Our Approach
Our approach to neurofeedback training is systematic and data driven. We gather data prior to beginning neurofeedback using scientifically-proven instruments. We use this data to guide the training over time and to document effectiveness. We follow a carefully designed series of steps throughout the training to assure and demonstrate that your goals are met:
- We begin with a comprehensive initial assessment to guide the neurofeedback. This includes:
- An exhaustive clinical interview to assess brain function based on numerous dimensions of behavior, learning, and emotions. This Functional Brain Assessment allows us to learn a great deal about the brain and about how to conduct the neurofeedback training by carefully evaluating how it functions.
- A computerized test of attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity which provides objective measures related to critical brain activation patterns is coming.
- Well validated, standardized psychological rating scales are used to provide baseline measures of functioning in numerous domains of behavior, thinking, emotion, and learning. These scores allow us to objectively measure the results of our training when we repeat the very same measures after 15 – 20 sessions of neurofeedback training.
- After the initial assessment is complete, we will sit down with you, review our findings, and together plan the neurofeedback training. You will be asked to write a list of your goals and objectives for the training and to describe how you will know when they have been achieved: Exactly how will daily life be different when these goals are attained. You will also be asked to prioritize these goals in order of importance. Based on your goals and the results of our assessment, a detailed neurofeedback training plan will be developed.
- Neurofeedback begins.
- Each day, after every training session, you will be asked to go online and complete a 50 item checklist detailing any and all changes you observed after the session. This information is immediately available to us and is compiled between sessions, allowing us to fine tune the training parameters over time to achieve the best results possible. We will also talk to you during most visits to clarify any questions we have about your report and give you an opportunity to ask questions of us.
- Some time between the 15th and 20th session, we repeat the baseline assessment, using the computerized test and all of the rating scales. These results are then carefully studied to show us objectively the results of the training, and the initial training goals are reviewed with you to assess our progress.
- If further training is indicated by this repeat assessment, training parameters are adjusted based on these results and the training continues. If training goals are met, a schedule of gradually decreasing frequency of training sessions is developed to taper off the training – from twice to once weekly, to every other week to once a month.
- At the final training visit, a date and time is set for our six month follow up.
At this six month follow-up visit, all measures are again repeated to be certain that gains have been maintained. A date is then set for a one year follow-up, when the same procedure is followed.
