Neurofeedback sessions involve relaxing in a comfortable chair in front of your computer for approximately 30 minutes while you watch a movie of your choice. An amplifier is connected to your computer and sensors are placed on your scalp to measure your brainwaves during the session.

When an imbalance in brainwave activity is detected by the equipment, “feedback” from the software dims the video you are watching. Screen dimming has been shown to be a non-frustrating way to disrupt unhealthy brainwave patterns. It helps ‘call the brain to attention’ so the it can associate improper unhealthy brainwave activity with the dimming of the screen.

Since the “feedback/dimming” occurs almost instantaneously the brain learns when and how to shift into a healthier pattern. Over time, with repeated sessions, your brain will begin to subconsciously know how and when to modify itself back into a more balanced brainwave pattern as you go about your daily routine.

Eventually, these new neural connections strengthen allowing your brain to remain healthier; providing you with a more efficient and flexible brainwave response that lasts long after your last training session has been completed.

No. Your care is individually formulated for your specific symptoms, goals and history.

Once you receive the home equipment set up is simple. We will email you complete written and video instructions so you can get up and running immediately. We can also schedule a ‘set up’ phone call to walk you through the process. Most people find the videos and written instructions work quite well.

Every time you run a session the software will take you through a series of short checks and balances to ensure you have properly attached the equipment and everything is working correctly

Every session is recorded for Dr. Serpe’s review. We are only recording brain electrical activity in response to the session protocol. There is no video or audio recording of you. Your session data allows us to understand improvement over time, your responds to the protocol, and more. We can gain insight into your mood and how relaxed you were in the session as well.

Additionally, you will to complete a short questionnaire (Progress Tracker Software) before each session to help us understand how you are feeling and functioning.

As you improve over time your protocol and location being trained may change so you can continue to progress.

We have helped thousands of people with these exact methods over the years. It has proven to be very effective and well received. Results with home training are no different from care received in an office.

The number of sessions needed will depend on the individual, goals and symptoms when starting. Much like going to the gym, every person requires a different length of time to improve. 40+ sessions are common for many symptoms to begin showing long lasting improvement.

Each session is approximately 30 minutes.

The results vary from person to person. Some people start to feel different within a few sessions, while it may take 20+ sessions to see noticeable results for others. It’s important to remember – just like regular exercise takes time to build muscle, it takes time to build new neural pathways in the brain.  

Yes. Long-term follow-up studies have been done on many patients over the years. As a matter of fact, Dr. Joel Lubar at the University of Tennessee has followed ADD clients who’ve sustained their improvements from neurofeedback for 10-20 years. Published research on epilepsy 12 months after brain training shows the effects on epilepsy usually holds.

Neurofeedback training has been the subject of more than 40 years of research and clinical study. The training appears to be harmless as far as is known at present and no injuries have been reported, or in a review of research literature. Neurofeedback does not do anything to the person being trained. It is not a treatment; it is a training process. The average number of neurofeedback sessions to achieve enduring change is around 40 sessions.

Fortunately, neurofeedback is very safe and has few side effects when administered properly (physician guided care and protocols). The most common side effects of neurofeedback include improved sleep, being more awareness of dreams, feeling calmer, feeling more energy, and feeling more focused.

When starting to train with neurofeedback some people may experience an adverse response that temporarily increases symptoms such as fatigue, headache, irritability, moodiness, insomnia, difficulties with focus or anxiety. These potential reactions are rare and temporary. If experienced, they occur directly after a session and often resolve after a nights sleep. Adverse responses do not show up days or weeks later.

Neurofeedback does not force change or create new problems. Reactions, may be associated with becoming more relaxed and beginning to integrate past emotional issues. Some people become so relaxed they may actually fall asleep during a session.  

No. A qEEG (aka Brain Map) measures activity of different areas of the brain and can help determine a starting protocol and measure progress over time. While nice they aren't necessary to get started or to get the most out of neurofeedback and a qEEG can add considerable cost to care. We will determine the best starting protocol based on your history, questionnaires, goals and our experience. We track your progress on every visit instead of waiting for periodic testing.

We will go over the exact fees and your options during our initial evaluation phone call. The national average for neurofeedback ranges between $125-$160/session. We keep home brain training affordable with some programs starting at $45/session.

No. Insurance does not currently cover home neurofeedback.

Many people come to us while on medications to manage their condition. Neurofeedback can still be very helpful even if you are taking medication. We will discuss the specifics of your situation during the initial phone call.

Neurofeedback is well researched and has been around for decades. To date, there are thousands of studies, with on going research being published every day. Visit our research page for a list of studies, and information you can use to do a more extensive reading and study if you desire.

Want to learn more?

You can check out our Research page here.

You can also use this link to reach The International Society for Neuroregulation & Research (formerly International Society for Neurofeedback & Research) and review the Comprehensive Bibliography of Neurofeedback Research found there.

Dr. Serpe is please to offer a free discovery phone call to anyone interested in learning if this all natural approach to brain health is right for them. Schedule your free phone evaluation by calling (813) 796-5747 or click on the button below.