Neurofeedback and biofeedback are fields that contain a lot of information related to therapies, technology, and methodology. There are a few concepts, however, that are very prevalent within the field that may confuse people looking at neurofeedback or biofeedback training programs for the first time.

This multi-part article looks at some of the most common definitions and terms people have questions about when it comes to neurofeedback & biofeedback training. Part 2 will go over types of Neurofeedback training.

What are the Types of Neurofeedback?

All neurofeedback methods tend to be effective, however, how quickly you see results and how specific to your goals those results will be all come down to the skill of the clinician and the capability of his tools.

Neurofeedback systems range from simple concentration machines right up to complete sensor arrays with deep brain imaging capability. They fall into three broad categories:

• Brand name Neurofeedback systems
• EEG Neurofeedback (traditional neurofeedback)
• 3D Neurofeedback (QEEG LoRETA neurofeedback)

Branded Neurofeedback

Brand name neurofeedback refers to the ever-growing array of ‘packaged’ brain training available.

These systems often re-brand neurofeedback as ‘non-linear’, ‘decoded’, ‘brain state training’, ‘brain conditioning’, or ‘neural-optimization’, often accompanied by a claim of uniqueness. Others franchise a name or method, using components of dual-sensor EEG neurofeedback (see below) and a variety of pre-built training protocols.

While generally effective, these brand name systems are limited by their built-in functions and particular style, making it difficult to zero in on particular goals or problem areas. They require minimal training to use (a few days to a couple of weeks), greatly adding to their limitations.

EEG Neurofeedback Training

EEG is traditional surface neurofeedback, as has been used for decades with great success.

Next to the sales-savvy trademark products, EEG neurofeedback has far less flash and mystique – however, it more than makes up for it in flexibility and efficacy.

A skilled therapist can do anything that a brand name system can do, and more. With a full range of equipment and brain training approaches available, the therapist is free to work differently with each individual and take a far more active role in brain training.

The most common EEG neurofeedback uses two sensors; 2 brainwave sensors, 2 ear sensors, and a ground. With these, the clinician can train surface brain activity and properly tailor that training to the individual. With a good clinician at the helm, EEG neurofeedback can be highly effective for a wide range of conditions.

Because of the greater expertise required, EEG neurofeedback practitioners are usually smaller, one-clinic businesses. This makes them more difficult to find, but well worth the effort.

Most EEG neurofeedback therapists integrate elements of the next category into their practice, further expanding their capabilities.

QEEG LoRETA Neurofeedback

LoRETA Neurofeedback expands on the capabilities of surface neurofeedback with 3D brain imaging and training tools.

In the hands of a skilled clinician, it is the ultimate brain training toolkit.

Using a full 19-sensor cap, the clinician is able to train any number of areas together (as opposed to individual surface areas with the more common 2-sensor neurofeedback). By using a medical research database (Z-score) and deep brain source imaging (LoRETA), 3D neurofeedback can directly train entire brain networks; targeting overall electrical activity (amplitude), brain connectivity (coherence), processing speed (phase), and more.

This is made possible by more advanced imaging capability – if you can detect it, you can train it. Better imaging equals better results. Better targeting means better reliability. Training multiple areas at once means fewer sessions.

Neurofeedback Training at NHA

Here at Neurohealth Associates, we specialize in Neurofeedback training. Neurofeedback may be helpful for training your mind, especially if you are unsure about putting yourself or your child on medication. 

This easy, noninvasive training can painlessly improve your mental health condition and outlook on life. Schedule a consultation with NeuroHealth Associates today and find out how we can help you.

Original information posted by BrainWorks.

Click here for part 1.