Neurofeedback Training and Brain Plasticity

The brain is truly an amazing organ that science is uncovering new information about every day.

Our brains are involved in virtually every function of our bodies both conscious and unconscious.  To move our arms, stand, dance, speak, or remember we actively use our brains.  Digestion, breathing, pulse rate, blood pressure, and blinking are things that we don’t even have to think about.  Our brains take care of regulating these functions.

  It used to be thought that after maturity no real change happened in the brain.  The thought was that we are stuck with whatever we have.  More recent science shows that the brain can change.  Things like chronic stress can cause negative physical changes in the brain.  Things like studying a musical instrument, a new language or other skill can cause positive changes in the brain.

Neurofeedback training Florida is a method of using technology to measure the electrical signals produced by the brain as neurons communicate, and feeding back that information in order to train the brain to make positive changes.  The electrical signals are measured via small sensors placed on the scalp.  These sensors connect to an instrument that connects to a computer.  The signals are processed and displayed in the form of line graphs, bar graphs, and digital displays.  The process uses goals that are set to either encourage increasing or decreasing the power of certain frequencies ie theta, alpha, beta.  When the goals are met feedback is given to alert the trainee that their brain is in the desired state.  The feedback can take the form of a light turning on or changing color, an animation, movie, or game playing, or a sound or music playing.  This feedback is reinforcing to the brain and encourages the brain to repeat what it just did to get the feedback.

Neurofeedback training is being used in addition to other therapies to help people with symptoms related to sleep, stress, attention, emotional issues, trauma, learning difficulties, and substance abuse.

It can also be used to help people who want to perform better by helping them to be more relaxed and focused.  This can help with performance in sports, music, academics, or business.

There are some home devices available and they can be useful.  Most training is done by a professional in their office.  Most professionals recommend two to three sessions per week for optimal results.  You can find professional providers at the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance bcia.org or International Society for Neurofeedback & Research isnr.org websites.  Psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, and other therapists are the professionals that tend to offer neurofeedback training.  This is a service that can set these providers apart from others in their field because there are still many areas that don’t have many providers for people who are looking for this service.

The process is non-invasive, non-drug, and most people find it pleasant and relaxing.  This is a great method of making use of brain plasticity in a positive way.

Harry L. Campbell

President, Biofeedback Resources International Corp.

Author of What Stress Can Do, Available on Amazon.com