Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback, which is based on the understanding that if you provide a patient feedback in real time regarding their involuntary bodily functions they can learn to control them. Neurofeedback works by showing patients information about their brain wave activity, they can learn to alter their brain waves. Neurofeedback therapy is used to treat a variety of neurological conditions.
Neurofeedback is usually done in two parts: First, the neurofeedback therapist performs an the initial assessment where a training plan is decided upon; and second, the client does regular training sessions under the supervision of the therapist.
In order to assess the needs of the patient and determine the best protocol, most therapists will do a Quantitative Electroencephalograph (or qEEG) assessment of the brain before beginning neurofeedback. A qEEG is done by placing electrodes on specific locations on the scalp and recording the brain activity. The results are then compared to a large database of EEG readings from the general population, which helps the clinician determine which specific brain wave frequencies need to be changed and in which way. Using this information, the therapist crafts a custom training plan for the client’s neurofeedback training program.
After the initial assessment is complete and a training program created, the client needs to follow a structured training plan at regular intervals, like any other physical training program. Most neurofeedback programs require between 30 and 40 sessions in total to achieve lasting effects. Traditional neurofeedback is done at a clinic and most patients can only do one or two sessions a week due to the high monetary and time costs involved. Myndlift allows clients to train remotely, maintain a convenient, regular training program, leading to better outcomes.
The purpose of neurofeedback is to train specific brain waves in a certain way using positive and negative feedback. This feedback can be visual or audio, and training can be done by playing a game or watching a video. From the outside, neurofeedback training looks like a game which is played using only your mind. When the patient’s brain waves are in a good state they do well in the game (or in other words, receive positive feedback). When they are not in the right state of mind, they do badly in the game, which means they receive negative feedback. Through this process, the brain will unconsciously begin to regulate itself to match the specified protocol and can be long lasting.
Neurofeedback has traditionally been offered in a clinical setting, requiring the client to attend sessions multiple times a week, and is often costly and time consuming. Myndlift has revolutionized the way neurofeedback is offered by allowing the client to train in the comfort of their own home, saving time and money. It simplifies the process of neurofeedback through the use of bluetooth and mobile technology.
Here’s how the Myndlift home neurofeedback looks:
The client simply places their headset on their head, opens a mobile app, and starts training by playing a game or watching a video in YouTube.