Retraining Your Brain with Neurofeedback

By John M Grohol PsyD
October 8, 2007

Most people aren’t aware of a newer psychotherapeutic technique called “neurofeedback” (also sometimes referred to as EEG biofeedback). It is a specific type of biofeedback focused on helping you learn how to promote “healthier” brainwave frequencies. The result? People can work on many common mental disorders, especially things like attention deficit disorder, with no medications and no traditional talk therapy.

The Philadelphia Inquirer has a a great story about neurofeedback in today’s paper:

In Elkins Park, Laura Bell credits neurofeedback with relieving flares of anxiety associated with familial dysautonomia, an inherited disorder that causes nervous-system dysfunction ranging from a lack of tears to abnormal reactions to pain. Coping with the symptoms was difficult enough; excessive anxiety made her desperate for help.

A few months of neurofeedback from Celeste DeBease made a significant difference, said Bell, who continued seeing the psychologist in Bala Cynwyd. “I don’t have any crises anymore,” Bell, 33, said in an interview. “When I know attacks are coming, I know what to do.”

Looking for an alternative approach that has solid scientific backing? Neurofeedback is worth checking into. Be aware, however, that trained neurofeedback professionals are not common yet, and that it doesn’t work in about 20% of the people who try it. It also can take longer than some other approaches — 15 to 35 sessions in most cases.

Learn more about neurofeedback here.

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues, and the intersection of technology and psychology since 1992.