1.  How many sessions of Neurofeedback are needed?

Neurofeedback is a process, not an event. There is no set number of training sessions because every person is different. Furthermore, some psychological or neurological problems may be considered chronic or severe whereas others may be characterized as mild or moderate in presentation. Therefore the total number of sessions may range from 15-to-60. Often, those who need to train more than 60 times do "remote" training at home.

2.  How can I be sure I am making progress?

Neurofeedback training -when effective- provides the trainee with subjective evidence of progress often within 5 training sessions and almost always within 15 sessions. Typically, one or more test batteries are readministered once 10-to-15 training sessions have been completed. If no objective evidence of advancement is manifest at that time, then training should cease and other therapeutic modalities should be considered.

3.  How important is an EEG assessment?

Industry standards demand that all clients with Traumatic Brain Injury or other serious neurological disturbances receive a Quantitative EEG (QEEG) analysis. In other cases, practitioners may opt to do other forms of EEG assessment including MiniQ assessments which are not as intensive as full QEEG assessments. 

4.  Does Neurofeedback have any side effects?

Yes, it may. However, certified neurofeedback practitioners usually can reduce or eliminate side-effects. It is essential that your neurofeedback provider is also a health care professional or special education teacher who is either licensed or certified by a state authorized board. Such practitioners have taken extensive training and have "kept up" with new advancements in the field.

In most cases clients experience no side-effects. Potential neurofeedback trainees who are survivors of emotional  trauma may or may not be ready for neurofeedback. If you are a survivor of trauma special precautions must be taken to prepare you for trauma debriefing with neurofeedback. 

5.  How can I become a neurofeedback provider?

Once you have been licensed or certified by a state board as a professional health care provider or special education teacher, the first step is to receive training from an authorized BCIA education center. The Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA)- www.bcia.org - has developed guidelines for certification that include: education, mentoring, personal experience and passing a test. Those who are certified renew certification by participating in workshops.