Myths about Neurofeedback (Part 2)

In Myths about Neurofeedback (Part 1), we addressed five misconceptions about neurofeedback and what it does (or doesn't do). Here are five more common myths about neurofeedback.

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Myth: Anyone can administer neurofeedback.

Fact: In order to achieve optimal results with neurofeedback, it's crucial that you work with a neurofeedback specialist who is properly educated and trained in administering neurofeedback. All of our neurofeedback specialists have advanced degrees in psychology and have spent thousands of hours working with clients in therapeutic settings. Neurofeedback specialists use their clinical judgment to develop comprehensive treatments plans, and their clinical judgment also enables them to make adjustments in frequency to maximize your comfort while training.

Myth: Neurofeedback works the same way medications do.

Fact: Medications use various mechanisms to force your brain to work differently, whereas neurofeedback gradually trains your brain to work differently by utilizing operant conditioning. When your brain functions within an optimal range, it is rewarded with more engaging visual, auditory, and tactile feedback. For example, with our popular jet ski game, the jet ski will go faster, the jet ski rider will perform more tricks, and the music's volume will increase. When your brain does not function within an optimal range, it is not rewarded. The jet ski will continue to move slowly, the rider will not perform tricks, and the volume will remain low. Instead of forcing the brain to work differently, neurofeedback will encourage the brain to try other approaches in order to optimize performance, which in turn reduces physiological and emotional symptoms over time.

Myth: Since neurofeedback is treated as "experimental" or "investigational" by insurance companies, there must not be any research to support it.

Fact: As mentioned in Myths about Neurofeedback (Part 1), not all insurance companies are up-to-date on the latest neurofeedback research. As a result, some insurance companies will deny reimbursement for neurofeedback sessions depending on the diagnosis provided. Whenever possible, we submit appeals to insurance companies and educate them on the overwhelming amount of evidence indicating the effectiveness of neurofeedback! Our resources page contains links to many informative handouts, books, and research articles on neurofeedback and its use in treating dozens of physiological and emotional symptoms.

Myth: Once neurofeedback sessions end, the improvements in symptoms don't last.

Fact: The brain is incredibly powerful and capable of learning new ways of functioning. Once the brain has had ample time to practice a new way of functioning, it will remember what it needs to do once neurofeedback sessions end. To use a well-known proverb, "give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." When medication is used to reduce symptoms, the underlying cause of the symptoms is just concealed, not resolved. This means that when medication is discontinued, the symptoms manifest once again. With neurofeedback, the brain is taught how to self-regulate, which can be sustained indefinitely. In some cases, people will experience traumatic events later on in life that dysregulate the brain. A small number of follow-up neurofeedback sessions can quickly direct the brain to self-regulate itself once again.

Myths about Neurofeedback (Part 1)

There are many misconceptions about neurofeedback and what it does (or doesn't do). Here are some of the common myths about neurofeedback.

Myth: Neurofeedback specialists can see what I'm thinking about or read my mind.

Fact: Neurofeedback specialists use computer software to look at brainwave activity. Our computer software cannot tell us what you are thinking about, nor can the software "manipulate" or "control" your mind. When the frequency of training is adjusted during sessions, it enables us to focus on different brainwave patterns. This leads to improved self-regulation, and it does not give us the ability to read your mind or put unwanted thoughts in your brain.

Myth: Neurofeedback feeds electricity into your brain.

Fact: During neurofeedback sessions, electrodes are applied to your scalp in order to monitor the electrical activity in your brain. Reputable universities and research labs use these same electrodes when conducting sleep studies. The electrodes are harmless and do not feed electricity into your brain.

Myth: Insurance companies don't cover neurofeedback.

Fact: Not all insurance companies are up-to-date on the latest neurofeedback research. As a result, some insurance companies will deny reimbursement for neurofeedback sessions depending on the diagnosis provided. San Diego Center for Neurofeedback will work with you to ensure you have the best possible chance of being reimbursed for neurofeedback sessions. Initial intake sessions are covered by insurance companies due to the different billing code that is used, so we encourage you to come meet us and learn more about how neurofeedback can benefit you!

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Myth: Neurofeedback will work better or faster if you "try harder."

Fact: Your brain will do all of the work for you during neurofeedback sessions; therefore, there is nothing you can do to improve or speed up the process, other than remaining physically relaxed and attentive to what is happening on the television screen. We encourage clients to submit feedback via the symptom tracker within 24 hours of each session taking place; however, there is very little you can actually do during sessions in order to make your brain improve at a faster rate.

Myth: Selecting games is better than selecting movies (or vice versa).

Fact: During neurofeedback sessions, you will be offered the option of playing a game or watching a movie. Both options are equally effective, as the computer software will provide visual, auditory, and tactile feedback in both situations. We encourage clients to select the option that is more appealing to them, as this will enable you to remain attentive to what is happening on the television screen.

Stay tuned for "Myths about Neurofeedback (Part 2)"!

Neurofeedback and Insurance

Neurofeedback can train your brain for optimal health and functioning. Learn why most neurofeedback providers don't accept insurance and how we plan to accept your insurance.

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