As a psychologist, one of the most common conversations I have with clients is about neurofeedback. Despite its growing popularity and scientific backing, there are still a lot of myths and fears surrounding it. In reality, neurofeedback is more akin to physical training for the brain. Just like you might train your muscles at the gym, neurofeedback trains your brain to self-regulate and optimize its functioning. My goal is always that you feel informed and empowered. When we understand what neurofeedback is—and what it isn’t—it becomes a compassionate, practical option for many people.
Myth #1: “Neurofeedback can read my mind.”
It can’t. The sensors we place on the scalp measure electrical activity at the surface of the brain (EEG). They pick up rhythms and patterns—not thoughts, memories, or secrets. In session, you’ll sit comfortably while a video or audio responds very subtly to your brain’s activity. I’m looking at patterns, not content, and I translate what we see into plain language so it feels understandable and safe.
Myth #2: “It will control me or change my personality.”
Neurofeedback doesn’t control you; it teaches your brain to recognize and repeat healthier patterns. You remain fully yourself the entire time. When your brain acts in a desirable way and meets our target, the screen will play bright and smoothly. When it strays from it, the movie will fade subtly… That tiny cue is the “feedback.” Over time, your brain learns to prefer that steadier state. Sessions feel collaborative, and you’re in charge of your care.
Myth #3: “It’s invasive or painful.”
The process is completely non-invasive. There’s no surgery, no implants, and no shocks. The sensors sit on your skin with a gentle paste and only measure activity. Most people find sessions relaxing. As with any new type of training, you might feel a bit tired afterward. In some cases, individuals have reported noticing more vivid dreams early in their training—we pace our work and adjust settings so you stay comfortable.
Myth #4: “It zaps the brain.”
It only measures brain activity and does not “zap” the brain. Standard EEG-based neurofeedback doesn’t deliver electricity into the brain—we’re measuring, not zapping. The “reward” is simply that your screen or sound changes when your brain moves in a helpful direction—like a mirror that lets your brain see itself and self-correct.
Myth #5: “One or two sessions should fix everything.”
Meaningful change builds with practice. Many care plans range from 3 to 6 months in duration, tailored to your goals, schedule, and how you respond. You’ll often see this translate to roughly 20–40 sessions. We’ll review progress together along the way so you always know what we’re seeing and why we’re recommending the next step.
Myth #6: “It’s only for kids with attention issues.”
Neurofeedback can support both kids and adults. We often use it to work on attention, emotional regulation, stress tolerance, and sleep quality. Experiences vary person to person, so we tailor targets and pair neurofeedback with other supports when helpful.
What a Session With Us Feels Like
You’ll settle into a chair while I place a few small sensors and make sure you’re comfortable. For about 25–45 minutes, you’ll watch a show or listen to audio that subtly responds to your brain activity—no effort required. Afterward, we check in on how you slept, focused, or felt between sessions and adjust the plan together. When it’s useful, we may add qEEG brain mapping to guide our targets. Because our practice also offers psychological evaluation and therapy, your care stays integrated and human—not hurried.
A Note on Evidence
Research on neurofeedback is active and growing, and results are individualized. My commitment is to track your experience closely, be transparent about what we see, and discuss whether neurofeedback is the right fit for you. Informed choice is part of good care.
Ready to Talk It Through?
If you’re curious—and still a bit unsure—that’s a good place to begin. Book a brief consultation and I’ll walk you through options at your pace.
— Dr. Shoshana
FAQs
No. The aim is steadier self-regulation while you remain fully yourself.
Some people feel subtle shifts within a few sessions; most improvements build gradually with consistency.
Many plans fall between 20–40 sessions, personalized to your goals and progress.
