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Neurofeedback

Americas TMS Center

TMS Specialists & Psychiatry located in Irvine, CA

Neurofeedback Q&A

What is neurofeedback therapy?

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive brain training treatment that helps you learn how to control and improve your brainwave activity.

How does neurofeedback therapy work?

  • Sensors (EEG electrodes) are placed on the scalp to continuously record brainwave activity in real-time.
  • This activity is analyzed moment-by-moment by a computer system that’s set up with specific training goals, based on your baseline brain map (QEEG).
  • The system rewards the brain for producing more of the desired brainwave patterns and discourages production of undesired patterns.
    • The “reward” is subtle: better clarity of a movie you’re watching, smoother gameplay, or more pleasant sounds.
    • If the brain drifts out of the targeted zone, the reward diminishes — encouraging the brain to “self-correct” back into the optimal range.
  • Through repetition, the brain learns — much like muscle memory — to self-regulate its activity more effectively, without conscious effort from you.

What conditions can neurofeedback treat?

  • Anxiety and stress
  • ADHD and focus problems
  • Depression
  • Sleep issues
  • PTSD and trauma
  • Brain injury recovery
  • Peak mental performance (like athletes or executives)