Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have specific questions about neurotherapy or ADD / ADHD?
You can find the answers to the most common questions we receive on these topics below. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, please try contacting us to speak with one of our ADD/ADHD clinicians or neurofeedback technicians in Sydney or Wollongong today!
How often do NF sessions have to be?
2-3 times per week is ideal. We understand if you can only commit to 1 session per week, but bear in mind that if you can begin with more frequent sessions, you will build up some momentum and progress faster to where you want to be. The frequency of sessions can become decrease as you approach the end of your treatment, as your brain will be holding the information for longer.
How many sessions will I need?
It is impossible to say how many sessions a person will need as each brain and each case is different. The more complex the difficulties, the more sessions will likely be needed. In order to normalise symptoms and make permanent changes that will last, clients normally need anywhere from 25 to 50 sessions, and sometimes 100 sessions in the more complicated cases. Remember, you’re re-training your brain and this takes time and patience.
How much does it cost?
Your initial assessment will cost more than each subsequent session as we will need to establish your baseline statistics and establish you within our system. You may also be eligible for private health rebates. Your support sessions with your psychologist may additionally include behavioural tracking, behavioural management strategies, monitoring mood and facilitating skills.
For more information, call our expert team on 1300 197 949 today!
How effective is NF / EEG biofeedback?
In general, NF / EEG biofeedback is effective in 75-80% of cases. For The ADD/ADHD Treatment Centre in particular, our success rate is around 85%.
From what age can NF / EEG biofeedback be administered?
Resources such as the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) have stated that neurofeedback and biofeedback are suitable for all ages. A common recommendation is that NFT and biofeedback are first able to be conducted from approximately the ages of 5-6 years old. For children and individuals with complex developmental issues, we can facilitate an integrated programme with our occupational therapy team to get them ready for brain training.
Are there side effects?
NFT has no negative side effects. Over 250 published scientific studies and articles on NFT / EEG biofeedback report no harmful effects following NF / EEG biofeedback treatment.
What results can be achieved?
Improvements to a wide range of symptoms can be achieved through NFT treatment, including difficulties with:
- Concentration and/or staying on task
- Restlessness or hyperactivity
- Short-term memory
- Organization
- Impulsiveness / self-control
- Depression / low mood
- Anxiety
- Reading and other learning difficulties and academic performance
- Social skills
- Low energy or motivation
- Irritability and meltdowns
- Sleep difficulties including chronic insomnia
- Chronic pain and more
How long does it take to work?
It’s impossible to predict how many sessions a person will need as each brain and each case is different. However, improvements are usually seen within two to five sessions. From that point, training repetition provides the brain with a performance mode that it will remember. The number of sessions required to normalise a client’s symptoms depends on the individual, depending on the severity and complexity of the symptoms. The length of treatment will also depend on how frequently you train. Numerous studies have shown that clients often continue to improve after sessions end. As mentioned, in most cases once the treatment is completed, benefits are entirely permanent.
How does the process work?
Firstly, the person and/or parent of who will be receiving the Neurofeedback treatment comes in for an initial assessment. During this session we will obtain a comprehensive health and family history, as well as a description of symptoms and behaviours that are the concern. From this we evaluate if NFT is the right response, and if it is, we come up with goals and outcome trackers to evaluate progress. As part of the initial assessment we may also do some tests such as a mini- mind map, a qEEG, a TOVA, an IVA and other psychometric measures.-. If any of these tests have been facilitated elsewhere, then a client can bring them in to support our next step.
Secondly, and in subsequent sessions, the client undertakes actual Neurofeedback training. One of our trained practitioners places sensors on the client’s head to record brain wave signals much in the same way as a doctor places a stethoscope on a patient’s chest to detect a heartbeat. The client’s brain wave signals are then transcribed into sounds and graphics in the form of a video game. We can also brain train a client whilst they are watching their favourite DVD movie, TV series or documentary.
For example, if a client wants to train their brain to be more focussed instead of distracted, every time their brain moves into an alert state, the client hears a beep and sees graphics on the screen. The more the client uses the correct brainwaves (relaxed, calm, focused), the faster the video game moves, and vice versa. With a DVD, every time a client is relaxed and alert they maintain the picture on the screen. If they “wander” and are distracted, the picture fades. To restore the visuals they have to resume focus. Our brains work on a principle of operant conditioning or positive reinforcement., and in this way, the client is able to change their brain waves and thereby are able to train their brain to reach mental states previously unachievable. Through Neurofeedback training, a person’s brain learns to become more efficient, flexible and resilient
EEG biofeedback / Neurofeedback is painless and non-invasive. It can be a very relaxing experience.
Why should I choose Direct Focus Solutions?
Direct Focus Solutions has joined with the Neurofeedback Training Centre to deliver quality and experienced services. The Centre has been supporting individuals in the Sydney region and remotely for fifteen years and has experience in assessment, monitoring and tailoring brain training programs. At Direct Focus Solutions we offer NFT, biofeedback, heart rate variability and qEEG assessment for your neuro therapy needs. Through a combination of Neurofeedback treatments and quality psychological services, The ADD/ADHD Treatment Centre continues to offer Sydney and Wollongong the most proactive solutions possible.
How does Neurofeedback Treatment (NFT) work?
Neurofeedback is a biofeedback mechanism used to train brain activity. It is used to help a person train their brain in order to correct and regulate brain waves. When information about a person’s brainwaves is made available to them, they can learn to change them. It can be viewed as a type of workout for the brain.
What is EEG biofeedback / Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback training (NFT) is a non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive process that can help address a variety of psychological and physical conditions. The treatment can help people with many conditions including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD), concentration problems, anxiety, Asperger’s, learning disabilities, depression, sleep disorders, migraines, headaches, behaviour disorders, emotional disturbances and PMS, amongst other conditions, by targeting the brain deregulation that can be at the root of symptoms. It can also be used to aid with organic brain conditions, including cerebral palsy and seizures, as well as to optimise brain functioning to support peak performance in the corporate and academic sectors as well as elite sports performance.