The brain training process: we start by assessing your needs

Before we can design a custom training programme to maximise success, we need to make an initial assessment of your situation and understand your symptoms.

This initial consultation with one of our Neurofeedback Practitioners is free of charge and without obligation, and can be done face-to-face or by phone.

At the start of a training programme, your Neurofeedback Practitioner will discuss your goals and symptoms, and test brain function using our QIK-TEST tool.

It’s nothing to be worried about. Remember, your entire treatment is non-invasive and requires no medication. This test simply measures brain response times in a variety of circumstances and involves pushing buttons on a small box in response to lights for 20 minutes in total. This test also provides a baseline to compare with the results at the end of your training programme.

Experience each session in the caring hands of expert practitioners

Each 45 minute training session will begin in the same way with your Practitioner asking you about how you are feeling and if you have any feedback from the session before. She will be particularly interested in your sleep patterns as these indicate how well the training protocol suits your individual needs.

We need to measure your brainwaves so will attach electrode sensors to your head. This involves cleaning the scalp with an alcohol swab and attaching the sensors with a special paste, similar in consistency to Vaseline. As the session progresses the sensor positions may be moved to record activity in different parts of your brain.

Feedback to your brain is provided through the use of video, audio and if you choose, touch. You can choose your method of feedback from week to week, but usually people settle on a preferred method.

There is a choice of video games that you ‘control’ with your brain, from very simple ‘pong’ type games to car racing and jet ski games. You can also choose from a range of documentaries, TV shows or music videos. The video will go faster, louder or bigger when the brain is working well. As you relax, the brain is able to ‘tune in’ to the feedback and adjust in response.

This all happens subconsciously, which means you don’t consciously try to direct the brain one way or another, but just relax and allow the brain to use it’s own ability to self-regulate.

Neurofeedback is a safe and effective brain training technique

Having electrodes attached to your scalp can be a concern for some people. We can assure you there is nothing to worry about. There is no pain and no risk whatsoever. The equipment is only there to pick up and record the normal activity of your brain.

Obtaining information directly from the brain and providing feedback straight back via the senses, in real time, is what makes Neurofeedback unique and so successful.

Throughout your session, your Practitioner will check how you are feeling and will adjust the training plan as necessary. At the end of the session the sensors will be removed, your Practitioner will make notes, and you will be free to get on with your normal day.

To read more about this, please read the next page on Risk Free Treatment for ADHD.