FAQ

Many brain issues are caused by irregular brainwaves. Neurofeedback works because it does not directly target any conditions and symptoms: It corrects irregular brainwaves and modifies timing patterns in the brain. This is achieved through multiple neurofeedback sessions, where the brain is re-trained into making normal patterns. The result is an improvement in brain regulation, which then impacts a variety of symptoms.

Absolutely not! Neurofeedback is safe because it is non-invasive, requires no drugs and does not produce any radiation like a CT scan does. The goal of neurofeedback is to identify irregular brainwave patterns and make very subtle corrections. With multiple sessions, the brain will learn to self-regulate.

No. Neurofeedback does not require anything more than your attention for 30 minutes per session.

Absolutely not! A brain map is simply a surface scan of your scalp which picks up the electrical impulses we call brainwaves. We do use conductive paste, but there are no shocks, no pain and no discomfort. All you do is sit in a comfortable chair while the test is performed for 6 minutes with your eyes open, and six minutes with your eyes closed. The computer does the rest.

Neurofeedback has been around since the 1950’s. It is only in the last decade and with the advancement of computer technology that Neurofeedback has been able to move from laboratory research to a system that can be administered in an office setting.

Your brain produces four primary types of brain waves: Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta. Beta is primarily active during your awake state, which is the majority of your day. Alpha has to do with your subconscious, and is dominant during relaxed states when your eyes are closed but you are not asleep. Theta is present briefly during the periods before you fall asleep and before you fully wake up. Delta is primarily active when you are asleep. All of these brain waves are equally important to your health, and neurological disorders can be attributed to specific brain waves. For example, when you have brain irregularities caused by a head injury, your brain may have too much frontal theta or delta being produced when you are supposed to be awake and alert. By retraining these abnormal patterns in the affected areas, symptoms can be improved or eliminated.

Each session usually lasts 30 minutes.

Neurofeedback sessions involve both visual and auditory training while relaxing for 30 minutes and engaging with a movie or listening to music of your choice. An individual training protocol is created for you based on your brain map results and health goals.

You get to watch a movie to pass the time as your brain gets stronger. Sensors are attached to your scalp that monitor your brainwaves during the session. When irregular patterns are detected, a response is triggered from the software that pauses or dims the video or music.

The timing results will vary from person to person based on many factors including general health, exercise, stress, diet, genetics, etc.

Some feel different within a couple of sessions, while others will take as many as 20-30 sessions to see noticeable results. It’s important to not get impatient or judge improvements from day to day and trust the guidance of your expert.

Long term follow ups have been done on many patients over the years. Dr. Joel Lubar at the University of Tennessee has followed ADD clients who have 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.

Yes, you can use neurofeedback while on your medications. The decision to reduce medication will be up to your physician.

Neurofeedback has been around for decades. To date there are thousands of studies, with more being published every day. The International Society of Neurofeedback and Research has a comprehensive bibliography on all the research related to neurofeedback for a variety of conditions.

Got a question? No problem. Call our Billing Department at 804-533-2545.

J. Shoshana & Associates currently accepts insurance of:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Aetna
• United Health Care
• Medicare

We will submit claims on your behalf, even if we are out of network with your insurance carrier.

Please contact your insurance carrier regarding mental health benefits and any pre-certification requirements – please convey this information to your therapist.

Please print and fill out the Patient Intake Form and the Assignment of Benefits Form and bring to your initial visit.