The Basics of Neurofeedback Training

EEG showing Beta waves, Alpha Waves, Theta Waves, and Delta Waves

Neurofeedback is a method by which to train brainwaves for our benefit, though there are many different ways to do this. In amplitude training, also known as magnitude training, generally we are using the technology to increase or decrease the amplitude of a given brainwave at select locations on the head.

The frequency of a wave indicates how slow or fast a single cycle of the wave is, with the unit of hertz (Hz) being equal to 1 cycle per second. By using what is called a band-pass filter, we can selectively section out components of the raw EEG signal into different "bandwidths". The common bandwidths used in the field are: Delta Waves (0.5-4 Hz), Theta Waves (4-7 Hz), Alpha Waves (8-12 Hz), Beta Waves (12-30 Hz), and Gamma Waves (30-100 Hz).

The amplitude, on the other hand, is a measure of the power of the signal, or the strength of energy in the wave, which is measured in microvolts. We can train to increase or decrease the energy of a particular bandwidth by providing visual or audio responses based on the brainwave activity being acquired by the EEG. This is the "feedback" part of neurofeedback.

So you might ask, "Why should any of this scientific jargon matter to me?"

One reason could be that by training these brainwaves, we can facilitate the improving of cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, our sense of well-being, and possibly other difficulties related to the central nervous system.

​In some individuals, certain regions of the brain consistently produce excess of a certain brainwave, while other regions might be deficient in a certain brainwave. By training these regions we can facilitate positive changes and increased flexibility in the functioning of the brain.

​The state of the brain affects the state of the mind. If we can change this state of the brain, this often becomes reflected in a person's mental state as well.

For example, say someone in a car accident receive a traumatic brain injury around Broca's Area (F7) and now is experiencing short term memory issues and mental fog. Using the EEG, we might see that the brain at the site of the impact is now producing high levels of delta waves. By training the delta waves down, it may improve memory functioning and reduce brain fog. I've seen it happen firsthand.

International 10-20 System used for EEG readings and neurofeedback training

This is the basic premise, though simplified. The goal for many psychotherapy clients is varied, but often the desire is to reduce psychological pain and feel a greater sense of well-being. These things are directly linked to ones ability to self-regulate, as research in transdiagnostic theory has shown that a central feature underneath many of the various mental health diagnosis is some form of emotional dysregulation. Regulation is often attempted through various means: behaviors, substances, or psychological defensive mechanisms. Some use coffee or other stimulants raise their arousal, some use television or alcohol to lower it, some eat food to calm their nervous system, some people keep themselves chronically busy with tasks so their minds do not wander into anything emotionally upsetting, some withdraw from social interactions to prevent feelings of overwhelm. Some people live in denial, some people live in pessimism, and some people attempts to only think positive thoughts throughout the day. There are endless examples as much of people's lives are spent regulating themselves in one way or another, which is all well and good, this is life. The trouble is when these methods of regulation become maladaptive and lead to distress, the harm of oneself, or the harm of others.

Using what is called the arousal-regulation model, we approach treatment initially by looking at the patterns of nervous system arousal and symptoms related to these patterns, followed by neurofeedback training that addresses the arousal patterns directly. If someone is chronically stuck in over-arousal, we use amplitude training to lower the arousal level. If stuck in under-arousal, we train the arousal levels up. If there is chronic activation of both under- and over-arousal, or uncontrolled fluctuations between the two, we call this unstable arousal and we train to increase the stability of the nervous system first, followed by further assessment and treatment planning. By doing this, we teach the brain how to regulate these arousal levels on its own, which it is very much capable of doing, and support the elimination of extensive or compulsive need for external methods of regulation. This is why we call it "self-regulation", it is the ability to regulate oneself intrinsically, and when achieved is often associated with positive feelings of well-being.

After all those that I have done neurofeedback training with, the accounts that I have read from others who have done neurofeedback training, and accounts from other clinicians who have done neurofeedback training with their clients, I am continuously surprised at how effective and life-transforming this technology can be.

The state of one's mind is central to one's experience of life, it is through this that we perceive, understand, and act in the world. When people are chronically stuck in a negative or distressed state of mind, or their state of mind is unstable and fluctuates in an uncontrollable manner, it can be very difficult to see that one's inner experience could be any different. They are stuck. Perhaps even worse those who have been stuck in a state of mind for as long as they can remember, maybe their whole life, and they do not know what states of mind are possible for them because they cannot remember having experienced them, or never experienced them at all. People like this do not know what is possible for them, the wide range of ways they could think, feel, and exist in relationship with others, all because their brain is functioning in a way that has made them unable to experience it.

From what I have seen and understand, this tool when used properly in psychological treatment provides people with a direct experience of that, a definitively positive shift in one's state of mind, and over time the lasting ability to experience the wide range of what the human mind is capable of. A brain unstuck.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with their mental health...there is no time like the present to drink these draining seconds. Reach out today.