Brainwave activity is measured painlessly and non-invasively using electrodes.

The values measured are numerical, based on the electrical energy at different parts of the brain. This information is sent to the computer to filter out noise like electrical interference and muscle activity.

The computer interprets the data and displays it as feedback to the person doing brain training. This can be done visually, using audio, or using haptic/tactile feedback. Most commonly its done using a feedback display, which combines these different forms of feedback into an engaging ‘video game’ for the brain.

A clinician configures the system to ‘reward’ certain type of brainwave activity and to inhibit or discourage other types of unwanted activity. Over time, the brain is able to learn from this and self-regulate itself to perform more optimally.

For example, someone who has trouble focusing may be given a protocol that rewards an increase in the frequencies associated with attentiveness.

Neurofeedback is a passive training modality, meaning it does not interact directly with the brain. Neurofeedback acts like a lens by which the brain can observe and improve its own activity.

The equipment is entirely painless and non-invasive. Electrodes are connected to the scalp using conductive paste, and a device called an amplifier turns the electrical readings into data that the computer can use.

There is no signal sent back to the brain by the equipment, the brain’s activity is simply received and interpreted to be displayed as feedback. The brain then takes in this feedback using the body’s senses, creating a feedback loop.

Our brains crave stimulation. By providing the brain with stimuli when it performs the activity we want, the brain quickly learns that it can create more stimuli by replicating the desired state.

Like exercise, as the brain reinforces connections it becomes easier for these patterns to occur outside of training. This can promote better everyday regulation, help rebuild lost connections, or to form new healthier ones.

Clinicians use neurofeedback either as a standalone treatment modality or alongside other forms of treatment.

As neurofeedback allows the brain to observe itself directly, it is commonly used for things such as anxiety, depression, developmental trauma, ADHD, chronic pain, PTSD epilepsy, and to improve peak performance in sports.

Neurofeedback, like other forms of biofeedback, can be used to address or help treat a variety of conditions. Importantly, EEGer does not limit the control that users have over the software. Clinicians have full control to create their own unique training protocols and make unlimited adjustments as they train and evaluate the results they observe.

Training occurs over several sessions, with adjustments to the training throughout based on how the brain reacts. Each session allows the brain opportunities to improve its ability to self-regulate.

As the brain is training itself passively, the person receiving brain training does not need to actively ‘do’ anything during a training session. By remaining alert and present to the feedback they are receiving, the brain is able to benefit from the training.

Traditionally, neurofeedback sessions happen at a clinician’s office, which may be a small family practice or a large medical institution.

Training can also occur remotely from at home or another comfortable location using a version of the software that the clinician can control remotely. This is helpful if the person receiving training is unable to travel, is in another location, or to help with scheduling conflicts.