frequently asked questions

 Biofeedback is a process that allows a person to learn how to change physiological activity in order to promote health and performance. This is accomplished using instruments which “feed back” information to the person and allows the person to become more aware and have control over the person’s physiological processes. It guides the person to facilitate learning of voluntary control over mind and body.

Neurofeedback is a specialty within Biofeedback, concentrating on helping a person to learn to be aware and control the electro-chemical processes in the brain. It uses electroencephalogram (EEG) to show the person electrical patterns in the brain. Many neurological and medical disorders are related to “abnormal” patterns of brain activity. These abnormal patterns can be identified using a Qualitative EEG (QEEG). Training with feedback EEG allows the person to change and normalize or optimize brain function. By inhibiting or promoting selected frequency components (bands) of EEG, i.e. signal of brain activity, Neurofeedback helps the individual to learn to self-regulate, gain awareness, increase control over their nervous systems and improve physiological flexibility.

Neurofeedback is considered complimentary medicine and holistic. It promotes the body’s own healing response and is especially beneficial for those looking for a non-invasive tool.

The Qualitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) measures and displays real-time brain activity. The measurements are highly correlated with neuropsychological tests and the QEEG provides useful information that can guide treatment.

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Loreta is low resolution electromagnetic tomography. It is training using a normative database and helps to locate the underlying generators in the brain that produces the different frequency bands. This requires a cap with 19 sensors to be applied each session. Current research indicates that it can shorten treatment as training is specific to dis-regulation of cortical region.

Traditional Neurofeedback is a training process, implying a more active participation where the person is learning how to drive the brain to a desired state, to recognize different brain states and interact with brain waves.

LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System) is treatment only and is passive with the goal of repairing the brain and evoking the brain’s natural healing response. Neurofield is also a passive treatment where the brain is being guided to emulate a certain brain state. This can then be followed up by more active neurofeedback to train the brain to stay in this particular brain state.

In this way my practice integrates multiple modalities of Neurofeedback using both active and passive forms with the goal of regulation and equilibrium.

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 You can continue to take medications during treatment, however as your central nervous system learns to regulate itself you may need lower doses and eventually may not need it at all. Neurofeedback may take longer than medication to produce changes but it does not have the side effects encountered with medications. If you are on medication, please continue to be monitored by your physician.

The brain is made up of billions of neurons that gives off electrical signals that look like waves of different frequency and strength. Historically there are four different types of brain waves identified according to their frequency or bandwidth. They are:-  

Delta 0.5 – 4 Hz

Theta 4   – 8 Hz

Alpha 8  – 12 Hz

Beta 13  – 20+ Hz

Each person has an individual pattern of brain wave activity, but some signatures of brain wave frequencies are often linked with specific symptom or dysfunction. For example those with ADD tend to have greater ratios of slower EEG activity (delta, theta) compared to beta activity.

  A CNS dysregulation can manifest itself via the following symptoms:-

• Difficulty focusing
• Sleep disturbance
• Memory recall
• Depression
• Tics
• Mood swings
• Mind fog
• Difficulty in organization
• Following through on projects
• Anxiety and panic attacks

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Those with several of these symptoms may be experiencing a CNS dysregulation and may find Neurofeedback helpful to address the symptoms. 

Sessions are 45 minutes to 90 minutes depending on the degree of complication and multiplicity of the symptoms.  

Do you take insurance for Psychotherapy, and how does that work?

To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier for Psychotherapy, the first thing you should do is call them. Some helpful questions you can ask them are:

• What are my mental health benefits?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Do you take insurance for Neurofeedback, and how does that work?

Most insurance companies do not cover the EEG Biofeedback treatment. Neurofeedback is considered alternative, complimentary treatment. Please check with your insurance company to determine eligibility for coverage. Please call my office for CPT codes to give to your Insurance company.

Please check your coverage carefully by calling your insurance company and asking the following questions:

• Do I have mental health insurance benefits to cover EEG Biofeedback or Neurofeedback?
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy  session?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

I also accept out of network clients

Fees

Payment of all fees due at the time of service.

Payment

Cash, check and credit card accepted for payment.

Cancellation Policy

If you do not show up for your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified me at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session.