Infra Slow

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback (NFB) is a type of biofeedback that utilizes EEG technology to train healthy brain function. It teaches the brain to function more efficiently, and it helps the body and nervous system to regulate.

Neurofeedback training is helpful for a variety of mental health conditions 

Some of which include: Addictions (behavioral/ingestible), attachment/relational issues, ADD/ADHD, trauma/PTSD and stress related symptomatology (e.g., dissociation (DID, DDNOS, BPD, C-PTSD), developmental trauma and related issues, depression, anxiety, panic, OCD,  bipolar, anger, suicidal tendencies, self-harm, performance/academic enhancement, autism, tics, eating disorders, and learning disorders.

Neurofeedback training is helpful for many medical conditions 

These include: chronic pain, asthma, regulating sleep, illnesses (like Lyme, Sciatica,) fibromyalgia, cancer, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy syndrome (RSD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and concussions, MS, Stroke, Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, autoimmune issues (like RA), skin issues, vertigo, blood pressure, jaw clenching, headaches, migraines, PMS/PMDD, and end of life anxiety.)

How can neurofeedback help with trauma?

Neurofeedback approaches trauma by teaching the body and brain how to relax and reinforcing a parasympathetic response in the central nervous system. Neurofeedback can help to re-train a traumatized brain by regulating emotions and normalizing the body’s stress response. Neurofeedback training is especially effective when combined with talk therapy.

As the brain and body begin to adjust to a more regulated state, people often find it easier to work through their traumatic experiences with a trained professional. This option will be available to you once NFB has been established. You can transfer into trauma resolution therapy with myself or continue with your current treatment provider.

Infraslow Fluctuation Neurofeedback (ISF NFB)

In my practice I use Infraslow Fluctuation (ISF) Neurofeedback training that focuses on observing the lowest frequencies in the brain. The earliest research on these ultra-slow waves suggests ISF works by regulating autonomic nervous system function, the flight, fight or freeze response.

ISF regulates the activation of brain areas linked in chronic autonomic stress by helping the brain communicate between the autonomic and emotional networks. ISF coordinates processes in the brain with processes in the body. The heart, the blood, the digestive system, and the Autonomic Nervous System are all coordinated at these very slow frequencies. This synchronizing effect works to produce a brain and body that has the flexibility to respond appropriately to the environment.

The goal of ISF training is to reach a condition of homeostasis in mind and body that simultaneously promotes a calm and alert state. This more flexible state helps to treat a variety of mental health illnesses and bothersome conditions. This in turn helps separate regions responsible for emotion from the autonomic distress signal

Infraslow Neurofeedback relaxes structures in the brain that are responsible for a sense of self. Repeated access to this relaxed, open state allows one to more easily let go of old habits and accept new forms of behavior. The goal of ISF training is to reach a condition of homeostasis in mind and body that simultaneously promotes a calm and alert state.

Simply put, ISF training impacts the brain’s flexibility to move from fight, flight, or freeze to rest and repair.

In our initial session we will spend time to explore the duration and severity of your symptoms to understand the best neurofeedback training protocol to help support with symptom reduction.

At the start of each session, I will ask you questions to determine your current mental and physical state. I place electrodes on specific areas of the head based on your training protocol. Training commences and frequency changes occur if necessary to achieve optimization. The shifts in autonomic nervous system state persist, and/or enfold in the 24 hours following the training session.

Clients are asked to complete a 24 hour symptom report to ensure that treat training frequency is correct. During training In between sessions, you will be asked to complete a 24-hour report indicating any changes you felt or experienced

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The International Society for Neuro-regulation & Research lists hundreds of articles about the efficacy of Neurofeedback, including for conditions we support: developmental trauma, C-PTSD, PTSD, ADHD, addictive disorders, anxiety, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME, depression, dissociative disorders, OCD, pain, migraine, insomnia, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s, peak performance.

  • • For food addiction: HERE

    • For anxiety & autonomic function: HERE and HERE

    • For insomnia: HERE

    • For pain: HERE

  • No. the feedback (rewards) are sounds only.

  • Yes. Don’t worry it rinses out easily.

  • ISF Neurofeedback is a very powerful form of neurofeedback and it is possible to experience side effects during/post training because we are supporting with shifting autonomic states. During training sessions and with completion of your 24 hour symptom report, we work together to achieve optimization.

    For those who have experienced chronic stress, trauma, and developmental trauma, sometimes the “side effects” are shifts towards rest/pair, however, your brain/body is not used to feeling safe/regulated which can trigger responses (anxiety).

  • It depends. I encourage individuals to give themselves 8-20 sessions to see changes in the area of interest (you can see changes earlier then this). The recommended frequency of ISF NFB is 2x weekly for the first month, if possible and then gradually reduce frequency.

    Individuals with historical layers of stress, illness, injury, and trauma may require a lot more sessions.

    Once homeostasis has been established individuals may come back on occasion for maintenance.

    Ongoing stress in your environment or new stressful events can also precipitate return to previous ways of functioning; we typically see a much shorter course of training to be effective in this case.

  • As your brain and body learn to access and eventually sustain more flexible response, the effects become a new normal, rather than a reaction to training. In most cases, permanency of NFB is established between 20-40 sessions.

  • Neurofeedback is training, not treatment. For example, we provide brain training for people with migraines, but we don’t “treat” migraines; this is out of the scope of Neurofeedback and psychotherapy practice.

  • As the body gets more regulated, it may be more efficient in the way it processes things. We see this in increased sensitivity to the effects of substances like alcohol, caffeine, or sugar in some clients.

  • You will work with your prescriber regarding the specifics, but generally, antidepressants/SSRIs/mood stabilizers are fine. Clients often train while on these and often use NFB to come off their medications. They provide regulation via chemicals; the neurofeedback allows the body to find its own regulation again. So, if you’re noticing an increase in side effects from the medication (whether familiar or new-to-you side effects), talk to your doctor. Your system may be metabolizing more efficiently, meaning your body has different needs. 

    *Benzodiazepines and/or opiates (or any medication that dampens the central nervous system (CNS) do dampen outcomes but usually more time doing the NFB (80+ sessions) the effects become established. These can mask or confuse training effects, as they have strong effects and side effects. Depending on the quantity, length of time on, and why you’re taking them, Neurofeedback may be helpful now, or not yet. You’ll want to stay in close contact (after every 5-10 sessions or so) with your doctor to frequently evaluate the effects and what your body needs.

  • Yes, my approach integrates this fully into your care. If you are working with another therapist, I recommend continuing to work with your current therapist. Neurofeedback is likely to both stir up new “content” to work with, and create greater ease in moving through issues you may have been working with in therapy for a while.

  • Neurofeedback training can support with psychedelic preparation and psychedelic integration.

  • You can claim your Neurofeedback under your therapy benefits. Please ensure that your benefits cover Master of Social Work.

Fees for Service

  • Neurofeedback

    Initial Assessment
    (60-90 minutes)
    $150-$225

    1 Session per week
    $150 per sesssion

    2 Sessions per week
    $125 per sesssion