✎ Written by: Dubravka Rebic
Over the last 50 years, neurofeedback has helped people worldwide achieve optimal performance in an increasingly challenging environment. There are hundreds of research studies supporting its efficacy and a rising number of people whose well-being has improved thanks to this type of brain training.
Little by little, neuron by neuron, neurofeedback is changing people’s lives! So it's no wonder that becoming a neurofeedback expert has become such a prevalent role.
We talked with Dr. Diana Kaplan, therapist Zara Dureno, and Dr. Sarah Murphy in order to learn more about their neurofeedback journey. Their valuable knowledge, actionable advice, and real-life patient stories will be shared in this three-part article series in which you’ll discover:
1) How to get started with neurofeedback
2) How to get the most out of the neurofeedback training process
3) How to explain neurofeedback to your clients
In the first article, our neurofeedback experts explained how they got into the field and talked about their formal education. In this second article, they share what they learned during their initiation into the field of neurofeedback so they can help others know what to expect when venturing out on this journey.
1. Try It Yourself
When asked to share the most important piece of advice they have for someone who’s thinking about becoming a neurofeedback practitioner, the first thing that came to our experts’ minds is that future practitioners should give brain training a shot themselves first.
“After you get some basic training, spend a lot of time with a device yourself and see how it feels for your brain. I started training myself because I wanted to see what it felt like and noticed that my thoughts were clearer. I was able to organize them. I didn’t forget things as often as I used to. Also, I was more aware of the moment when my brain went into a foggy or stressed state,” says Zara Dureno, one of the neurofeedback practitioners that we interviewed.
But, choosing the best protocol for yourself might be tricky. According to Dr. Diana Kaplan, a certified ADHD coach and a neurofeedback practitioner, you can’t go wrong with relaxation training.
“You could practice relaxation. Everybody can do better based on that alone. Neurofeedback is about the calmness inside of us. At least, that's what I saw and experienced. But, try to be patient because neurofeedback is also a process that takes, in my experience, at least 40 sessions to yield results,” explains Dr. Diana Kaplan.
2. Find a Mentor
Think of the most valuable insights you’ve gained about work and life. Chances are, those gems came to you through some form of mentoring. People with the experience, knowledge, skills, or perspective you seek have shared their wisdom with you and maybe even helped you put it to good use.