experience anxiety may not find relief through medication alone, or they might be hesitant to try medication. Other methods of managing anxiety, such as the use of a weighted blanket, can help. By Jenna Fletcher Reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, CRNP
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