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Traditional neurofeedback involves training or conditioning the brain into new, more adaptive patterns. It is sometimes called brain training. We know the brain is ‘plastic’ or changeable. We have learned what motivates the brain to change. When we provide the brain with feedback and encourage certain brain waves or inhibit certain brainwaves, the brain listens, and over time, will move in the direction that we train it to go.

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We start with a full 21 channel EEG (electroencephalogram) which we call a brain assessment or a brain map. The assessment is simple and pain free and takes about 30 minutes. From the assessment we receive about 18 pages of information about your brain including charts, graphs and maps. The assessment tells us the strengths and weaknesses of your brain. It tells us where the brain may be going too fast, where it may be going too slow or where it may not be communicating effectively from one site to another.

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The assessment also creates an individualized training plan, specifically designed to train your brain into healthier patterns, based on the information gathered. It tells us where to place the sensors, what training protocols to use and whether we should train with the eyes open or the eyes closed.​​​ Most trainers, recommend a minimum of 20 sessions to see positive, lasting change. We recommend training 1-2x per week.

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While training, you sit in a comfortable chair, sensors are applied to your scalp using a small amount of conductive paste, you will have a set of headphones on and there will be a TV screen in front of you. For eyes closed protocols you will lean back, put your feet up and listen to sounds and music for 5-10 minutes. For eyes open protocols you will watch the TV screen and listen to sounds. Sometimes it will be a game on the screen and sometimes it will be a video to watch.

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How do we train the brain? Sometimes we use games, where you only succeed or gain points in the game when the brain does what we are asking it to do (speed up, slow down etc.) Sometimes we use videos. The protocols are set on the computer, then, while the video plays, a shadow box is placed over the TV screen. It very subtly flickers dark and light. Your instructions are “Don’t think or try, just watch the video.” You don’t have to try, but your brain wants the video to play brighter, and to do so, it has to change its pattern. Over time the brain changes and is rewarded when it does. The result, over time, is a positive change in symptoms and behaviours.

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Neurofeedback is safe, pain free and effective. It has been well studied and researched and has been around since the 1960’s. Most people experience a significant reduction in anxiety and depression, an improvement in sleep and a clarity in their thinking.

Other benefits include:

• Improved sleep and relaxation

• Better mental clarity and focus

• Relief from anxiety, depression, and trauma

• Enhanced emotional regulation

• Increased cognitive performance and memory

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When combined with counselling, neurofeedback enhances the therapeutic process by supporting the brain’s ability to regulate emotions, manage stress, and process challenges more effectively. While talk therapy helps you explore thoughts, behaviours, and patterns, neurofeedback works behind the scenes to reinforce calm, focus, and resilience. 

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